North State Journal Vol. 9, Issue 24

Curious about the brave new world of self-driving cars? NSJ locals editor Jordan Golson drove Tesla’s new Model 3 — or rather, it drove him. Is the future of driving here today? See more on A12.

the

BRIEF

this week

Tropical Storm Debby to bring torrential rains to N.C. Savannah, Ga. Tropical Storm Debby brought torrential downpours and ooding to Savannah, Georgia, after slamming into Florida with heavy rain and high winds, and those rains are expected to carry into the Carolinas and beyond. Record-setting rain from the storm that killed at least ve people was causing ash ooding in Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina, among other areas of the Atlantic coast. North Carolina is under a state of emergency after Gov. Roy Cooper declared it in an executive order signed Monday. Several areas along the state’s coastline are prone to ooding, such as Wilmington and the Outer Banks, according to the North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Program. Forecasters are uncertain of the storm’s path. After it moves o the Georgia and South Carolina coast and meanders over the ocean Tuesday and Wednesday, it could make another landfall just east of Charleston on Thursday, according to the latest o cial track from the Hurricane Center. Forecasters predict it would then move up the middle of North Carolina, through Virginia and into the Washington, D.C. area by Saturday.

Truist named sponsor for PGA Tour event at Quail Hollow

Charlotte

The PGA Tour has a seven-year deal for Truist Financial Corp. to be the new title sponsor for its event at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte. The Truist Championship will be the fourth name of the tournament since its debut in 2003. Now it’s a signature event and the deal with Truist keeps it that way through 2031. Truist takes over as the title sponsor after Wells Fargo chose not to renew its deal. Since Quail Hollow is hosting the PGA Championship for the second time next year, the Truist Championship will be held at Philadelphia Cricket Club in 2025. The Truist Championship is now among the eight signature events that o er a $20 million purse, with $3.6 million going to the winner and a limited eld with no cut. Rory McIlroy won last year over Xander Schau ele. Wachovia was the inaugural title sponsor in 2003 through 2008. The tournament did not have a title sponsor until Wells Fargo took over in 2011.

Paré, Goodwin take tour of short-sta ed DMV location

“How can the Agency solve problems when there isn’t a tool providing them with the data about what and where the challenges are?”

Erin Paré (R-Wake)

A video posted to social media showed long lines at a DMV o ce located in Fuquay-Varina

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — A Wake County lawmaker called on the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles commissioner to meet local ocials over long lines at a motor vehicles o ce in the southern part of the county.

“This is the Fuquay-Varina DMV one weekday morning recently — completely unacceptable,” Erin Paré (R-Wake) said of a video she posted on the social media platform X. The video shows a line wrapping around the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) o ce in Fuqua-Varina.

“I have requested a site visit from DMV Commissioner Wayne Goodwin himself to discuss why our DMV in Fuquay-Varina is short sta ed and is not allowed to ll its full complement of authorized positions given the high demand for services and unique complexity of workload,” Paré wrote.

Paré invited Goodwin to meet with her, Fuquay-Varina Mayor Blake Massengill and Holly Springs Mayor Sean Mayefskie at the NCDMV o ce in question, an o er Goodwin accepted.

In a Facebook post, Paré gave a rundown of the meeting, which she called “productive,” and

See DMV, page A2

Harris picks Minn. Gov. Walz as running mate

Democrats hope the 60-year-old will help them in the Midwest

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Vice President Kamala Harris picked Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to be her running mate on Tuesday after a breakneck selection process that began barely two weeks ago when she suddenly became the likely nominee.

Harris’ campaign made the announcement before an evening rally in Philadelphia where the two appeared together for the rst time.

The decision marks another major milestone in the short period since the vice president moved to take over the top of the Democratic ticket following Joe Biden’s July 21 decision to step aside. She has been scrambling to build out a campaign since then and breathe

new life into the Democratic race against Republican Donald Trump. She clinched the nomination formally on Monday night.

In choosing the 60-year-old Walz, she is turning to a Midwestern governor, military veteran and union supporter who helped enact an ambitious Democratic agenda for his state, including sweeping protections for abortion rights and generous aid to families. Harris hopes to shore up her campaign’s standing across the upper Midwest, a critical region in presidential politics that often serves as a bu er for Democrats seeking the White House. The party remains haunted by Trump’s wins in Michigan and Wisconsin in 2016. Trump lost those states in 2020 but has zeroed in on them as he aims to return to the presidency this year and is expanding his focus to Minnesota.

Robinson, Stein spar over campaign ad

The two campaigns have exchanged letters accusing each other defamation and libel

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — Following a threat of legal action over an ad run by Josh Stein’s campaign for governor, lawyers for both Stein and Mark Robinson’s campaign have engaged in a back-andforth sparring match.

The Elias Law Group, headed up by Democratic xer Marc Elias, issued a six-page response to the Robinson camp’s request for removal of an ad about Precious Beginnings, a child care center operated by Robinson’s wife, Yolanda Hill Robinson.

The letter, obtained by North State Journal, defends the ad’s claims as truthful, based on state documents and inspections.

“DCDEE reports show that Precious Beginnings was cited for (1) failing to wash childrens’ (sic) hands with soap and water after diaper changes; (2) failing to keep the walls and ceilings clean and in good repair; (3) failing to properly handle, store or clean and sanitize beds, cots, and mats between users.” the Stein letter reads.

Stein’s lawyers also defended the ad’s claim that the daycare operated “at times without lights, heat or running water,” based on a complaint to the state agency.

The response from Stein’s campaign lawyer also refuted claims that Stein was indicted or charged with a crime that involved past charges being brought over false claims in a previous Stein ad, calling these statements “false and libelous.”

The letter argues that Robinson, as a public gure, would need to prove “actual malice”

to make a defamation claim, which they assert he cannot do.

Stein’s lawyers conclude by stating: “The threatened defamation claim has no merit.”

The rm representing the Robinson campaign red back, addressing the past charges against Stein involving a false advertisement.

“Strangely (for someone desperately trying to defend Stein’s lies) you note in your letter that Stein’s history of running false and misleading ads is, to quote you, ‘well-known in the political circles…and the legal community.’ In light of Stein’s troubling history of dishonesty, it is hard to take seriously the next six pages of your legal caterwauling,” wrote Robinson attorneys Charles Spies and Benjamin Mehr of Dickson Wright PLLC. Robinson’s attorneys went on to state, “Of course, if some-

See AD, page A8

“This letter puts Josh Stein and his campaign on notice that this advertisement contains false and defamatory information.”

Letter to Josh Stein’s campaign from Mark Robinson’s attorneys

JOE LAMBERTI / AP PHOTO

Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, appear together for the rst time at a campaign rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday evening.

See HARRIS, page A3

COURTESY TESLA

A mother sat quietly in her easy chair. Upon the oor near her was her little one playing — piling his blocks one upon another, then throwing them down and laughing in childish glee. He was all absorbed in his play. The mother gazed upon him with her eyes beaming. Presently she began to call him, “Baby, come to Mama! Baby, Baby, come to Mama!” but he played on unheeding. Again she called, but he paid no attention; his mind was occupied with his own a airs.

Presently the mother quietly slipped from her chair and went into an adjoining room, out of the baby’s sight. He did not notice her leave. He supposed that she was right there and that he could go to her at any time; but happening to glance up from his play, he saw that the chair was empty. The laughter ceased at once, and a cloud came over his features; he turned and looked all around the room, but his mama was not in sight. He saw only a stranger sitting in an easy chair. A pang of startled fear passed through him, and he began to cry and call very earnestly, in his baby way, for his mama. It brought a quick response. The mother, leaving her concealment, rushed to him quickly, picked him up, and hugged him tightly to her bosom. His chubby baby arms were clasped about her neck as though he would never let her go. Soon the tears were gone and the baby’s face lay against that of the mother, while the joy of the mother-heart caused the eyes to shine like stars.

Now, the mother did not go away from the child because she did not love it, or because she thought that it did not love her; but she wanted to draw its attention away from its little concerns to herself. She wanted to show her a ection for it and to receive its baby caresses in return.

Like that little one, we sometimes become so absorbed in our own pleasures, our work, or some little personal interest — that God does not attract our attention. His father-heart yearns for a season of communion with us. He wants to show his love to us and receive, in turn, our love and communion. But we do not heed him; we are too busy with other things; and so he quietly withdraws himself, and we become aware that we are alone. With that presence gone, how lonely we feel. How dark the world suddenly grows. How quickly we lose interest in the things that held our attention before. How we yearn for his presence again. How our hearts reach out for him. How our tears start. We think, “What have we done that caused him to leave us? Have we grieved away his Spirit? Have we sinned against him?” But he is not gone far — he is just beyond our vision. He is watching — he is waiting for our hearts to be drawn back to himself.

The mother would not have left her child, if by leaving she would have placed him in danger. She did not mean to stay away. In the same way, God knows that to leave us thus is not to

NC K-3 students

The state outperformed national averages at every grade level tested

By A.P. Dillon

North State Journal

RALEIGH — For the third year in a row, North Carolina’s K-3 students have demonstrated exceptional reading skills, surpassing the national average on end-of-year literacy assessments.

The State Board of Education received data showing signicant improvements in student performance on the DIBELS 8 (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) assessment for the 2023-24 school year.

The results revealed that 81,616 more students met or exceeded the benchmark from the beginning to the end of the school year, while 53,808 fewer students scored well below benchmark. Notably, North Carolina students outperformed the national average at every grade level tested, with K-2 students

said that the “management and sta working at our DMV are phenomenal.” She also said in the post that the Fuquay-Varina site manager indicated “population growth and new residents moving to the area from out of state and out of country” were making the workload harder and more time-consuming.

The meeting at the DMV ofce resulted in at least eight improvement action suggestions, including extending operating hours, including Saturday hours, extending appointment slots throughout the day instead of just mornings, putting out the NCDMV’s Q-Anywhere code starting at opening each day, and adding customer kiosks at the local Harris Teeter.

Additional suggestions included increasing the number of full-time positions at the site, possibly reworking the inside design of the NCDMV to allow for more service desks and more technicians, exploring a larger site for the NCDMV in the area, and exploring an additional NCDMV site for the area.

Goodwin said, according to Paré’s post, the NCDMV is now using an appointment con rma-

expose us to danger. He is watching, waiting anxiously the moment when he may return. And ah! when he does return and takes us in his bosom — then what words of comfort he speaks. What tender a ection he shows. And how our hearts are melted and poured out in thanksgiving and adoration before him. If God apparently withdraws from us, it is only because he sees that we need to be left alone for a season. He sees that the heart must be drawn away from sel sh interest; and when this is accomplished, he comes back and reveals to us anew the fullness and richness of his love.

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

excel in reading for 3rd straight year

Test

showing greater improvement than their peers nationally.

State Superintendent Catherine Truitt attributed this success to the implementation of Language Essentials for Teachers of

tion tool that reminds customers of appointments, and the tool has “resulted in a dramatic decrease in no-shows for appointments.”

Two key areas Paré said she plans to work on immediately are the implementation of the new and modernized statewide computer software system and a data-driven system that would allow the NCDMV to see what sites around the state are experiencing the highest service demands, the complexity of workload, how many and where customers are traveling from due to a lack of available appointments at their typical local ofce, as well as what functions are most often performed at the site.

“I am frustrated to learn that there really isn’t any formal data-driven system within the Agency that collects data from local units and informs DMV o cials about what and where the challenges are,” Paré wrote in the post, adding that the Fuquay-Varina location’s high demand was due to population growth.

“How can the Agency solve problems when there isn’t a tool providing them with the data about what and where the challenges are?” wrote Paré.

Reading and Spelling (LETRS), a two-year professional development program for K-3 teachers.

“They call it the ‘science’ of reading because, like any scienti c concept, these methods are

“When we implemented LETRS, we knew we’d see results.”

State Superintendent Catherine Truitt

grounded in research and data. When we implemented LETRS, we knew we’d see results,” Truitt said in a press release. “But to have so many students improve this early in our state’s new literacy journey is a wonderful surprise. It speaks to the dedication of our teachers and the e cacy of the professional development coordinated by NCDPI’s O ce of Early Learning.”

Truitt’s presentation to the board showed the most substantial gains were in kindergarten, where the percentage of students on track in reading grew by 40% during the 2023-24 school year, compared to a 25% average in other states.

Amy Rhyne, senior direc-

The North Carolina House Oversight Committee has conducted two hearings on issues involving the NCDMV this year, one at the end of February and the other in June. During both hearings, Good-

win was questioned about appointment scheduling issues, long wait times, modernization delays, budget asks and vendor contracts, as well as license plate agency franchising and car dealer licensing.

tor of NCDPI’s O ce of Early Learning, explained the varying achievement levels between grades.

“This year’s third graders were already in rst grade by the time the original cohort of teachers began LETRS, so it makes sense that they’re not experiencing as much growth as the K-2 students who were exposed to the science of reading earlier,” Rhyne said.

This year’s end-of-grade testing results in reading build on “incredible gains” in K-3 literacy reported by Truitt and her team in August 2023. According to the presentation slides shared with the board at that time, between beginning-of-year and end-of-year testing, rst-graders saw a 22% increase, second graders saw a 13% increase and third graders saw a 6% increase. Kindergarteners saw the biggest bump, with a 46% increase statewide.

As all K-3 teachers complete LETRS training, continued reading success is expected by NCDPI.

Frustration with booking teen license appointments was brought up at the February meeting by Sen. Michael Lazzara (R-Onslow), one of the committee’s co-chairs.

The Onslow lawmaker gave an example of a law enforcement o cer who had to make “multiple trips” and “wait in line for hours” to get his teenagers their driving tests. Lazzara has been a proponent of privatizing the NCDMV.

The June meeting centered on issues with license issuance delays with testimony heard from both Goodwin and Lisa Shoemaker of Idemia, then the state’s license vendor.

On June 6, a software glitch resulted in 2,136 customers improperly renewing their licenses between Feb.15-20. The issue resulted in a subsequent backlog of more than 350,000 licenses, with some residents experiencing a two-month wait to receive their licenses.

Goodwin and Shoemaker sparred over who was responsible for the decision to retrieve the improperly issued licenses from some 33,000 already printed cards. The retrieval process halted production from Feb. 20 to March 4.

PUBLIC DOMAIN

“Christ in the House of Martha and Mary” by Johannes Vermeer (circa 1654) is a painting in the collection of The National, Edinburgh, Scotland.

IMAGE COURTESY LEXIA

scores in reading for North Carolina’s students have continued to climb since the state began implementing the LETRS professional development program for K-3 teachers.

HANNAH SCHOENBAUM / AP PHOTO

State Rep. Erin Paré (R-Wake), pictured in August 2023, was joined by NCDMV Commissioner Wayne Goodwin at a tour of one of the agency’s o ces in Fuquay-Varina.

Families rallied at Raleigh’s Halifax Mall on Tuesday to call on the General Assembly to fully fund the Opportunity Scholarship program.

Opportunity Scholarship families want NC lawmakers to ‘Keep Your Promise’

The legislature adjourned its short session without acting on funding for 55,000 waitlisted students

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — Families on waitlists for the expanded Opportunity Scholarship program descended on Halifax Mall on July 31 demanding lawmakers

“Keep Your Promise” of fully funding all tiers of the program. Families at the rally held up signs that read, “#KeepYourPromise” and “Clear the list.”

In September 2023, the General Assembly expanded the Opportunity Scholarship program (OSP) to allow all families in the state to apply.

A deluge of nearly 72,000 new applicants applied for the awards, but the money allotted didn’t meet the demand. Some 55,000 students await action as the legislature adjourned its short session without passing additional funding.

The event was organized by Rachel Brady, a Wake County mother with children waiting for their grant money to come through.

“What is happening right now, it’s a stalemate. We need them to come together and reach an agreement,” Brady said. “They’re on our side; we’re all on the same team. We’re ghting the same battle.

After Tuesday’s trip to Pennsylvania, they will spend the next ve days ying thousands of miles around the country touring critical battleground states. They’ll visit Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and Detroit on Wednesday and Phoenix and Las Vegas later in the week.

Planned stops in Savannah, Georgia, and Raleigh were postponed because of Tropical Storm Debby’s e ects, and rain associated with it could also upend a scheduled stop in Durham.

Walz is joining Harris during one of the most turbulent periods in modern American politics, promising an unpredictable campaign ahead. Republicans have rallied around Trump after his attempted assassination in July. Just weeks later, President Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign, forcing Harris to unify Democrats and consider potential running mates during

“We all believe school choice is good for North Carolina and for our families and for our children, it’s time now to take action. Fifty- ve thousand families are waiting in the wings for an answer and they have been stalling, and it’s time to put aside bickering and get this done.”

Brady also noted the amount of funding needed to clear the waitlist was just under .08% of the state budget.

In Fiscal Year 2021-22, the state allocated a total of $152.1 million for OSP, the Education Student Accounts Program and the Disabilities Grant. The state’s overall K-12 education spending that year was more than $16.7 billion, with those three programs accounting for 0.9% of total spending.

“One of our core values is affordable access, and the North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship is key to ful lling that promise to families in our community,” Jason Phibbs, who leads Heritage Classical Academy in Stanly County, told the crowd.

“House Republicans’ failure to meet their commitment of universal school choice has left a $400 million funding gap in the program. Almost 55,000 students are either trapped in failing schools or forced to pay full tuition and put nancial strain on private schools like ours due to previously enrolled students backing out.”

Speaker Elizabeth Foskey said the funding bill sitting in

an exceedingly compressed time frame.

A team of lawyers and political operatives led by former Attorney General Eric Holder pored over documents and conducted interviews with potential selections. And Harris herself met with her three nalists on Sunday. She mulled the decision over on Monday with top aides at the vice president’s residence in Washington, D.C., and nalized Tuesday morning. Harris, the rst black woman and person of South Asian descent to lead a major party ticket, initially considered nearly a dozen candidates — including North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, who bowed out of consideration last week — before zeroing in on a handful of serious contenders, all of whom were white men. In landing on Walz, she sided with a low-key partner who has proven himself as a champion for Democratic causes.

“What is happening right now, it’s a stalemate. We need them to come together and reach an agreement.”

Rachel Brady, Wake County parent and organizer of “Keep Your Promise”

the House will help their family’s nancial situation as well as the economy.

“Approving this bill will not only help us as parents, our children, but it will also help the growth of our economy both right now and the future, and a better education for our children will do great things if given this opportunity,” Foskey said.

Caroline Cox, another parent with young children attending a private hybrid school, said her family felt “so encouraged and felt so empowered by the courageous folks that wrote this bill and were willing to step up for parents.”

“We can be a leader in North Carolina and education freedom, and it could change everything for our kids. Here we are all for the next generation,” Cox said. “We want to see them succeed.”

Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) and House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain) met with the rally-goers after the event. The chamber

“As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he’s delivered for working families like his.”

Vice President Kamala Harris on her chosen running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz

Walz has been a strong public advocate for Harris in her campaign against Trump and Vance, labeling the Republicans “just weird” in an interview last month. Democrats have seized on the message and ampli ed it since then. During a fundraiser for Harris on Monday in Minneapolis, Walz said: “It wasn’t a slur to call these guys weird. It was an observation.” Walz, who grew up in the small town of West Point, Ne-

leaders received letters signed by families on the waitlist, but neither lawmaker seemed to commit to a speci c date to pass the funding.

The Senate passed House Bill 823 (Senate Bill 406) on May 2, but the bill stalled in the House Rules, Operations and Calendar Committee. The bill contains $463.5 million over the next two years to clear the waitlist.

The House added OSP funding to its budget adjustments proposal, which remained unpassed after discussions with the Senate broke down.

OSP supplies awards from $3,000 to $7,000 for families to use at the private school of their choice. A tiered system based on household income and the number of family members in that household is used to give the awards. There are four tiers, with lower-income families in Tier 1 and returning grant recipients receiving priority.

When OSP opened up applications in February 2024, a record 72,000 families applied. In March, all Tier 1 families had received an award, but only part of Tier 2 got a scholarship, and Tiers 3 and 4 received no awards due to insu cient funding. Around 55,000 families were then put on a waitlist as lawmakers pledged to rectify the situation.

North Carolina Education Assistance Authority, which oversees OSP, shared mid-May data with North State Journal that showed total applications stood at 71,956.

braska, was a social studies teacher, football coach and union member at Mankato West High School in Minnesota before he got into politics. He won the rst of six terms in Congress in 2006 from a mostly rural southern Minnesota district and used the o ce to champion veterans issues. Walz served 24 years in the Army National Guard, rising to command sergeant major, one of the highest enlisted ranks in the military.

He ran for governor in 2018 on the theme of “One Minnesota,” winning by more than 11 points, and won reelection in 2022 by 8 points.

Walz has served often as a Biden-Harris surrogate and has made increasingly frequent appearances on national television. They’ve included an interview on Fox News that irritated Trump so much that he posted on Truth Social, “They make me ght battles I shouldn’t have to ght.” Walz is also co-chair of the

School choice has seen an explosion in North Carolina following the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the 2023-24 school year, 881 private schools enrolled 131,230 students, an increase of 3.5% over the previous year. Private school enrollment has jumped around 24% between the current year and the 2019-20 pandemic school year closures.

Homeschooling has also seen strong enrollment increases since the pandemic, with an estimated 157,642 students during the 2023-24 school year. Data from the Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE) for the 2020-21 school year showed 19,294 new homeschools established, a nearly 104% jump over the 9,481 new homeschools in 2019-20.

Public Charter Schools enrollment has also continued to rise, with 145,087 students enrolled across 201 schools during the 2023-24 school year. That gure represents 10% of public school enrollment that year. Additionally, a total of 85,551 students were on waitlists spanning 169 schools.

Meanwhile, public school enrollment has declined since the pandemic, according to the Department of Public Instruction’s Average Daily Membership (ADM) data. During the 2022-23 school year, ADM stood at 1,366,507. The ADM for the 2019-20 year was 1,409,280; representing just over a 3% decline.

rules committee for the Democratic National Convention. And he led a White House meeting of Democratic governors with Biden following the president’s disastrous performance in his debate with Trump.

Putting Walz on the ticket could help Democrats hold the state’s 10 electoral votes and bolster the party more broadly in the Midwest. No Republican has won a statewide race in Minnesota since Tim Pawlenty was re-elected governor in 2006, but GOP candidates for attorney general and state auditor came close in 2022.

Trump nished just 1.5 percentage points behind Democrat Hillary Clinton in the state in 2016. While Biden carried Minnesota by more than 7 points in 2020, Trump has taken to falsely claiming that he won the state last time and can do it again. Minnesota has produced two vice presidents, Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale.

HARRIS from page A1

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

COLUMN | FRANK HILL

‘Nutty’ ideas to eliminate national debt — or are they?

Everything in the federal budget barnyard hit the proverbial fan for the past 20 years.

“Nutty” times beget “nutty” ideas.

U.S. federal national debt surpassed the $35 trillion mark. How crazy and insane is that anyway?

Total U.S. GDP in 2024 is about $28 trillion. It is like your teenage kids have found your credit card and racked up 25% more debt than you make in income each year.

In any normal universe, rational human beings who have more than a grade school education recognize the inherent dangers of ringing up enormous debt ― except those who work in the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C., apparently.

During the 1985-95 term of former Congressman Alex McMillan, there was ― believe it or not ― a truly bipartisan group of about 90 representatives who really wanted to balance the budget. One was the Tauke-Penny Appropriations Group, which o ered amendments to reduce every appropriations bill by 2% annually. Democrats and Republicans in equal numbers voted to support each amendment.

The earth shook and stood still while hell froze over in 1994 when the GOP took over majority control of Congress after 52 years of minority servitude. However, the group of scally responsible Democrats who survived the landslide kept voting to restrain overall spending with principled Republicans until the year 2000.

They helped hold spending down so budgets were balanced in 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001. Good for them.

Nothing has been done on either side to restrain spending growth, balance budgets or reduce the burgeoning national debt since. America may be forced by market forces alone to do some truly “nutty” things to avoid a full-blown debt/currency downward spiral crisis as a result in the near future.

Sometimes, nutty ideas work.

In 1983, budget de cits were enormous, equivalent to the 33% level of today. National debt was considered at a then-“unsustainable” level of $1.377 trillion, which was only 37% of GDP at the time. To make things much worse, Social Security was going broke and 40 million senior citizens who voted regularly were getting pretty mad at every incumbent in both parties.

The Greenspan Commission was established and developed a proposal to “Save Social Security!” However, New York Democratic Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan saw a way to kill two political birds with one stone. He proposed doubling the Social Security payroll tax rate to not only pay for current retirees’ bene ts but also build a “surplus” in Social Security to meet future obligations when boomers started to

Some things to keep in mind about Kamala Harris’ defenders

Clooney was willing to participate in the elaborate cover-up e ort even though he knew Biden was un t for a second term.

IT’S OFFICIAL.

Democrats and their media allies got what they wanted: Joe Biden essentially being forced to withdraw from the presidential race with a new presumptive nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, in his place.

These same people, who for nearly four years lectured the American people on the need to “respect the democratic process” or whatever just installed a new nominee in one of the most undemocratic ways possible ve months after Biden secured the nomination through the traditional primary process where actual voters decide who the nominee will be.

That is something to keep in mind next time a Democrat talks about how vital it is that we respect the results of our elections.

Something else to keep in mind as we move into the fall campaign season is how many of Kamala Harris’ biggest defenders now were telling us just six weeks ago that Joe Biden was ne, that videos of him having to be led by the hand o stage by former President Barack Obama during a glitzy Hollywood fundraiser were “cheap fakes” designed to make Biden look older and frailer than he actually is.

For instance, actor George Clooney, whose New York Times oped bizarrely represented one of the turning points for Democrats on the issue of whether Biden should withdraw from the presidential race, initially kept his mouth shut after that infamous Los Angeles fundraiser he co-hosted even though the videos clearly showed Biden lost and out of it, looking wooden and having to be led o -stage by Obama. Clooney, who has now endorsed Harris, was willing to participate in the elaborate cover-up e ort even though he knew Biden was un t for a second term, yet he’s now telling us that Kamala Harris is the person to lead America for the next four years.

It was only when Biden “outed” himself to the nation during his disastrous debate performance that Clooney tried to come clean by saying, “Hey, the Biden we saw on the debate stage was the same Biden

retire in 2011. On paper at least, Social Security would then have the resources needed to fund Social Security bene ts for the pig-in-thepython glut of boomers during their golden years ― which happens to be right now.

The “surplus” funds were to be invested in treasury bonds, which in e ect would pay down existing national debt. Had the Democratic Congress not continued to increase spending well over the general rate of in ation from 1983 to 1994, the national debt was going to be paid o completely by 2000.

Imagine no national debt. Close to $1 trillion per year in interest costs could be saved today if we didn’t have any national debt.

Moynihan’s “nutty” proposal almost worked anyway. Social Security contributed close to $1 trillion in surplus revenues between 1998 and 2001. When coupled with Republican-led e orts to hold annual spending increases below 2%, $600 billion of national debt was retired down to $3.4 trillion.

There has been only one year, 2000, where receipts from income and excise tax revenues paid for the operation of the entire federal government outside of Social Security. (It was $1.627 billion in surplus)

And then, Republicans and Democrats elected after 2002 simply quit caring about de cits and debt. Everything in the federal budget barnyard hit the proverbial fan for the past 20 years.

Today, another “nutty” idea has reared its head. Legislation has been introduced to stockpile bitcoin in the Federal Treasury at current levels around $66,000 per bitcoin ― and sit on it until 2050 when bitcoin is projected to be worth $2.5 million/bitcoin.

National debt in 2050 is expected to be $141 trillion. The thinking is that “if” the U.S. government can stockpile enough bitcoin today at what will then be considered “rock-bottom” prices, it can be sold for real dollars to retire the entire $141 trillion debt in 2050.

Better yet, maybe the price of bitcoin will collapse to $1 after all of the market turmoil this week. The U.S. Treasury would only have to buy 56.4 million bitcoin at $1 to get the job done then.

Why not? Is that any more “nutty” than continuing to elect Democrats and Republicans who will not do anything to stop spending us into oblivion?

we saw at that fundraiser, and we need that guy to step aside.’” Astonishingly, Clooney stated in his endorsement of Harris that Biden had “saved democracy once again” by exiting the race … but only after just about every Democrat who had gaslit the American people about Biden’s condition put pressure on him to drop out of the nomination he’d already secured.

The same people now saying Harris has what it takes to be president are also trying to erase her history of failures as vice president, most notably on her handling of the border crisis.

Biden made Harris his point person on the southern border crisis in March 2021 in a position dubbed by many in the media at the time as “border czar.” But now that Republicans have ramped up their attacks on her record as border czar, some media outlets are claiming she was never the border czar, including Axios, which actually described her as the border czar in reporting they did on her responsibilities at the time.

An editor’s note they added to a July article on the issue told the story:

“This article has been updated and clari ed to note that Axios was among the news outlets that incorrectly labeled Harris a ‘border czar’ in 2021.”

It’s fascinating when you think about it. The same folks/outlets trying to make the case that Harris has what it takes to be the leader of the free world are now basically saying she had no real responsibilities as vice president. The media, Hollywood leftists and Big Tech are all telling us who they really are again. And we should believe them and respond accordingly in the way that hurts them the most: at the ballot box.

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.

Israel’s future is America’s future

When Iran’s Parliament chants “Death to America,” a rational America should take that seriously.

AMERICANS ARE LARGELY FOCUSED on the 2024 election, but the future history of our civilization is currently being written in the Middle East.

The Israeli Defense Forces are deeply committed to urban warfare against Hamas in Gaza. Israel is also engaged in selective strikes against Hamas and Hezbollah leaders in Lebanon and Iran — and punitive strikes against the Houthis in Yemen.

At the same time, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is threatening retaliatory strikes against Israel.

Israel has the most successful, high-tech society in the region. It has remarkable tactical and operational military capabilities. It has applied advanced science and technology to challenges such as missile defense. But it seems to lack strategic vision and focus. In the long run, winning each day is necessary — but not su cient.

This insight really hit me in 1984 when Ambassador Jeanne Kirkpatrick invited me to dinner at the U.N. Ambassador’s residence, which at that time was in the Waldorf Astoria. Irving Kristol was also there. He was a great intellectual and one of the founders of the neoconservative movement.

I asked Kristol if he thought Israel would exist in 100 years. He thought about it for a moment and responded, “100 years? I know that Israel’s here today. I think that is good. If you tell me that Israel’s here tomorrow, I think that will be good. I have no idea about 100 years. But I like the fact that today Israel is here.”

Being here today doesn’t answer the question of long-term survival. That takes strategic planning, which must occur at three levels.

The rst level is immediate. A country’s security must be adequate and prepared to ght this year. It must have the necessary equipment and be able to survive a crisis. If any of these requirements are not met, there is an immediate problem to solve.

The second level considers the next 15 years. What are the indicators of potential danger? What would be required to overwhelm those indicators?

And is the country prepared to make the investments, restructuring and planning to achieve survival?

The third level for survival is long term. Is the country managing its environment over time in such a way that it is more likely to survive than be overwhelmed?

All three of these layers must be covered simultaneously. Two out of three is not enough — and anything less is a potential crisis.

The most elegant example of strategic planning is the American e ort starting with World War I through the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Americans fought World War I. Then our leaders studied and thought about it

for 20 years. We fought in World War II and were then confronted by the Soviet Union. We brought to bear everything we learned in a lifetime of ghting. We invented the Cold War and produced NSC 68 (the most important historic strategic planning document in modern times). I recommend to everybody read it. This April 15, 1950, document clearly provided an explanation of the world in which we were living.

Essentially, the American leadership said that the creativity of a free people is so much more productive and inventive than the activities of a totalitarian state that, over time, the West will inevitably drown the Soviet Union. They believed the key was to contain the Soviets long enough for the imbalance between the two systems to become overwhelming. That strategy nally succeeded in 1991. When you read NSC 68 and think about the intervening years, it’s an astonishing document.

Importantly, strategic planning at the national level is political, cultural, and economic. In the long run, those three can crush an enemy’s ability to ght a kinetic war. It’s an important thing to remember. Long-term survival means being so strongly positioned that you don’t have to be in constant strife with your neighbors.

I mention all this because, in the long term, Israel’s survival and America’s survival are linked.

Anti-Israeli forces are inherently antiAmerican. Israel’s war is America’s war. We have as great a vested interest in ensuring that Israel survives on every front against the Houthi, Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran and others as we would if it was Maine or California.

When the leadership of Hamas says, “not a single Jew will remain.” I think that’s really clear, and Israel should take it seriously.

When Iran’s Parliament chants “Death to America” — and the Ayatollah explains on Iranian television that this is policy, not a slogan — a rational America should take that seriously.

When Iranian proxies begin targeting Americans abroad, we can’t ignore that.

If Israel is defeated, all our shared enemies will become stronger — and they will continue attacking us. They will not be appeased or sated.

Israel’s survival requires precisely the strategic planning e orts that America needs. We cannot focus solely on winning kinetic wars or the immediate threats in front of us (although they are important). We must focus on winning the cultural, political and economic arguments at home and abroad — and we must do so decisively. We must be at least as tough as our opponents because they will wipe us out if they get a chance.

Make no mistake, our entire civilization is at stake. We must be prepared to defend it with the intensity it is worth.

Kamala Harris — candidate of myth

Her strangely incoherent word salads, topped o with a heavy helping of smugness, are now evidence of her rhetorical brilliance.

SO, KAMALA HARRIS is the new Democratic candidate for president.

And, we’ve been told, she is incredible. Not merely serviceable, a middle-innings relief pitcher brought in when your starter suddenly implodes in the third inning. She is the Mariano Rivera of politics. She’s lightsout. She’s charismatic, fascinating, quick on her feet, charming. She is, in the words of the legacy media, a historic candidate — not just because she’s a black woman, a fact that explains her lightning-fast political ascent but that only Democrats are allowed to mention, and only then in the context of explaining why America requires a black female president — but because she is, apparently, so good at this. Apparently, Harris was the candidate America needed all along. As in a bad romcom, all we needed to do was remove her glasses, brush out her hair and put her in a better out t — and she would transform from high school weirdo nerd into prom queen. The media’s shift in position regarding Harris has been whiplash-inducing. After all, we were told in 2020 that she had run one of the worst campaigns in modern presidential history — mechanical, o -putting, unpleasant, incompetent and arrogant. Then we were told that she was one of the worst vice presidents in modern history — free of accomplishment, running a completely dysfunctional o ce with extraordinary rates of sta turnover, so wildly unpopular that even a senile Joe Biden worried about whether Harris could compete with Donald Trump.

But now all is forgiven. All her oddities — coconut trees and electric school buses, Venn diagrams and the signi cance of the passage of time — are delightful TikTok memes. Her strangely incoherent word salads, topped o with a heavy helping of smugness, are now evidence of her rhetorical brilliance. Her wild hand motions, so reminiscent of a drunken tarmac operator attempting unsuccessfully to usher a jumbo jet toward the gateway, are actually enchanting symptoms of her enthusiasm. And her positional dishonesty — the fact that she has now shifted virtually every position she ever held — is not evidence that she is a liar, but

that she is astute and clever.

So, precisely what happened to turn Kamala Harris from a deeply disliked politician (35% approval rating) into an Obama-esque talent (44% approval rating)?

Joe Biden dropped out.

That’s it.

That’s the whole thing.

When Biden dropped out, the legacy media could nally end the rock-in-theshoe discomfort of cognitive dissonance from which they had been su ering since Biden’s brain-dead debate with Trump. They had been forced by circumstance into doing something they despise: objective journalism, in which Democrats are treated as normal gures subject to cross-examination. Since Barack Obama’s ascent nearly 20 years ago, the media have avoided just this sort of thing. Biden’s collapse onstage compelled them to do some journalism, just to cover their asses — otherwise, they would have been implicated in his health coverup.

So, they did.

But they didn’t like it.

Now, Biden is gone. They can declare victory. And they can go right back to bathing in the warm, urine- lled kiddie pool of Democrat-media coordination they so enjoy. They’ve eaten their vegetables. Now it’s time for dessert: a heavy helping of Kamala cake. And they’re going to enjoy it.

The only question is whether the American people will fall for this quite obvious and heavy-handed routine. So far, some have. But presidential campaigns have a way of sanding o the varnish lacquered on by the friendly media. After all, at one point, the legacy media gave Hillary Clinton the same treatment. It didn’t work out well.

In the end, politicians tend to stand or fall on their own merit. Which is terrible news for Kamala Harris, since she has none.

Ben Shapiro’s new collection, “Facts and Furious: The Facts About America and Why They Make Leftists Furious,” is available now. Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and co-founder of Daily Wire+.

COLUMN DENNIS PRAGER

You don’t have to be Christian to loathe the opening of the Paris Olympics

I AM A JEW, not a Christian. Yet I found loathsome the mockery of the Last Supper — one of the holiest scenes in the New Testament — during the opening of the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

In fact, it is actually troubling to constantly read the words, “Many Christians are o ended” — as if only Christians are o ended by France’s and the International Olympic Committee’s mockery of Jesus’ Last Supper scene.

Indeed, if only Christians were o ended, there is little hope for civilization.

But we live in the age of groupthink, in which only members of targeted groups are expected to be o ended. To write that Christians were o ended by what just transpired in Paris would be as if one were to write, “blacks were o ended” by slavery, or “Jews are o ended” by Islamic attempts to eradicate Israel, or “women are o ended” by the rape of women.

One assumes that moral individuals of every group would nd men in drag, transwomen and a naked man enacting Leonardo da Vinci’s painting of the Last Supper — on the world’s largest stage — o ensive.

In fact, “o ensive” doesn’t do justice to how we all should view what the French and the Olympics did.

What was done in the opening to the 2024 Paris Olympics was far more serious than “o ensive.” It actually represented the greatest threat to Western civilization in the Western world’s history: the Left. You don’t have to be a Christian to understand that Christianity — more speci cally, Judeo-Christian values and the Bible — made Western civilization. Without Christianity and the Bible, there would be no West. That is why contempt for Christianity and the Bible is synonymous with mockery for the West. The current civil war within Western civilization is a war between the Left and the Bible.

It is also the reason the Los Angeles Dodgers not only allowed a group called “Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence” — a selfdescribed “order of queer and trans nuns” which mimics and mocks Catholic nuns — to perform prior to a Dodgers game. The Dodgers actually honored them.

It is the reason an “artwork” titled “Piss Christ” — a cruci x submerged in a jar of urine — toured museums throughout America.

It is why the European Union Charter does not once mention Christianity.

It’s why every left-wing group in America is apoplectic over Louisiana’s recent decision to require that the Ten Commandments be posted in Louisiana classrooms; and Oklahoma’s decision to make teaching of the Bible mandatory in public schools.

And why the president of France, Emmanuel Macron, praised his country’s opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, posting on X:

“Thanks to Thomas Jolly (the artistic director) and his creative genius for this grandiose ceremony. Thank you to the artists for this unique and magical moment. ... Thank you to everyone who believed in it. We’ll talk about it again in 100 years! WE DID IT!”

And there’s more bad news: As of this writing, the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, has said nothing about the Olympics’ degradation of the Last Supper. Perhaps he was too busy preparing another encyclical about climate change.

It is crucial to note that the Left, whether in America or Europe, never mocks Islam. One would think that with virtually all religious violence in the world emanating from that religion, the Left would concentrate its antireligious re against Islam, or at least fundamentalist Islam. Why doesn’t it?

One reason is that leftists fear Muslims. If you mock Islam, you will have to spend your life in hiding or risk being beheaded. On the other hand, the Left has no fear of Christians. No matter how much the Left mocks and undermines Christianity, the Left assumes that not one of the world’s 2½ billion Christians will hurt them. And the Catholic pope will not only not issue a fatwa against you, he won’t even speak out against you. Because he, too, is a man of the Left. The second reason is that fundamentalist Islam is the Left’s ally in attempting to destroy the West. That’s why the Left is allied with Islamic fundamentalists who seek to eradicate Israel and all its Jews. Israel is seen (correctly) as an outpost of Western civilization in the midst of the Muslim world.

The Left does not hate religion. It hates Christianity, Judeo-Christian values and the Bible. That is all you need to know to understand the opening of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Dennis Prager is a nationally syndicated radio talk show host and columnist.

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

Murphy to Manteo Jones & Blount

Diggin’ NC

According to North Carolina wildlife o cials, armadillos are expanding their range across the state, and experts with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission are asking anyone who sees one in the Tarheel State to report it. If you spot an armadillo in the wild, you can upload and share any photos on the N.C. Armadillo Project, which launched in 2019, at inaturalist.org/projects/nc-armadillo.

Around 70 had been reported as of December 2021. As last December, 167 armadillos have been reported as part of the project. The majority of reported armadillos are nine-banded armadillos, but one screaming hairy armadillo was reported on Dec. 2, 2023. The nine-banded armadillo is native to Central and South America and was rst recorded in Texas in 1849.

Did you know?

There are 21 described species of armadillo that are native to the Americas. The nine-banded armadillo, pictured here, is the most widespread of the species, and the only one usually found in the United States.

served in a specially designated cup. Window stickers will indicate whether a business is participating, welcoming alcohol or not participating at all. WBTV

Number of con rmed, credible and uncon rmed reports of armadillo obvservations 2007 – 2022

Number of reports

“Large amount” of fentanyl, crack cocaine seized at Mount Airy home

Surry County Three people have been charged in connection to a seizure of a large amount of drugs, according to o cials with the Mount Airy Police Department. According to reports, during a joint investigation between the Mount Airy Police Department’s Narcotics Division and the Surry County Sheri ’s O ce Narcotics Division, a search warrant was executed at a home in Mount Airy.

O cials said more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and a large amount of fentanyl and crack cocaine were seized during the search. As a result of the investigation and search, three suspects were arrested. O cials said the suspected ringleader, Rodney Travis, 50, was charged with one count of tra cking methamphetamine, one count of tra cking opium or heroin, possession with intent to manufacture, sale or deliver schedule II-controlled substance, and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

EAST

Haunted house attraction closed for Halloween season after re Pitt County O cials with a Greene County haunted house attraction say they will be closed for the year, following a re Saturday evening. A Facebook post from The Wicked Haunted Attraction con rmed it was their house. The post said the house burned to the ground and that costumes and props were lost in the re.

A GoFundMe has been started to raise money, and the post also stated that this is not the end of the haunted attraction.

Local HBCU organization helps St. Aug’s amid turmoil

Wayne County Amid nancial di culties and an uncertain future, St. Augustine’s University has received a donation from an HBCU organization to help continue its role in the Raleigh community. The Wayne County HBCU Alliance presented a $10,000 check to St. Augustine’s interim president Marcus H. Burgess during a service at St. James AME Zion Church. The $10,000 was raised through a 5K walk and run sponsored by the Wayne County HBCU Alliance on June 8, according to the school.

SOURCE: NCWRC

By A.P.

WCTI New Bern unveils mural dedicated to impact of Hurricane Florence Craven County The Craven Arts Council announced the completion of a new mural called “New Bern Strong” this weekend. The mural is dedicated to the way that New Bern’s community was impacted by and bounced back from Hurricane Florence, which devastated the city and surrounding communities in eastern North Carolina with historic ooding in 2018. O cials say more than 300 people have volunteered to help work on this mural since April. “New Bern Strong was sort of coined in that time. It’s sort of like everyone was coming to help each other, clearing out houses, tearing out the drywall, helping people get all the stu out before the mold started and things got bad,” Executive Director of Craven Arts Council and Gallery Jon Burger said. “So it kind of represents how we all came together during that time of struggle and helped each other out as a community.”

WNCT

KARL B. DEBLAKER / AP PHOTO

The Republican-led General Assembly overrode three more vetos on bills initially blocked by Gov. Roy Cooper.

NATION & WORLD

Gorsuch: Americans ‘getting whacked’ by too many laws, regulations

The Supreme Court justice’s new book is titled “Over Ruled: The Human Toll of Too Much Law”

By Mark Sherman The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ordinary Americans are “getting whacked” by too many laws and regulations, Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch says in a new book that underscores his skepticism of federal agencies and the power they wield.

“Too little law and we’re not safe, and our liberties aren’t protected,” Gorsuch told The Associated Press in an interview in his Supreme Court ofce. “But too much law and you actually impair those same things.”

“Over Ruled: The Human Toll of Too Much Law” was published Tuesday by Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. Gorsuch has received a $500,000 advance for the book, according to his annual nancial disclosure reports.

In the interview, Gorsuch refused to be drawn into discussions about term limits or an enforceable code of ethics for the justices, both recently proposed by President Joe Biden at a time of diminished public trust in the court. Justice Ele-

LAMKEY JR. / AP PHOTO

ROD

Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch’s new book, “Over Ruled: The Human Toll of Too Much Law,” was published Tuesday.

na Kagan, speaking a couple of days before Biden, separately said the court’s ethics code, adopted by the justices last November, should have a means of enforcement.

But Gorsuch did talk about the importance of judicial independence. “I’m not saying that there aren’t ways to improve what we have. I’m simply saying that we’ve been given something very special. It’s the envy of the world, the United States judiciary,” he said.

The 56-year-old justice was the rst of three Supreme Court nominees of then-President Donald Trump, and they have combined to entrench a

conservative majority that has overturned Roe v. Wade, ended a rmative action in college admissions, expanded gun rights and clipped environmental regulations aimed at climate change, as well as air and water pollution more generally.

A month ago, the Supreme Court completed a term in which Gorsuch and the court’s ve other conservative justices delivered sharp rebukes to the administrative state in three major cases, including the decision that overturned the 40-year-old Chevron decision that had made it more likely that courts would sustain regulations. The court’s three liberal justices dissented each time.

Gorsuch also was in the majority in ruling that former presidents have broad immunity from criminal prosecution in a decision that inde nitely delayed the election interference case against Trump. What’s more, the justices made it harder to use a federal obstruction charge against people who were part of the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the Capitol.

Gorsuch defended the immunity ruling as necessary to prevent presidents from being hampered while in o ce by threats of prosecution once they leave.

The court had to wrestle with an unprecedented situation, he said. “Here we have, for the rst

time in our history, one presidential administration bringing criminal charges against a prior president. It’s a grave question, right? Grave implications,” Gorsuch said.

But in the book, co-authored by a former law clerk, Janie Nitze, Gorsuch largely sets those big issues aside and turns his focus to a sherman, a magician, Amish farmers, immigrants, a hair braider and others who risked jail time, large nes, deportation and other hardships over unyielding rules.

In 18 years as a judge, including the past seven on the Supreme Court, Gorsuch said, “There were just so many cases that came to me in which I saw ordinary Americans, just everyday, regular people trying to go about their lives, not trying to hurt anybody or do anything wrong and just getting whacked, unexpectedly, by some legal rule they didn’t know about.”

The problem, he said, is that there has been an explosion of laws and regulations, at both the federal and state levels. The sheer volume of Congress’ output for the past decade is overwhelming, he said, averaging 344 pieces of legislation totaling 2 million to 3 million words a year.

“I wanted to tell the story of people whose lives were a ected,” Gorsuch said.

VP’s campaign launches ‘Republicans for Harris’

Democrats hope they can court voters turned o by

Donald Trump

By Zeke Miller

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign on Sunday was launching “Republicans for Harris” as she looks to win over Republican voters put o by Donald Trump’s candidacy.

The program will be a “campaign within a campaign,” according to Harris’ team, using well-known Republicans to activate their networks, with a particular emphasis on primary voters who backed former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley. The program kicked o at events this week in Arizona, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Republicans backing Harris will appear at rallies with the vice president and her soon-to-be-named running mate, the campaign said. Harris’ team is trying to create “a permission structure” for GOP voters who would otherwise have a di cult time voting for Harris. The e ort will rely heavily on Republican-to-Republican voter contact, with the belief that the best way to get a Republican to vote for Harris

AD from page A1

one does make it to page ve of your letter, it is there that you concede that the images in the advertisement are fake, or as you euphemistically state, are ‘the common artistic technique of dramatic visualization.’ North Carolina voters deserve better than dishonest ‘dramatic visualizations’ from a dishonest politician who has been previously investigated by a prosecutor from his own party for false attacks against his political opponent.”

Spies and Mehr close out their response to Stein’s lawyers by reiterating their ceaseand-desist request that the ad be taken down.

As of Aug. 6, the ad remains pinned to Stein’s campaign page on the social media platform X.

is to hear directly from another Republican making the same choice.

Trump’s “extremism is toxic to the millions of Republicans who no longer believe the party of Donald Trump represents their values” and will vote against him again in November, said Harris’ national director of Republican outreach, Austin Weatherford. He said the campaign would be “showing up and taking the time every single day to earn the vote of Republicans who believe in putting country over party and know that every American deserves a president who will protect their freedoms and a commander in chief who will put the best interests of the American people above their own.”

Weatherford was chief of sta to former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), who had endorsed the Biden-Harris ticket before President Joe Biden’s disastrous debate performance against Trump. Kinzinger is backing Harris once more as part of the launch.

“As a proud conservative, I never thought I’d be endorsing a Democrat for President,” he said in a statement. “But, I know Vice President Harris will defend our democracy and ensure Donald Trump never returns to the

“As a proud conservative, I never thought I’d be endorsing a Democrat for President.”

Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger

White House.”

Kinzinger developed a national pro le as one of two Republicans on the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. The committee highlighted a number of Trump’s transgressions before and during the deadly attack as Congress tried to certify the results of the 2020 election that Biden won over Trump.

Trump has done little to try to win over moderate Republican voters and on Saturday criticized anew Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, who rebu ed Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election in the battleground state.

Last month, when Biden was still at the top of the ticket, the campaign went out with an ad highlighting former Trump sta ers’ criticism of their onetime boss. A separate ad highlighted Trump’s often-personal

attacks against Haley, including his primary nickname of her as “birdbrain” and suggestion that “she’s not presidential timber.”

Hundreds of thousands of registered Republicans voted in primaries for Haley even after she ended her bid for the 2024 Republican nomination and as Trump trounced her in almost every contest.

Haley in May announced she would vote for Trump and appeared at last month’s Republican National Convention.

The Harris campaign’s e ort includes former Govs. Bill Weld of Massachusetts and Christine Todd Whitman of New Jersey, former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, and 16 former Republican members of Congress, including Kinzinger and Reps. Joe Walsh of Illinois and Susan Molinari of New York. All have been notable critics of Trump in the past.

Former Trump press secretary Stephanie Grisham is also endorsing Harris.

“I might not agree with Vice President Kamala Harris on everything, but I know that she will ght for our freedom, protect our democracy and represent America with honor and dignity on the world stage,” Grisham said in a statement.

$2.2B awarded to strengthen electrical grid, add clean power

Washington, D.C.

The Department of Energy on Tuesday announced $2.2 billion in funding for eight projects across 18 states to strengthen the electrical grid against increasing extreme weather, advance the transition to cleaner electricity and meet a growing demand for power. The money will help build more than 600 miles of new transmission lines and upgrade about 400 miles of existing lines so they can carry more current. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said the funding is important because extreme weather events fueled by climate change are increasing, causing power outages.

Bloomberg gives $600M to 4 black medical schools’ endowments

New York

Michael Bloomberg’s organization Bloomberg Philanthropies says it will give $600 million to the endowments of four historically black medical schools. The gifts being announced Tuesday are among the largest private donations to any historically black college or university. Howard University College of Medicine, Meharry Medical College and Morehouse School of Medicine will each get $175 million. Charles Drew University of Medicine & Science will receive $75 million and Xavier University of Louisiana, which is opening a new medical school, will also receive a $5 million grant. The donation follows a $1 billion gift Bloomberg made in July to Johns Hopkins University that will mean most medical students there will no longer pay tuition.

Bangladesh’s president dissolves Parliament Dhaka, Bangaldesh

Bangladesh’s president has dissolved Parliament, clearing the way for new elections to replace the longtime prime minister who resigned and ed the country following weeks of demonstrations against her rule that descended into violence. He also ordered the release of opposition leader Khaleda Zia from house arrest. The streets of Dhaka, the capital, appeared calmer Tuesday, with no reports of new violence. A key student leader said protesters wanted Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus to head an interim government.

China launches rocket carrying new constellation of satellites

Taipei, Taiwan

China says it has launched a rocket carrying a constellation of a reported 18 satellites as part of e orts to assert its presence in space. The satellites were carried aboard a Long March-6 carrier rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China’s Shanxi Province early Tuesday afternoon. The o cial Xinhua News Agency said the rocket had reached its programmed orbit without incident. China’s space program has launched numerous crewed missions into orbit, put a space station into orbit with a revolving crew of three astronauts aboard and sent a rover to the Moon that has brought back rocks and soil.

SCREEN CAPTURE FROM STEIN CAMPAIGN AD

Attorneys for Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson sent a cease-and-desist letter to the campaign of gubernatorial opponent Josh Stein, North Carolina’s attorney general, over a campaign ad.

catastrophe

questions about when normal

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

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

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

we begin to get back to normal

How China will pay for this COVID-19 catastrophe

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

WALTER E. WILLIAMS

The comfort

The 3 big questions nobody

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

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

business & economy

Cooper stated during know yet” if the asked as to the vague ones like “we of this state who undetermined thousands of cases asked and then questions about asked, there is people to treat those start getting back are people who sick. levels become a bad society were supposed course, is my family. I’m worried I will. After 2009 pandemic, of this brings up prefer not to repeat. most everyone has

Fixing college corruption

aberrant ways and decisions through Diplomacy has obviously not worked world of 21st century health, hygiene communist regimes never take the blame remorse, because that is not what take advantage of every weakness pushing until they win or the event happens such as the Chernobyl believe that event, not the Star Wars the dissolution of the Soviet Union Chernobyl.

Perhaps COVID-19 is China’s Chernobyl.

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

No. The government works for us, and we have the right to ask those questions. And the longer stay-at-home orders are in place all over the country, and the stricter some of them get in states, such as Michigan, the more people, sitting at home feeling isolated and/or anxious about when they can get back to providing for their families, will demand answers.

AMERICA’S COLLEGES are rife with corruption. The nancial squeeze resulting from COVID-19 o ers opportunities for a bit of remediation. Let’s rst examine what might be the root of academic corruption, suggested by the title of a recent study, “Academic Grievance Studies and the Corruption of Scholarship.” The study was done by Areo, an opinion and analysis digital magazine. By the way, Areo is short for Areopagitica, a speech delivered by John Milton in defense of free speech.

Coca-Cola to pay $6B in IRS back taxes case

already talking about the possibility debt we owe them as one way to get they have caused the US. Don’t hold your “Jubilee” to happen but ask your elected accountable in tangible nancial ways for expected to operate as responsible citizens of nation.

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

Leaders at the local and state levels should be as forthcoming as they can be with those answers — and again, not vague answers, but answer with details that give their statements believability.

We should all continue to do what we can to keep our families, ourselves, and our communities safe. But we should also still continue to ask questions about the data, because while reasonable stay-at-home measures are understandable, they should also have an expiration date.

Not one little bit.

Coca-Cola Co. said Friday it will pay $6 billion in back taxes and interest to the Internal Revenue Service while it appeals a nal federal tax court decision in a case dating back 17 years.

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

The Atlanta beverage giant said it would continue to ght and believes it will win the legal dispute stemming from taxes and interest the IRS maintains the company owes from 2007, 2008 and 2009.

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

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

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

seriousness of the virus and the need uneasy with how people who simply ask when things can start getting back to with contempt.

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

“The company looks forward to the opportunity to begin the appellate process and, as part of that process, will pay the agreedupon liability and interest,” it said in a statement. CocaCola spokesperson Scott Leith declined additional comments from The Associated Press.

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

Several of the fake research papers were accepted for publication. The Fat Studies journal published a hoax paper that argued the term bodybuilding was exclusionary and should be replaced with “fat bodybuilding, as a fat-inclusive politicized performance.” One reviewer said, “I thoroughly enjoyed reading this article and believe it has an important contribution to make to the eld and this journal.”

U.S. Tax Court Judge Albert Lauber issued a twosentence decision and order on Friday, ending his look at the case. The dispute reached court in December 2015, shortly after the company noti ed the IRS that it owed $3.3 billion more in federal taxes and interest for those three years.

In its Friday statement, Coca-Cola accused the IRS of changing how it lets the company calculate U.S. income based on pro ts of more than $9 billion from foreign licensees and a liates.

under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah RedState and Legal Insurrection.

An IRS spokesperson did not immediately respond Friday to a telephone message from AP about the case.

In a 2015 Securities and Exchange Commission ling, Coca-Cola said it had been using the same method to calculate its taxable U.S. income from foreign a liates for nearly 30 years.

By Josh Funk The Associated Press

“Our Struggle Is My Struggle: Solidarity Feminism as an Intersectional Reply to Neoliberal and Choice Feminism,” was accepted for publication by A lia, a feminist journal for social workers. The paper consisted in part of a rewritten passage from Mein Kampf. Two other hoax papers were published, including “Rape Culture and Queer Performativity at Urban Dog Parks.” This paper’s subject was dog-on-dog rape. But the dog rape paper eventually forced Boghossian, Pluckrose and Lindsay to prematurely out themselves. A Wall Street Journal writer had gured out what they were doing.

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

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

A company quarterly report led with the SEC on Monday, which included guidance to investors, said it believes the IRS and Lauber “misinterpreted and misapplied the applicable regulations in reallocating income earned by the company’s foreign licensees.”

The publicly traded company expected that “some or all of (the $6 billion), plus accrued interest, would be refunded” if Coca-Cola wins its appeal. It has 90 days to le appeal documents.

The holding company still has an estimated 400 million Apple shares

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

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

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

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

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

“THIS IS in it” (Psalm I know that working from be glad” as the and dad, the have to be thankful pandemic.

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

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

OMAHA, Neb. — Billionaire

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

Some papers accepted for publication in academic journals advocated training men like dogs and punishing white male college students for historical slavery by asking them to sit in silence on the oor in chains during class and to be expected to learn from the discomfort. Other papers celebrated morbid obesity as a healthy life choice and advocated treating privately conducted masturbation as a form of sexual violence against women. Typically, academic journal editors send submitted papers out to referees for review. In recommending acceptance for publication, many reviewers gave these papers glowing praise.

Last week, the company raised its full-year sales guidance after reporting a stronger-than-expected second quarter, boosted by product price increases.

Headquartered in Charlotte, Coca-Cola Consolidated is the largest bottler in the United States. It makes, sells, and distributes beverages of The Coca-Cola Company and other partner companies in more than 300 brands across 14 states and the District of Columbia to approximately 60 million consumers.

Warren Bu ett slashed Berkshire Hathaway’s massive Apple stake in a move that could prove unsettling for the broader stock market — both because Bu ett is so revered and because there has been little positive nancial news lately.

Just two years ago, Buffett called the stock one of the four giants of his conglomerate’s business alongside Berk-

By Tom Krisher The Associated Press

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

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

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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

Union support could be key to winning Michigan’s electoral votes

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

The result: a reduction in expected hospitalization

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

DETROIT — The head of the United Auto Workers union says putting Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the Democratic ticket increases the Democrats’ chance of winning Michigan and keeping the White House in November.

In an interview on Friday, Shawn Fain said former President Donald Trump is beholden to billionaires, knows nothing about the auto industry, and would reverse the labor movement if elected again.

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

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

“Trump has never supported working-class people. He has never supported unions,” Fain said. “But he sure as hell was trying to pander for our votes now.”

Fain has become a top nemesis of the Republican presidential nominee, who frequently rails against him at rallies and in speeches. Trump has called him an idiot, courting autoworkers’ votes by saying Fain is putting their jobs at risk by embracing a move to electric vehicles.

Although the UAW has members nationwide, many auto-making jobs are concentrated in the Great Lakes region and Michigan, a critical swing state that could decide the presidential race in November. Last week, the UAW endorsed Harris.

According to the University of Washington Metrics and Evaluation model most oft cited Trump administration, the expected need peak outbreak was revised down by over 120,000, ventilators by nearly 13,000 and the number August by nearly 12,000.

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

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

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

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

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

Lenten and Easter seasons provide a message of hope that we will once again enjoy sporting events, concerts, family gatherings, church services and many more after our own temporary sacri ces are over.

China has to pay for their economic and nancial means. to bring China into the civilized and fair trade. Totalitarian or express sincere regret totalitarian governments they nd in adversaries and adversaries push back. That is, unless an exogenous meltdown in 1986. Some program of Reagan, led directly in 1989.

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

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

For me, my making. As Corinthians a iction, so a iction, with God.” If you are re ect on this God’s example this di cult con dent we In this same neighbors helping In Concord, money to buy health care workers

north STA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VISUAL VOICE S

The comfort and hope

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

stake in second quarter

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

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

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

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

I know that during this challenging time working from home or losing a job, it may be glad” as the Bible tells us to do. However, and dad, the Easter holiday has reminded have to be thankful and hopeful for, even pandemic.

shire insurance, utility and BNSF railroad businesses it owns. That gave investors the impression that Bu ett might hold onto Apple inde nitely as he has with the Coca-Cola and American Express shares he bought decades ago.

alarm the markets, especially given the news from last week,” which included weak tech earnings, a disappointing jobs report and uncertainty about the future of interest rates.

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

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

However, he has trimmed the Apple stake over the past year and has recently sold o some of his stock in Charlotte-based Bank of America and Chinese EV maker BYD while doing very little buying.

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

For me, my faith is an important part of making. As I celebrated Easter with my family, Corinthians 1:4, which reminds us our Lord a iction, so that we may be able to comfort a iction, with the comfort which we ourselves God.”

As a result, Bu ett now has nearly $277 billion in cash, up from a record $189 billion three months earlier.

Lenten and Easter seasons provide a message of hope that we will once again enjoy sporting events, concerts, family gatherings, church services and many more after our own temporary sacri ces are over.

tech analyst Dan Ives said that he thinks “Bu ett is a core believer in Apple, and we do not view this as a smoke signal for bad news ahead.” Apple remains the largest investment in Berkshire’s portfolio — more than double its Bank of America stake.

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

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

Bu ett has consistently lavished praise on Apple CEO Tim Cook, who attended Berkshire’s annual meeting in Omaha in May and talked about how consumers are feverishly devoted to their iPhones and don’t like to switch. He did trim more than 10% of Berkshire’s Apple stake in the rst three months of this year when he sold o more than 116 million shares, but the sale was a much bigger move.

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

In Saturday’s report, Berkshire didn’t give an exact count of its Apple shares, but it estimated the investment was worth $84.2 billion at the end of the second quarter, even though shares soared over the summer as high as $237.23. At the end of the rst quarter, Berkshire’s Apple stake was

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

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

If you are celebrating the Easter season, re ect on this message and be comforted, God’s example and comfort all those in need this di cult time. Through faith and by helping con dent we will emerge out of this pandemic In this same spirit, I continue to be inspired neighbors helping neighbors. In Concord, a high school senior named money to buy a 3-D printer and plastic to health care workers out of his own home.

Not one little bit.

Edward Jones analyst Jim Shanahan said, “This could

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

In a research note, Wedbush

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

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

Trump and Harris realize that increasing their share of union votes gives them a much better chance of taking Michigan, where the last two presidential elections have been close, said Marick Masters, a business professor emeritus at Wayne State University who follows labor issues.

Trump won the state by just 11,000 votes in 2016 over Democrat Hillary Clinton and then lost it four years later by nearly 154,000 votes to President Joe Biden. Appealing to autoworkers helps to get votes from other union members, and union membership is high in the state at about 556,000, Masters said.

During his acceptance speech at the Republican con-

vention last month, Trump called on union workers to re Fain. He stated that Chinese auto companies are building factories in Mexico to ship vehicles to the U.S. without tari s. Industry analysts say they have yet to be aware of any such plants under construction, at least not yet.

“You probably have to get rid of this fool, this stupid idiot representing the United Auto Workers,” Trump said at a July 20 rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Trump claimed he’ll get 95% of the UAW vote because Fain is pushing electric vehicles. “They’re going to be made in China,” he said.

He also pledged to bring the auto industry back from obliteration if elected. But the industry is far from

Stacey Matthews has also and is a regular contributor

obliteration. According to the Labor Department, employment in the car and parts industry has grown 13.8% to just over 1 million people since Biden took o ce in January 2021. Detroit automakers General Motors, Ford and Stellantis have made billions in annual pro ts.

Fain dismissed the insults as typical Trump behavior. “All the man does is name-call and label people. He never has solutions,” Fain said. “That’s the problem in leadership. You need to nd solutions.”

Fain said the transition from internal combustion vehicles to electricity-powered ones is inevitable and union members must be ready for it. During the transition, he said, auto companies are still making gasoline vehicles and keeping factory workers employed.

Trump, he said, did nothing for autoworkers when General Motors closed its small-car assembly plant in Lordstown, Ohio, in 2019. Last month, Biden announced he would drop out of the race and support Harris. Fain said Biden helped GM build an electric vehicle battery plant in the Lordstown area, replacing some lost jobs.

Fain said he’s con dent that Harris will remain an advocate for working people, citing her trip to walk picket lines with striking GM workers in 2019. “She was there with the president through many things we’ve been through,” he said. “She’s been there for labor.”

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Jason

Nor th State Journa l for Wednesday, Apr il 15, 2

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior

MIKE HOUSEHOLDER / AP PHOTO

United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris last Friday.

REBECCA S. GRATZ / AP PHOTO

A Berkshire Hathaway shareholder does yoga in the See’s Candies booth before the annual shareholders meeting on May 4. Berkshire Hathaway reported earnings on Saturday.

July job numbers down; economists cite high interest rates, illegal immigration

Economists cite high interest rates and illegal immigration as drivers

By Paul Wiseman The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. hiring decelerated sharply last month due to high interest rates as employers added a weak 114,000 jobs.

Friday’s Labor Department report showed a drop from the 179,000 jobs created in June. Forecasters had expected to see 175,000 jobs in July. The unemployment rate rose to 4.3%.

The economy has proven unexpectedly sturdy despite the Federal Reserve’s campaign to tame in ation with high interest rates. The Fed raised its benchmark rate 11 times in 2022 and 2023, taking it to a 23-year high. However, the higher borrowing costs are taking a toll.

From January through June this year, the economy has generated a solid average of 222,000 new jobs a month, down from an average of 251,000 last year, 377,000 in 2022 and a record 604,000 in 2021 when the economy bounded back from COVID-19 lockdowns.

The economy is weighing heavily on voters’ minds as they prepare for the presidential election in November. Many are unimpressed with the past three years’ strong job gains and exasperated by high prices. Two years ago, in ation hit a four-decade high. The price increases eased, but consumers

still pay 19% more for goods and services than before in ation rst heated up in spring 2021. The June jobs report, though stronger than expected, came with blemishes. For one thing, Labor Department revisions reduced April and May payrolls by a combined 111,000. That meant monthly job growth averaged 177,000 from April through June, the lowest three-month average since January 2021. What’s more, the unemployment rate has risen for the past three months. If it inches up unexpectedly in July — to 4.2% instead of remaining at 4.1% as forecast — it will cross a trip -

Google illegally maintains monopoly over internet search, judge rules

The ruling focused on the billions Google spends to install its search engine as the default on phones and gadgets

By Matthew Barakat and Michael Liedtke The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A judge on Monday ruled that Google’s ubiquitous search engine has been illegally exploiting its dominance to squash competition and sti e innovation. The decision could shake up the internet and hobble one of the world’s best-known companies.

The highly anticipated decision issued by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta comes nearly a year after the start of a trial pitting the U.S. Justice Department against Google in the country’s biggest antitrust showdown in a quarter century.

After reviewing reams of evidence, including testimony from top executives at Google, Microsoft and Apple, during last year’s 10-week trial, Mehta issued his potentially market-shifting decision three months after the two sides presented their closing arguments in early May.

“After carefully considering and weighing the witness testimony and evidence, the court reaches the following conclusion: Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to main-

worth $135.4 billion. Shanahan estimates that Berkshire still holds about 400 million Apple shares.

Still, CFRA Research analyst Cathy Seifert said she views the Apple sale more as responsible portfolio management because the tech giant had become

tain its monopoly,” Mehta wrote in his 277-page ruling. He said Google’s dominance in the search market is evidence of its monopoly.

The ruling said Google “enjoys an 89.2% share of the market for general search services, which increases to 94.9% on mobile devices.”

It represents a signi cant setback for Google and its parent, Alphabet Inc., which had steadfastly argued that its popularity stemmed from consumers’ overwhelming desire to use a search engine so good at what it does that it has become synonymous with looking things up online.

According to a recent study released by the investment rm BOND, Google’s search engine currently processes an estimated 8.5 billion queries per day worldwide, nearly doubling its daily volume from 12 years ago.

For now, the decision vindicates antitrust regulators at the Justice Department, which led its lawsuit nearly four years ago. “This victory against Google is a historic win for the American people,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. No company is above the law, no matter how large or in uential.”

Mehta’s ruling focused on the billions of dollars Google spends yearly to install its search engine as the default option on new cell phones and tech gadgets. In 2021 alone, Google spent more than $26 billion to lock in those default agreements, Mehta said in his ruling.

such a large portion of Berkshire’s holdings. It does look like Bu ett may be preparing for a downturn.

wire that historically has signaled an economy in recession. This is the so-called Sahm Rule, named for the former Fed economist who created it: Claudia Sahm. She found that a recession is almost always underway if the unemployment rate (based on a three-month moving average) rises by half a percentage point from its low of the past year. It’s been triggered in every U.S. recession since 1970. And it’s had only two false positives since 1959; in both cases — in 1959 and 1969 — it was just premature, going o a few months before a downturn began.

Still, Sahm, now chief economist at the investment rm New Century Advisors, said that this time “a recession is not imminent” even if unemployment crosses the Sahm Rule threshold.

Many economists believe the rising unemployment rates reveal an in ux of new workers into the American labor force who sometimes need time to nd work rather than a worrisome increase in job losses.

“Labor demand is slowing,” said Matthew Martin, a U.S. economist at Oxford Economics, but companies are not laying o workers in large num-

bers, which reduces the odds of a negative feedback loop of rising unemployment leading to income loss, reduction in spending and more layo s.

Indeed, new Labor Department data this week showed that layo s dropped in June to the lowest level in more than a year and a half.

America’s job numbers have been unsettled by an unexpected surge in immigration — much of it illegal — over the past couple of years. The new arrivals have poured into the American labor force and helped ease labor shortages across the economy — but not all of them have found jobs right away, pushing up the jobless rate. Moreover, people who have entered the country illegally are less inclined to respond to the Labor Department’s jobs survey, meaning they can go uncounted as employed, notes Oxford’s Martin.

Nonetheless, Sahm remains concerned about the hiring slowdown, noting that a deteriorating job market can feed on itself.

“Once you have a certain momentum going to the downside, it often can get going,” Sahm said. She says the Sahm rule is “not working like it usually does, but it shouldn’t be ignored.”

Sahm urged Fed policymakers to preemptively cut their benchmark interest rate at their meeting this week, but they chose to leave it unchanged at the highest level in 23 years. The Fed’s interest rate hikes led to in ation falling — to 3% in June from 9.1% two years earlier. However, it remains above the Fed’s 2% target, and policymakers want to see more evidence that it’s continuing to come down before they start cutting rates. Still, they are widely expected to make the rst cut at their next meeting in September.

Google ridiculed those allegations, noting that consumers have historically changed search engines when they become disillusioned with the results they were getting. For instance, Yahoo was the most popular search engine during the 1990s before Google came along.

Mehta said the evidence at trial showed the importance of the default settings. He noted that Microsoft’s Bing search engine has an 80% share of the search market on the Microsoft Edge browser. The judge said that other search engines could succeed if Google is not locked in as the predetermined default option.

Still, Mehta credited the quality of Google’s product as an important part of its dominance, saying that “Google is widely recognized as the best (general search engine) available in the United States.”

“This is a company girding itself for a weaker economic climate,” Seifert said. Berkshire reported a small drop in its bottom-line earnings because of a drop in the paper value of its investments. During the second quarter, the company earned $30.348 billion, or $21,122 per Class A share. That’s down from $35.912 billion, or $24,775 per A share, a year ago. Bu ett has long cautioned investors that judging Berkshire’s performance based on its operating earnings is better. Those gures exclude investment gains and losses, which can vary

Mehta’s conclusion that Google has been running an illegal monopoly sets up another legal phase to determine what sorts of changes or penalties should be imposed to reverse the damage done and restore a more competitive landscape.

The potential outcome could result in a wide-ranging order requiring Google to dismantle some of the pillars of its internet empire or prevent it from paying to ensure its search engine automatically answers queries on the iPhone and other devices. Or the judge could conclude that only modest changes are required to level the playing eld.

If there is a signi cant shakeup, it could turn out to be a coup for Microsoft, whose own power was undermined during the late 1990s when the Justice Department targeted the software maker in an antitrust lawsuit accusing it of abusing the dominance of its Windows operating

system on personal computers to lock out competition.

That Microsoft case mirrored the one brought against Google in several ways, and now the result could also echo similarly.

Just as Microsoft’s bruising antitrust battle created distractions and obstacles that opened up more opportunities for Google after its 1998 inception, the decision against Google could be a boon for Microsoft, which already has a market value of more than $3 trillion.

The Justice Department’s antitrust division has recently taken on some of the biggest companies in the world. It sued Apple in March and, in May, announced a sweeping lawsuit against Ticketmaster and its owner, Live Nation Entertainment. Antitrust enforcers have also opened investigations into the roles Microsoft, Nvidia and OpenAI have played in the articial intelligence boom.

widely from quarter to quarter. By that measure, Berkshire’s operating earnings grew more than 15% to $11.598 billion, or $8,072.16 per Class A share, from $10.043 billion, or $6,928.40 per Class A share, a year ago. Geico led the improvement of Berkshire’s businesses, while many of its other companies that are more sensitive to the economy reported lackluster results. The results easily topped the $6,530.25 earnings per share.

Berkshire owns various insurance businesses, BNSF railroad, several major utilities and a varied collection of retail and manufacturing businesses, including brands like Dairy Queen and See’s Candy.

PAMELA SMITH / AP PHOTO

The U.S. Labor Department reported last Friday that only 114,000 jobs were added in July.

RICHARD DREW / AP PHOTO

U.S. District Judge Mehta ruled Monday that Google maintains a monopoly with its search engine.

Amid challenges, major drugstores consider new designs, sizes

Stores have struggled with crime and increased competition from Amazon and lower-price options

By Tom Murphy The Associated Press

CUSTOMERS MAY see Walgreens stores one-fourth the size of a regular location or CVS drugstores with entire primary clinics stu ed inside. If these experiments succeed, analysts say the new stores might improve access to care and create a more lasting connection with customers.

“Everyone looks at health care and says, ‘Oh yeah, it’s a market that’s ripe for disruption,’” said Neil Saunders, managing director of the consulting and data analysis rm GlobalData. But disruption isn’t easy.

Walgreens CEO Tim Wentworth said recently that his company could close a “signicant portion” of underperforming stores in the next few years. CVS Health is going through a round of closings. Rite Aid has led for bankruptcy. Thousands of independent drugstores have closed over the past ve years.

More than 30,000 drugstores are scattered around the country, but even Walgreens executives admit that the market is overbuilt. The stores have

struggled with increased competition from Amazon and lower-price options like Walmart or Dollar Tree. They’re also dealing with theft, growing costs and thinner prescription reimbursement.

Some are responding with new looks. Walgreens is testing a Chicago store with digital kiosks where customers place orders. A separate desk o ers pickup of items ordered at the kiosks or online.

The company also has opened about 100 mini drugstores focused on health and wellness and featuring storebrand merchandise. Walgreens started testing these stores in 2019 and plans to add more this year.

Walgreens spokesman Jim Cohn said shopper preferences are shifting, and the company aims “to meet them where, when and how they want to shop.”

Saunders notes these stores are less expensive to run and allow the company to serve areas without enough people to support a bigger store.

At one of these locations in Indianapolis, only four short aisles separate the front door from the pharmacy counter in the back. The shelves contain healthy snacks, vitamins, rst aid supplies, and the usual mix of antacids and Advil.

However, the store, closed on Sundays and about a half-mile

DOJ sues TikTok over illegal data collection from minors

The legal battle will determine if — or how — TikTok will continue to operate in the U.S.

By Haleluya Hadero The Associated Press

THE JUSTICE Department sued TikTok last Friday, accusing the company of violating children’s online privacy law and violating a settlement it had reached with another federal agency.

The complaint, led together with the Federal Trade Commission in a California federal court, comes as the U.S. and the social media company are embroiled in another legal battle that will determine whether — or how — TikTok will continue to operate in the country.

The lawsuit focuses on allegations that TikTok and its China-based parent company ByteDance violated a federal law that requires kid-oriented apps and websites to get parental consent before collecting personal information of children under 13. It also says the companies failed to honor requests from parents who wanted their children’s accounts deleted and chose not to delete accounts even when the rms knew they belonged to kids under 13.

“This action is necessary to

prevent the defendants, who are repeat o enders and operate on a massive scale, from collecting and using young children’s private information without any parental consent or control,”

Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, said in a statement. TikTok disagreed with the allegations, stating, “We o er age-appropriate experiences with stringent safeguards, proactively remove suspected underage users and have voluntarily launched features such as default screentime limits, Family Pairing, and privacy protections for minors.”

The U.S. decided to le the lawsuit following an investigation by the FTC that looked into whether the companies were complying with a previous settlement involving TikTok’s predecessor, Musical.ly. In 2019, the federal government sued Musical.ly, alleging it violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, or

from a vacant Walgreens, sells no magazines and only a small selection of greeting cards and beauty products.

Customer Leonard King has visited several times. He says his prescriptions are ready on time, and the store has decent supplies.

“Being a diabetic, sometimes medicines are hard to get,” the 67-year-old Indianapolis resident said.

But King also said he misses being able to shop for things like toiletry items that can be found at bigger stores.

Some CVS Health stores, including Oak Street Health primary care clinics, o er a smaller selection of retail items. The company plans to open about 25 of these combinations this year and 11 more next year, with either full-sized or smaller clinics in the stores.

The clinics can have primary care doctors, social workers and people to help with insurance coverage. They specialize in treating patients with Medicare Advantage plans, which are privately run versions of the government’s coverage program, primarily for people aged 65 and older.

CVS Health says it is putting the clinics in areas that need primary care. With its initial rollout, it is targeting big cities like Chicago, New York and Dallas. “If we can invest more upfront for the patients who

COPPA, by failing to notify parents about its collection and use of personal information for kids under 13.

That same year, Musical.ly — acquired by ByteDance in 2017 and merged with TikTok — agreed to pay $5.7 million to resolve those allegations. The two companies were also subject to a court order requiring them to comply with COPPA, which the government says hasn’t happened.

In the complaint, the Justice Department and the FTC allege TikTok has knowingly allowed children to create accounts and retained their personal information without notifying their parents. This practice extends to accounts created in “Kids Mode,” a version of TikTok for children under 13. The feature allows users to view videos but bars them from uploading content.

The agencies allege the information collected included app activities and other identi ers used to build user pro les. They also accuse TikTok of sharing the data with other companies—such as Meta’s Facebook and an analytics company called AppsFlyer—to persuade “Kids Mode” users to stay on the platform more, a practice TikTok called “re-targeting less active users.”

The complaint says TikTok allowed children to create accounts without providing their age or obtaining parental approval using third-party services’ credentials. It classi ed these as “age unknown” accounts, which the agencies say have grown into millions.

After parents discovered some of their children’s accounts and asked for them to be deleted, federal o cials

Faced with closings and business challenges, Walgreens and other major drug stores are experimenting with new looks and sizes.

need it, by increasing access, improving quality of care, we can keep patients healthier,” company executive Mike Pykosz said.

Making things easier for patients helps build relationships between store sta and customers. It can lead to repeat business, noted Arielle Trzcinski, a principal analyst at Forrester who covers health care.

Independent drugstores have also been polishing their health care reputations. They are expanding immunizations and testing, spurred partly by increased business during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Kurt Proctor of the National Community Pharmacists Association.

Some also are adding doctor’s o ces or specializing in diabetes care. Proctor said they are doing what they have always done: adapting to community needs.

“There are 19,000 (independent) stores across the country, and no two are exactly alike,” he said.

Diving into health care is familiar for drugstores. They started adding small clinics more than 20 years ago. CVS Health has been on a health kick since it quit selling tobacco in 2014.

As many as a quarter of drugstores could eventually wind up with big health clinics, especially in densely populated areas, said Je Jonas, a portfolio manager at Gabelli Funds.

But he cautioned that the idea is still unproven. Walgreens has closed VillageMD primary care clinics just a few years after it launched plans to add hundreds to its stores.

said TikTok asked them to go through a convoluted process to deactivate them and frequently did not honor their requests.

Overall, the government said TikTok employed de cient policies that were unable to prevent children’s accounts from proliferating on its app and suggested the company wasn’t taking the issue seriously. In at least some periods since 2019, the complaint said TikTok’s human moderators spent an average of ve to seven seconds reviewing accounts agged as potentially belonging to a child. It also said TikTok and ByteDance have technology they can use to identify and remove children’s accounts, but don’t use them for that reason.

The alleged violations have resulted in millions of children under 13 using the TikTok app, allowing them to interact with adults and access adult content, the complaint said.

In March, a person familiar with the matter told the AP that the FTC’s investigation was also looking into whether TikTok violated a portion of federal law that prohibits “unfair and deceptive” business practices by denying that individuals in China had access to U.S. user data.

In 2019, Google and YouTube agreed to pay a $170 million ne to settle allegations that the popular video site illegally collected children’s personal information without parental consent. Last fall, dozens of U.S. states sued Meta Platforms Inc. for harming young people and contributing to the youth mental health crisis by knowingly and deliberately designing features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children to its platforms.

Witnesses, investigators speak at Boeing 737 Max blowout hearing Washington, D.C.

The National Transportation Safety Board held a two-day hearing into the blowout of a panel from the side of a Boeing 737 Max airliner. The safety board’s hearing started Tuesday in Washington, D.C., and heard from witnesses, including its investigators looking into the Jan. 5 accident that occurred during an Alaska Airlines ight. The board called it a fact- nding hearing. The NTSB will not vote on a probable cause for the accident. After more investigation, that step probably won’t happen for another year or longer.

Chinese business expansion faces uncertainty, suspicion

Washington, D.C.

In 2022, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer welcomed a Chinese battery company’s plan to build a $2.36 billion factory and bring a couple thousand jobs to Big Rapids. But now the project is in the crosshairs of some U.S. lawmakers and residents. They suspect the Chinese company could spy for Beijing and work to extend China’s in uence in the U.S. heartland. The company, Gotion High-Tech, rejects the accusations. Lured by the large U.S. market, Chinese businesses are coming to the United States with money, jobs and technology only to nd rising suspicion at a time of an intensifying U.S.-China rivalry that has spread into the business world.

Musk urged to x AI chatbot over alleged misinformation

Chicago Five secretaries of state are urging tech entrepreneur Elon Musk to x an AI chatbot on his social media platform X, saying in a letter that it has spread election misinformation. The state election o cials said the platform’s AI chatbot, Grok, produced false information about state ballot deadlines shortly after President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race. The secretaries of state from Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Washington wrote that X is responsible for providing users “access to guidance that re ects true and accurate information about their constitutional right to vote.” Social media platforms such as X have faced mounting scrutiny for their role in spreading misinformation, including about elections.

NCDOT CASH REPORT FOR THE WEEK ENDING AUG. 2

Beginning Cash $2,591,596,800

Receipts (income) $45,285,491 Disbursements $154,261,326 Cash Balance

$2,482,609,975

NAM Y. HUH / AP PHOTO

MATT SLOCUM / AP PHOTO

American made

Tesla leads the way

By Jordan Golson North State Journal

BOSTON — It’s hard to believe how much better the Tesla experience is until you do it.

Imagine, if you will, your last new car-buying experience. I can probably guess: Annoying salespeople, annoying high-pressure tactics, even more annoying F&I sales, limited selection, and, by the end, you’re just glad to be done with the whole thing.

Tesla, for good reason, sells direct to consumers, jettisoning the entire dealership model. For what purpose, Tesla argues, does the dealership serve in the internet age?

And sure, some people like their local car dealer (emphasis on the word local). If you live in a small town, you may have bought a half-dozen vehicles from Todd down at the local Chevy dealer over the years, and he’s earned your loyalty.

But most car dealers are awful. Tesla is the opposite.

I wanted to take the new Tesla Model 3 for a spin. Unlike most carmakers, which are happy to loan me a car for a week so I can write a review, Tesla doesn’t really do that. As a result, most car journalists never drive a Tesla unless they borrow or buy one.

A quick visit to Tesla’s website gave me a list of local Tesla stores, and with a few clicks, I had a demo drive appointment booked. Downloading the Tesla app (everything runs through the Tesla app in Tesla world, you’ll soon nd) allowed me to upload photos of my driver’s license to further speed things along.

I walked into the store 10 minutes before my allotted time and was quickly greeted by a polo shirt-clad fellow who

checked me in and inquired if I’d driven a Tesla before. I said I had, and he o ered a refresher walkthrough if I needed it. I declined, and he simply handed me a key and said, “Have it back by 5!”

Wait, that’s it? I walk in, they hand me a key, and I’m o ?

Yes, it’s really that easy. Now, most people should get the walkthrough because Teslas are a bit di erent. The new Model 3, for example, has no stalks on the wheel for using your turn signals. Instead, you have buttons on the steering wheel for that (as well as turning on the windshield wipers).

There’s no gear shifter or knob for putting the car into drive or reverse. Instead, you swipe on the touch screen (or press some hidden buttons in the ceiling).

If you’re a tech-savvy iPhone or Android user, you’ll pick it up quickly. If you have trouble unlocking your phone sometimes, it might be a bit trickier.

I took out the Model 3, a rearwheel-drive model that starts at less than $40,000 (a lot less if you lease, thanks to the weirdness of the United States tax code) and drove it for about 45 minutes. Well, I say drove...

This Tesla actually drove me around. See, it’s equipped with the latest version of Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” software which, despite the name, doesn’t allow you to take a nap or watch a movie whilst it chau eurs you from place to place.

But.

Instead, think of it as a ridiculously advanced cruise control, only one that adjusts your speed and steers for you in almost any situation.

I set my navigation to the home of a friend who lived nearby, and the car took over. It made a right turn and then a left, pulling onto a highway on-

ramp before accelerating and merging into tra c.

It passed slower cars on the left, then moved over to take an exit, signaling every time (which is more than can be said for most human drivers). It slowed down at a yield sign, waiting for an opportunity to merge. It stopped at a red light and came to a full and complete stop (twice!) at a

stop sign, once at the sign itself and again when a vehicle was coming that made it unsafe to turn left for a moment or two.

It swerved to avoid a pothole, moved over for cyclists, and once had to stop because of a double-parked car, waiting for tra c to pass the other way before carefully making its way around and continuing on.

With a single exception, when it got on a highway that had zero lane markings and tentatively drove in the breakdown lane, the car was con dent, collected and drove as well (actually, better) than most humans do.

It navigated to my friend’s house and actually pulled all the way into the driveway, all without me touching the wheel. My jaw was on the oor.

The Model 3 test drive blew me away, both because of the simple ease of the dealership experience and because I barely drove during my test drive. Afterward, I dropped o the key, said thanks very much, and headed home to try and consider what I’d just experienced.

I’ll have much more to share about my Model 3 experience in the future, though, because a few hours later, I placed an order for a new Model 3 — right in the Tesla iPhone app, naturally, like I was ordering something from Starbucks. Why isn’t everything in life this easy?

Julius Peppers enters Football HOF, B3

Good to great: NC State hopes to reach new heights in 2024

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

2 UNC, 2 NC State players make rst-team All-ACC

Charlotte

Two UNC players — running back Omarion Hampton and guard Willie Lampkin — and two from NC State — receiver Kevin Concepcion and corner Aydan White — were named preseason rst-team All-ACC in a media vote at ACC Kicko . Hampton nished second in preseason ACC player of the year voting, while Duke receiver Jordan Moore was eighth. NC State was picked to nish fourth in the ACC, UNC eighth, Duke 11th and Wake Forest 15th in the preseason media poll.

RUNNING

Records fall in Sir Walter Miler

Raleigh The 11th annual Sir Walter Miler race saw the men’s and women’s records broken. Puma Elite’s Dorcus Ewoi topped the women’s eld, turning in a mile time of 4:19.71, which broke Nikki Hiltz’s 2022 record by more than two seconds. On Athletics Club’s Sage HurtaKlecker (4:19.89) and New Balance Boston’s Heather MacLean (4:20.41) also broke the old mark to nish second and third, respectively. On the men’s side, Brooks Beasts Track Club’s Waleed Suliman nished in 3:51.86, 11⁄2 seconds faster than Yared Nuguse’s 2022 record. The top four men all bested the old mark — Festus Lagat (3:52.63), Sam Gilman (3:52.81) and Sean McGorty (3:53.00).

By Asheebo Rojas North State Journal

CHARLOTTE — For many years, NC State football has been good.

For the last four years, speci cally, it’s been good enough to win eight games, beat rival UNC three times, and make a bowl game, which many programs and fanbases can’t say about themselves.

However, it’s been more than 40 years since the Wolfpack were good enough to win a conference title, let alone compete for a national championship.

At ACC Kicko , NC State coach Dave Doeren made it clear the Wolfpack will look to change that narrative this year with the goal of raising the ACC championship trophy in December.

“We’ve sustained a level of

competitive greatness that not many people have been able to do,” Doeren said. “With that being said, we want to win a championship. So how di erent is that? It’s taking the second-most wins since 2020 to winning the league.”

Looking at NC State’s team stats from 2023 and the big moves it made in the transfer portal, being “di erent” in 2024 will start with the o ense.

Dealing with quarterback instability between former quarterbacks Brennan Armstrong and MJ Morris, the Wolfpack o ense nished 11th in rushing yards and 10th in passing yards in the ACC last season.

NC State addressed the quarterback issue directly by adding former Coastal Carolina transfer Grayson McCall in the transfer portal.

Coming o an impressive four-year run as a starter for the Chanticleers, McCall’s experience not only as a starter but as a winner will be a crucial factor in whether the Wolfpack’s of-

“We’ve sustained a level of competitive greatness that not many people have been able to do. With that being said, we want to win a championship. So how di erent is that? It’s taken the program from the second most wins since 2020 to winning the league.”

Dave Doeren

fense will carry its weight this season. Doeren sees McCall as a guy who has “been there before” and is “prepared,” which should be a favorable match with his younger weapons.

“(McCall)’s been coached well,” Doeren said. “He’s got a self-condence that’s not cocky, but you can feel his presence. That’s what

2024 All-NC Preseason Team

With loads of talent across the state, here’s a look at some of the top players in North Carolina

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

THE 2024 COLLEGE football season is just around the corner, and excitement is building for the teams right here in North Carolina.

To get ready, North State Journal put together our 2024 Preseason All-N.C. team composed of players from the dozen-plus colleges in the state in both the FBS and FCS conferences. Here’s the breakdown:

OFFENSE

Quarterback

Grayson McCall (NC State)

The three-time Sun Belt Player of the Year transferred to NC State for his nal year of eligibility. Across his collegiate career, McCall has thrown for more than 10,000 yards and 88 touch-

REINHOLD MATAY / AP PHOTO

North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton (28) scores a touchdown with o ensive lineman Willie Lampkin (53) cheering him on during last season’s game against Appalachian State, Both Tar Heels are on this season’s all-state team.

downs through the air while also adding over 1,000 yards and 18 yards on the ground.

Running Backs Omarion Hampton (UNC), Mari Adams (Davidson)

After a breakout sopho -

more season that saw him

eclipse 1,500 yards and put up 15 touchdowns, UNC junior Omarian Hampton is poised for another big year for the Tar Heels. Hampton was also selected to the Preseason All-ACC Team and nished second in ACC Presea-

you want in a quarterback.”

McCall will have a talented group of weapons around him, including 2023 ACC Rookie of the Year KC Concepcion, transfer receivers Noah Rogers (Ohio State) and Wesley Grimes (Wake Forest), transfer tight end Justin Joly (UConn) and transfer running back Jordan Waters (Duke).

“All of the guys that we’ve added, it’s exciting,” McCall said. “It makes my job a whole lot easier. I’ve just got to distribute the ball to the fast guys at the right time.”

Waters showed just how dynamic he could be when he led Duke to victory over the Wolfpack last year with a 123-yard, one-touchdown performance. Tasked with providing the balance to NC State’s revamped passing attack, he’s also looking to contribute through the air with the team’s running backs sometimes lining up in the slot position.

See WOLFPACK , page B4

son Player of the Year voting. Davidson sophomore Mari Adams, who made the Preseason All-PFL Team, also had 15 touchdowns last season and ran for 1,019 yards on 164 carries.

Wide Receivers

KC Concepcion (NC State), Jordan Moore (Duke), Kaedin Robinson (Appalachian State)

NC State sophomore and 2023 ACC Rookie of the Year

KC Concepcion will look to continue to prove he is one of the best players in college football following his record-setting freshman season that saw him nish with 1,159 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns.

Blue Devils senior Jordan Moore was a consistent and dependable presence for Duke last year with 835 yards and eight touchdowns on just 62 catches, giving him an average of 13.5 yards per reception. Appalachian State takes the nal wide receiver spot with senior Kaedin Robinson rounding out the group. Robinson capped o his junior season with 905 yards and 10 touchdowns, also averaging 13.5 yards per carry.

The Wolfpack wants to change old narratives and win the ACC title

BEN MCKEOWN / AP PHOTO

Then-Duke Blue Devils running back Jordan Waters speeds down the eld on his way to an 83-yard touchdown run in Duke’s win over NC State last October. The Wolfpack hopes Waters will provide big plays for them this season after adding him as a transfer in the o season.

TRENDING

Veronica Fraley:

The Raleigh native went viral prior to her 2024 Olympic debut after tweeting that Vanderbilt, where she competes in college track and eld, only covers 75% of her rent.

Rap star Flavor Flav and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian o ered to pay her rent for the rest of the year. Fraley just missed qualifying for the medal round in discus, nishing 13th. The top 12 advanced.

Katharine Berko :

The NC State record holder in seven swimming events won a pair of medals in Paris. Berko took bronze in the 100-meter backstroke with a time of 57.98. She became the rst woman swimmer in NC State history to earn an Olympic medal. A few days later, she became the rst Wolfpack woman to win a swimming gold as a part of the American 4x100 medley relay team.

Adam Maraana:

The incoming freshman at UNC represented Israel in the 2024 Paris Olympics, becoming the rst Arab-Israeli swimmer to represent the country as well as the rst Arab Israeli Olympian to represent Israel in any sport since 1976. Maraana signed with the Tar Heels swim team in November.

Maraana nished fourth in his heat in the 100 backstroke but didn’t advance to the medal round.

Beyond the box score

POTENT QUOTABLES

“I kind of blacked out.”

Trinity Rodman after scoring the gamewinning goal in Team USA’s 1-0 win over Japan in Olympic women’s soccer quarter nals.

“I’m

gonna keep yelling. I’m gonna keep screaming. I’m gonna keep fussing,

cussing.”

Team USA women’s basketball player

A’Ja Wilson after a referee told her to keep her emotions in check during games.

PRIME NUMBER 3:07.41

Time of the U.S. mixed 4x400 relay team in their rst race in Paris, breaking the world record by more than a second. Charlotte’s Kaylyn Brown ran a 49.4-second leg. Brown and the U.S. team ended up winning silver in the event.

OLYMPIC CANOE AND KAYAK

Evy Leibfarth of Bryson City earned a bronze medal in women’s canoe slalom. She’s competing in her second Olympics after posting a 12th-place kayak nish and 18th canoe nish in the Tokyo Games. Leibfarth also nished 15th in the kayak slalom this year and is still competing in a brand new event — the kayak cross. She is coached by her father, Lee Leibfarth.

Naya Tapper of West Mecklenburg High School and UNC Chapel Hill, was a co-captain of the Team USA women’s 7s rugby squad that took bronze in Paris. Tapper also competed in 2020 in Tokyo. She was joined on the bronze medal team by Fayetteville’s Sammy Sullivan, a graduate of Jack Britt High.

Erika Connolly won a silver medal in Paris as part of Team USA’s 4x100 freestyle relay team. Connolly, who won four state titles at Hough High School in Cornelius as Erika Brown, also won a silver (4x100 freestyle) and bronze (4x100 medley) in the Tokyo Games.

Tommy Paul (left) and Taylor Fritz won the bronze medal in Olympic tennis men’s doubles. They beat Czechia’s Tomas Machac and Adam Pavlasek 6-3, 6-4 in the bronze medal match. Paul, who grew up in Greenville and played high school tennis at J.H. Rose, also advanced to the quarter nals in men’s singles but was eliminated by eventual silver medalist Carlos Alcaraz.

OLYMPIC RUGBY 7S

VADIM GHIRDA

MARK J. TERRILL / AP PHOTO)

KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH / AP PHOTO

OLYMPIC TENNIS MANU FERNANDEZ / AP PHOTO

PGA Tour returns to Greensboro for 85th Wyndham Championship

Sedge eld Country Club hosts the nal regular season stop of the season

By Gri n Daughtry For North State Journal

GREENSBORO — For the casual golf fan, the 2024 PGA Tour is e ectively over. Following Xander Schau ele’s victory at the Open Championship last month and Scottie Schefer’s gold medal performance in Paris on Sunday, no major tournaments are left to watch until the Masters returns to Augusta next April.

However, the PGA Tour will make its nal regular season stop this weekend at Sedge eld Country Club in Greensboro for the 85th Wyndham Championship. From Aug. 8-11, 156 players will compete for the $1.422 million winner’s share of a $7.9 million purse. For other contestants, this tournament is their last chance to qualify for the FedEx Cup Playo s, which begin next week.

“These numbers show the signi cance of the Wyndham Championship date very clearly,” said Executive Tournament Director Mark Brazil in a press release last Friday. “It’s about making the top 70 and advanc -

ing into the FedEx Cup playo s. It’s about making the top 50 after the BMW Championship in two weeks to be in the 2025 signature events, and with Sungjae Im and Shane Lowry and others that are up there pretty high in points, it’s also about moving up and moving into the top 10 in points for the $40 Million Comcast Business Tour Top 10 that’s awarded after our tournament. This eld is one of our strongest ever, and it should be a lot of fun at Sedgeeld Country Club (this) week.”

$7.9M

The total purse for the Wyndham. The winner gets $1.422 million

Even though only two top10 ranked golfers — Im ( No. 9) and Lowry (No. 10) — will compete in the tournament,

The homegrown Carolina Panther reaches football immortality

Julius Peppers was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

JULIUS PEPPERS became the rst homegrown Carolina Panther to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame when he was inducted as part of the Class of 2024 over the weekend.

While the term “homegrown” refers to the fact that he was drafted by the team and played 10 of his 17 NFL seasons with the team, Peppers’ North Carolina roots go much deeper.

“I grew up in Bailey, North Carolina,” Peppers said the day before his induction. “I was born in Wilson, right next door. That means everything. I think North Carolina is a special place, and I think North Carolinians are special people. I was fortunate to be born and raised there and to go to college there.”

Peppers had a dominant high school career at Southern Nash, being named the state’s male athlete of the year as a senior. He then went on to play at the University of North Carolina, where he was dominant for the Tar Heels, winning the Bed-

PRESEASON from page B1

Tight End Eli Wilson (Appalachian State)

Senior tight end Eli Wilson looks to be an important piece for the Mountaineers’ o ense following up on his big season last year when he averaged 10.3 yards per catch and scored six touchdowns.

O ensive Line Blake Whitmore (WCU), Anthony Belton (NC State), DeVonte Gordon (Wake Forest), Matt Gulbin (Wake Forest), Willie Lampkin (UNC)

With senior Blake Whitmore starting at center for all 11 games last season, the Catamounts set a school record with 5,545 yards of total o ense.

NC State’s starting left tackle, graduate Anthony Belton, led the team in pancake blocks with 51 last season and earned thirdteam All-ACC honors.

Redshirt senior DeVonte Gordon started every game for the Demon Deacons, ranked third

narik and Lombardi awards in 2001. His number is honored by UNC, and he’s already been inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame as well as getting selected for the College Hall — he’ll go in later this year.

“How cool is it that Julius Peppers is being inducted into both the Pro and College Football Halls of Fame in the same year,” UNC coach Mack Brown said in a statement. “We’ve always believed that Julius is one of the greatest football players to ever put on the pads. … It’s so rewarding to see him recognized for his signi cant accomplishments on the football eld. He is now o cially one of the greatest of all time.”

In his NFL career, Peppers tallied 159.5 sacks, and was named to NFL All-Decade Team in back-to-back decades. He’s generally recognized as one of the best pass rushers of all time — by almost everyone.

“Everybody has a di erent lane,” he said. “Everyone is unique in his own way. We’re all special in our own way. I didn’t ever consider myself a pass rusher, to be honest. I could rush the passer, and I was good at it, but I thought of myself more as a run stopper. When it was time to rush the passer, I could. I could

among tackles in the ACC for pass blocking and earned the fourth-highest grade overall.

Redshirt junior Matt Gulbin started 10 games for Wake, tallying 770 snaps in total and nished as the second-ranked run blocking guard in the ACC.

Senior Willie Lampkin started every game for the Tar Heels, who were one of college football’s most e cient o enses by averaging 491.2 yards per game. Lampkin was also a third-team All-ACC honoree and earned Preseason All-ACC honors this year.

DEFENSE

Defensive End Kaimon Rucker (UNC), Jasheen Davis (Wake Forest)

Graduate Kaimon Rucker earned second-team All-ACC honors last year with 61 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 15 tackles for loss with a forced fumble and fumble recovery. Rucker is also a Preseason All-ACC honoree this year.

Senior Jasheen Davis led the Demon Deacons in sacks (7.5),

drop back (and defend the pass). Versatility was my strong point.”

Peppers is certainly accurate on that score. He played multiple positions at Southern Nash, rushing for more than 3,500 career yards and scoring 46 touchdowns while also playing the defensive line. He also starred in basketball and track.

At Carolina, he suited up for the Tar Heels basketball team, becoming the rst member of a UNC Final Four team to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In his induction speech, Peppers thanked his UNC basketball coach Bill Gutheridge, in addition to Brown (who recruited him) and Carl Torbush (who coached him on the Tar Heels football team) and even had Michael Jordan in attendance as a guest.

There was talk that Peppers could have made a go of it in the NBA, but his success on the gridiron made his choice on which direction to go an easy one.

“Nobody had to tell me to choose football,” he said. “Football chose me. The projections came out for the (NFL) draft after my junior year, and I knew it was time to make a decision to take the football route. The game chose me.”

tackles for loss (17) and quarterback hurries (10) along with having 49 tackles, two pass breakups and a forced fumble.

Defensive Tackle

Jaden Taylor (NC Central), D’Anta Johnson (ECU)

Senior Jaden Taylor was named a rst-team All-MEAC player last season with 51 tackles. 8.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and three quarterback hurries.

Senior D’Anta Johnson nished last season with second-team All-AAC honors after having had 32 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and a forced fumble.

Linebackers

Power Echols (UNC), Sean Brown (NC State), CJ Tillman (Campbell)

Senior Power Echols earned third-team All-ACC honors last year with 102 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and an interception for the Tar Heels.

Shane Lowry, shown here at the British Open, is one of two top 10 players on the PGA Tour who will be competing at the Wyndham.

ert MacIntyre, as well as 19 returning 2024 Summer Olympic Games athletes. Despite being the nal tournament of the regular season, the Wyndham Championship is one of the PGA Tour’s oldest events. Established in 1938, the then-Greater Greensboro Open alternated between the Starmount Forest Country Club and its current location at Sedge eld before settling in for a 31-year tenure at the Forest Oaks Country Club. It later returned to Sedge eld in 2008.

The Sedge eld Country Club is also one of two regular-season PGA Tour events originally designed by legendary course architect Donald Ross. Ross, who apprenticed under the sport’s earliest and most famous professional, Old Tom Morris, took the skills he learned in St. Andrews, Scotland, and designed some of America’s most iconic courses, including Pinehurst No. 2. Past champions include several PGA Tour legends, including Sam Snead and Ben Hogan.

the eld has no shortage of big names. Spectators can expect to see Wake Forest University’s Arnold Palmer Scholarship recipients Cameron Young, Will Zalatoris, Bill Haas and Webb Simpson, Western Carolina alumnus and former Wyndham Champion J.T. Poston, local talents Akshay Bhatia and Chesson Hadley, three-time major champion Jordan Spieth, Open Championship runner-up Justin Rose, 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup Team Captain Keegan Bradley, Scottish Open winner Rob -

If Ross’ notoriously di cult greens aren’t enough of a challenge for the eld at Sedge eld, Tropical Storm Debby’s heavy rains and 20-mph winds are certainly poised to make things more di cult.

At this time, no changes to the schedule have been announced, though North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency on Monday evening. The PGA Tour and Wyndham organizers have stated they will continue to monitor the storm’s trajectory up the East Coast and adjust accordingly.

Two picks into draft night, the Panthers chose him as well. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2002 and made ve Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams in his rst eight years with the team. He left Carolina to sign a free agent contract with the Bears prior to the 2010 season, choosing to uproot and make his home outside the state for the rst time.

“The major thing was the notoriety aspect of it,” he said of the decision. “People knew I was a good player in Carolina, but people nationally didn’t know. When I went to Chicago, that changed a little bit — the recognition part of it. That was really the main di erence — that and

NC State has a long history of success at the linebacker position, and while junior Sean Brown played primarily at free safety last season, he did play some linebacker and totaled 66 tackles and two sacks with ve tackles for loss a year ago.

Senior CJ Tillman had 89 tackles, ve tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles for the Fighting Camels last season.

Cornerbacks

Aydan White (NC State), Shavon Revel Jr. (ECU), Dontae Balfour (Charlotte)

Senior Aydan White made the Preseason All-ACC Team, and for good reason. White, who has not allowed a touchdown reception in the past two seasons, had two interceptions last year with 10 passes defended while also making 37 tackles and a sack.

Senior Shavon Revel Jr. earned second-team All-AAC honors last season with 54 tackles, six passes defended, an interception, a fumble recovery and a sack. Revel also has been

the nancial piece of it (a $91.5 million contract with more than $40 million guaranteed). That was life changing.”

Peppers played four years with the Bears and three with the Packers before returning to Carolina for the nal two seasons of his career.

“You can travel the world, but there’s no place like home,” he told the crowd during his induction speech.

The homegrown Panther, who bloomed into an all-time NFL great, returned to where he got his start.

“North Carolina is a special place to me,” Peppers said prior to his induction. “It always will be. I live in Miami now, but Carolina is home.”

named to the 2024 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Paycom Jim Thorpe Award and East-West Shrine Bowl watch lists.

Junior Dontae Balfour started 11 games for Charlotte and had 54 tackles, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, an interception and tied the school record with 11 pass breakups.

Safeties

Jaylen Stinson (Duke), Caleb Curtain (Elon)

Senior Jaylen Stinson started 13 games for the Blue Devils last season and registered 88 tackles, a sack, an interception, a fumble recovery and six pass breakups.

Junior Caleb Curtain was rst-team All-CAA and a second-team FCS All-American last season with the Phoenix. In 11 starts, Curtain had 80 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, four interceptions, two fumble recoveries and six pass breakups. He was named to the Buck Buchanan preseason watch list for the best defensive player in the FCS.

PETER MORRISON / AP PHOTO

DAVID RICHARD / AP PHOTO Carolina Panthers great Julius Peppers speaks during his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

COLUMN | CORY LAVALETTE

Staal,

Staal’s career winded through six cities over 18 seasons, and he reached the Cup nal three times, all with di erent teams. But he will be remembered as the face of the Carolina Hurricanes.

surrounded

by struggles, achieved greatness

IT’S UNFAIR TO HIS LEGACY that my lasting image of Eric Staal in a Carolina Hurricanes uniform is him sitting alone at the center of the team’s U-shaped locker room after a loss awaiting the media.

While I have written about the Hurricanes for nearly two decades, I didn’t start covering the team full time until February 2016, just before Staal’s time with the team ended. I had still been around the locker room enough to see the strain years of losing had put on Staal, who retired from hockey last week after signing a one-day contract with Carolina.

Surrounded by an overmatched supporting cast provided by an owner unwilling to spend to the salary cap, Staal toiled in Raleigh unable to recapture the magic of the 2005-06 season when Carolina improbably won the Stanley Cup.

Instead, there was Staal, night after night, trying to nd hope in a hopeless situation, never hiding from results that shouldn’t have been his alone to explain.

For those who didn’t experience it, here is what happened in 2005-06.

The NHL and NHL Players Association nally agreed on a new collective bargaining agreement, instituting a salary cap after the league shut down for a season because of the warring factions’ stando .

The salary cap gave teams like the Hurricanes a ghting chance, one Carolina didn’t have in when it lost the 2002 Stanley Cup nal to a team with twice its payroll, the Detroit Red Wings.

As teams pared their rosters to come in compliance with the league’s new rules, the Hurricanes added some repower at discounted prices, and GM Jim Rutherford also unearthed some hidden gems.

Staal, meanwhile, had spent the previous year tearing up the American Hockey League. The second overall pick in the 2003 NHL Draft — now widely considered the best in league history — nished 10th in AHL scoring for the Lowell Lock Monsters in his second professional season.

Still, no one could have imagined the season Staal would have when the NHL returned.

His 45 goals in 2005-06 were 14 more than the 31 Rod Brind’Amour and Justin Williams each scored, and Staal’s 100 points outpaced Williams and Corey Stillman by 24.

In the opening round of the playo s, his Game 3 overtime power play goal in Montreal cut a 2-0 series de cit in half. Carolina — with rookie Cam Ward now in goal — won the next three games of the series to advance.

In Game 2 of the next round against the Devils, Staal tied the game with three seconds remaining to force OT, which ended on Niclas Wallin’s 4-on-4 goal. The Hurricanes completed

a gentleman’s sweep and advanced to the Eastern Conference nal.

He had ve points against Bu alo and eight more against the Oilers — both sevengame series — to nish with a league-leading 28 postseason points as Carolina won its rst Stanley Cup. Ward was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy, but no one would have blinked had it been Staal or Brind’Amour instead named playo MVP.

There were other moments during Staal’s dozen seasons with the Hurricanes — winning All-Star Game MVP in Atlanta in 2008 and captaining the Eastern Conference when the event was held in Raleigh in 2011, along with Carolina’s run to the Eastern Conference nal in 2009 that included his “Shock at the Rock” game-winner in New Jersey — but he spent more years watching the playo s from home than participating in them.

Even if he had, nothing could eclipse what Staal and the Hurricanes accomplished in 2005-06.

One of 23 players with “triple gold” (Stanley Cup, Olympic gold and World Championship gold) status, Staal totaled 480 goals and more than 1,110 career points in nearly 1,500 career NHL regular season and playo games. People, and de nitely athletes, are often a product of their environment. What would Barry Sanders’ career have looked like had he not spent the entirety of it with the Detroit Lions? How many NASCAR Cup Series titles would Mark Martin have won were it not for Dale Earnhardt Sr.? How many players missed

out on an NBA championship ring because they played in the same era as Michael Jordan? Staal’s career winded through six cities over 18 seasons, and he reached the Cup nal three times, all with di erent teams. But he will be remembered as the face of the Carolina Hurricanes, who announced they will retire his No. 12 this coming season.

The only thing left will be whether or not the Hockey Hall of Fame comes calling for the oldest Staal brother. The 2003 draft is a who’s who of the rst two decades of the 2000s, and only one player — Joe Pavelski — has more goals or points than Staal from that class.

When Staal’s number is retired during a game at PNC Arena, the highlights will be plentiful, especially from that 2005-06 season. What the video board won’t show is Staal, during that nal handful of years in Raleigh, taking a deep breath before being converged on after another loss in yet another lost season. But to remember Staal at some of his lowest points as a professional is to also realize how he handled those situations — with the same grace with which he played the game.

“The ultimate measure of a man,” Martin Luther King Jr. said, “is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

Eric Staal — a lanky kid from Thunder Bay, Ontario, who helped bring a Stanley Cup to North Carolina and kept the franchise a oat through its darkest days — can look back at his hockey career and stand proud.

Former Bull Yates takes long journey to get back on top

Five years after his rst All-Star appearance, Yates overcame injury to return

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

IN 2019, Kirby Yates made his rst All-Star team.

At the time, the selection was a culmination of a long and dicult few years for the reliever. He had been a top prospect in 2013, when he saved 20 games for the International League champion Durham Bulls. He followed that up with a 16-save season and a call up to the Rays in 2014.

Ine ectiveness and injury derailed Yates, however, and he bounced between four organizations — the Rays, Yankees, Angels and Padres — over a twoyear span. Then he found a new pitch — the splilt- nger fastball — and rode that to success in the San Diego bullpen, ending up in the All-Star Game, where he reected on his long path to the top of the game in an interview with North State Journal, saying that, in his darkest moments, his goal was merely “not to suck.”

As it turned out, the baseball journey — and the dark moments — were just beginning for Yates.

“2020 happened,” Yates said, by way of explanation. “It’s been kind of a grind from then on.” That was the COVID-short-

WOLFPACK from page B1

“(McCall and I) have come in, and we’ve connected,” Waters said. “Every weekend and Wednesday, we’re out there throwing and trying to get better with each other.”

Even though the defense was the leading force last season, the unit also has hopes of building on previous success through crucial loss.

ened 60-game MLB season, but, for Yates, it was even shorter than that — elbow surgery to remove bone spurs limited him to six appearances, his last for the Padres, as he embarked on another four-team pinballing across the transaction column.

Yates signed with the Blue Jays prior to 2021, but, late in spring training, he su ered a exor strain in his pitching arm which required Tommy John surgery — a major rebuild of his elbow.

“You get hurt like I did and they tell you what your elbow looks like,” Yates recalled with a cringe. “The doctor told me,

The Wolfpack lost star linebacker Payton Wilson to the NFL this o season, leaving a major hole in leadership and production.

Davin Vann, the senior defensive end who was awarded the No. 1 jersey for the second straight year, represented the Wolfpack defense at ACC Kicko , and he’s “looking forward” to stepping up into the role that Wilson left behind.

‘You’ll be ne,’ but there’s a lot of uncertainty. Will you play again? Will you pitch at the level and caliber where you were before?”

He next took the mound in July 2022, 701 days after his last appearance. By then, he had signed with the Braves. After a few minor league rehab appearances, he returned to the big leagues. In the last month-plus of 2022, he struggled, posting a 5.14 ERA and allowing 1.5 runners per inning. Last season, he was more like his old self, going 7-2 with a 3.28 ERA for Atlanta. It still wasn’t quite where he’d been before, however.

“I had some great guys in front of me coming up,” Vann said. “They taught me a lot in the four years I’ve been here. … (I’m) excited to take charge and be the leader of the defense.”

But, replacing Wilson isn’t the only thing the defense is focusing on in its quest for an ACC title. NC State has also done its due diligence in the transfer portal to boost its secondary, adding veteran safeties Ja’Had Car-

Texas Rangers relief pitcher Kirby Yates, right, celebrates one of his 20 saves this season.

had been the last few years. I felt healthy, you know, and it was just about cleaning up some mechanical things. I felt like I did that. The minute I got to spring training, got into a couple games, I think it was kind of apparent to me, at least personally: We’re on the right track.”

When the season started, he was the Kirby Yates that made the All-Star team as the Padres’ closer ve years earlier. As of press time, he’d struck out 55 batters in 392⁄3 innings and had a 1.13 ERA while allowing 0.933 runners per inning. While the Rangers have struggled, Yates has been a sure thing, saving 20 games for the team and winning another three.

The performance earned him a trip back to the Midsummer Classic as an All-Star.

“I’d always been good at putting guys away,” he said. “Last year, I’d get a lot of guys to two strikes, and then I couldn’t put them away. I’d been away from pitching for three years, basically. Three years o , to expect to be the guy you were is probably a little farfetched.”

Still, it was good enough to get him another o er when he became a free agent, and he signed with the defending World Series champions, the Texas Rangers.

“I was in a good spot coming into spring training,” he said. “I had a really good o season, and I was in a di erent spot than I

ter (Ohio State) and Donovan Kaufman (Auburn), cornerback Tamarcus Cooley (Maryland) and others.

“A lot of people think that because we lost Payton, we lost our whole defense,” Vann said.

“That’s de nitely not the case.

The transfer portal has helped play a big role in that. We have some dawgs that are ready to go out there and play. Our defense is going to be really good.”

“It’s something you remember for the rest of your life,” he said. “I’ve got a whole pile of people coming in — family from (his home state) Hawaii, probably over 20 people.”

The honor meant even more to Yates because he knew that getting back was an even tougher task than getting there for the rst time.

“To get back, to get on my feet again this year,” he said, “gives you con dence you can still do this at a very high level. … There’s a lot of satisfaction, with everything I’ve overcome and all the hard work.”

Following ACC Kicko , NC State was picked fourth in the ACC preseason poll, which was the same prediction as 2023, though there are three new teams — Cal, Stanford and SMU — in the conference this year. With expectations so high in Raleigh, the Wolfpack’s new and returning faces just have to be good enough to nish in the top two in order to really make 2024 a “di erent” season.

ERIC CHRISTIAN SMITH / AP PHOTO

GERRY BROOME / AP PHOTO

Hurricanes center Eric Staal, right, celebrates his goal with teammate Bret Hedican during Game 5 of the 2006 Stanley Cup nal. Staal signed a one-day contract with the Hurricanes last week and announced his retirement from hockey.

ADMINISTRATOR CTA’S NOTICE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR

persons, rms or corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned at Post O ce Box 53555, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28305, on or before November 08, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 8th day of August, 2024.

J. Duane Gilliam, Jr. Administrator CTA of the Estate of Richard E. Washburn, Deceased c/o Gilliam Law Firm, PLLC J. Duane Gilliam, Jr., Attorney PO Box 53555 Fayetteville, NC 28305

08/08/2024, 08/15/2024, 08/22/2024 and 08/29/2024

NOTICE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA In The General Court of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Estate File # 24 E 1220 Administrator’s/ Executor’s Notice

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Larry David Wimert, deceased, late of Cumberland County, herby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 13th day of November, 2024, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent

Notice

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Tommy Williams, deceased late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 8th day of November, 2024 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 31st day of July 2024. Twana Williams Administrator/Executor 3939 Dickens Ave Hope Mills NC 28348

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF Janet Marie Brickman Cumberland County Estate File No. 24 E 427 All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Janet Marie Brickman, deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to Teresa McFadden Elliott, Executor, at 6224 Kirkwall Rd., Fayetteville, NC 28311, on or before the 2nd day of November 2024 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Executor named above.

This the 25th day of July, 2024. Teresa McFadden Elliott Executor of the Estate of Janet Marie Brickman Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: August 1, August 8, August 15 and August 22, 2024

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMERBLAND IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE 23E779 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ARCHIE LEE HATCHER ADMINISTRATOR’S NOTICE

The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the estate of Archie Lee Hatcher, deceased, late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 28th day of October, 2024 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 25th day of July, 2024. Cecil Freeman Hatcher 1001 Fleetwood Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28305 Administrator of the estate of Archie Lee Hatcher, deceased Publication Dates

NOTICE

In the General Court Justice Superior Court Division Before the Clerk Estate File # 2024E 001001 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE The undersigned having quali ed as EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE of Annie Hobbs deceased, late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 25th day of 0ctober 2024,( which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 19th day of July,2024. Betty Hobbs-Madden 3232 Innovative ct. Fayetteville, NC 28312

Administrator of the Estate of Annie Hobbs, Deceased 7/25, 8/1, 8/8, 8/15

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

In The General Court Of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division

Estate File# 24E986

Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice

The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator/Executor of the estate of Irene M Cruz, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, Firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 8th day of November, 2024 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 8th day of August, 2024

Alicia Kidd Administrator/Executor 524 Donovan Street Fayetteville, NC 28301

Of the Estate of Irene M Cruz, Deceased

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF CATHERINE DAY/ CATHERINE MCKOY/CATHERINE MCSWAIN CUMBERLAND County Estate File No. 24 E 1206

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Catherine Day aka Catherine McKoy aka Catherine McSwain deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to Hiawatha Blunt and Brenda Hawkes, Co-Administrators, at 1403 Aurora Way, Jamestown, NC 27282, on or before the 1st day of November, 2024 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the CoAdministrators named above. This the 29th day of July, 2024. Hiawatha Blunt Brenda Hawkes Co-Administrators of the Estate of Catherine Day Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311

Run dates: August 1, August 15, August 22 and August 29 , 2024

NOTICE

In The General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Before the Clerk Estate File #24E1204

State of North Carolina

Cumberland County Administrator Notice The undersigned having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of, Linda Underco er Dickens, deceased, late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 10th day of November, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make payment to the undersigned. This is the 30th day of July, 2024.

Administrator of the Estate of Linda Underco er DIckens Christopher Michael Smith P.O. Box 377 Anderson, SC 29622

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE NO. 24-E-1040

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Virgil Raymond Jones, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at 2517 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28305, on or before October 18, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to the said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. Dated this 18th day of July, 2024.

Jennifer Bradford, Administrator of the Estate of Virgil Raymond Jones

NICOLE A. CORLEY

MURRAY, CRAVEN & CORLEY, L.L.P.

N.C. BAR NO. 56459 2517 RAEFORD ROAD

FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28305 – 3007 (910) 483 – 4990

COUNSEL FOR ADMINISTRATOR

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE

The undersigned, having quali ed as the EXECUTOR of the Estate of Kathleen S. Davis, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 18th day of October, 2024 (which date is 3 months after day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 8th day of July, 2024

James A Davis, Jr

Executor 89 Quercus Circle Little Rock, Arkansas 72223

Executor of the Estate of Kathleen S. Davis

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF SUNNY LOBRED CUMBERLAND County Estate File No. 24 E 1018

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Sunny Lobred, deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to Davis W. Puryear, Administrator, at HUTCHENS LAW FIRM, LLP, 4317 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28311, on or before the 25th day of October, 2024 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Administrator named above.

This the 18th day of July, 2024. Davis W. Puryear Administrator of the Estate of Sunny Lobred

Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311

Run dates: July 25, August 1, August 8 and August 15, 2024

NOTICE

In The General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Before the Clerk Estate File # 2024 E 001222 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE

The undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of KENNETH C LOVETT, deceased late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the, 1st day of November,2024,(which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make payment to the undersigned. This 29th day of July,2024 Executor, Kenneth C Lovett II 535 Anson Dr. Fayetteville NC 28311 Of the Estate of Kenneth C Lovett, Deceased

NOTICE

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Mary Ann McNeill, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 25th day of October 2024, (which is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decendent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 19th day of July, 2024

Paula McNeill, Administrator/Executor 6589 Vineyard Drive Fayetteville, NC 28304 Of the Estate of Mary A. McNeill, Deceased

NOTICE

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE #24E 1062 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND

Administrator’s Notice

The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Claudia T. Simpson, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before November 6, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make payment to the undersigned.

Dated this 24rd day of July 2024

Pauline H. Hart, Administrator 414 Barbour Court Fayetteville, NC 28301

Administrator of the Estate of Claudia T. Simpson, Deceased

NOTICE

In the General Court Justice Superior Court Division Before the clerk le 2024E 001011 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE

The undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Robert Terry Jr., deceased Late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all person having a claim against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the October 25, 2024 or this notice will Pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment the undersigned. This 25th day of July 2024 Latisha Davis 209A US Highway 22 East Green Brook, NJ 08812

Administrator of the Estate of Robert Terry Jr.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF CHESTER RAYMOND BOLTON, JR. Cumberland County Estate File No. 24 – E - 792 All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Chester, Raymond Bolton, Jr., deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to Pamela J. Lopez, Administrator, at 8 Windy Knl., Columbia, SC 29229, on or before the 9th day of November, 2024 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Administrator named above. This the 5th day of August, 2024. Pamela Jane Lopez Administrator of the Estate of Chester Raymond Bolton, Jr. Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: August 8, August 15, August 22 and August 29, 2024

ADMINISTRATOR’S NOTICE

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE 24E001178

State of North Carolina

Cumberland County NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having quali ed as the Administrator of the Estate of Jane Foxworth Suggs, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms, or corporations having claims against said estate to present them

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 24 SP 324

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Robert Bryan Russo (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Robert Bryan Russo) to John B. Third, Trustee(s), dated August 30, 2021, and recorded in Book No. 15450, at Page 0001 in Cabarrus County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Cabarrus County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Concord,

CUMBERLAND

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY 23 SP 1081

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Neill P. Guy, II and Deanna Guy, in the original amount of $235,000.00, payable to RBC Centura Bank, dated March 19, 2007 and recorded on April 9, 2007 in Book 7553, Page 506, Cumberland County Registry. Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Cumberland County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Cumberland County, North Carolina, at 2:00PM on August 19, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: All the certain tract or parcel of land situated in the City of Fayetteville in

22 SP 369 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Robert M. Clark and Kelly Clark to H. Terry Hutchens, Trustee(s), which was dated July 22, 2009 and recorded on July 27, 2009 in Book 8210 at Page 0003, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

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

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY 19 SP 828

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Ephraim D. Demons, in the original amount of $60,000.00, payable to The Secretary of Veterans A airs, an O cer of the United States of America, dated January 28, 2005 and recorded on February 1, 2005 in Book 6780, Page 587, Cumberland County Registry.

Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Cumberland County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door or

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 24 SP 396 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Julian O. Yeatts and Pauline P. Yeatts (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Julian O. Yeatts and Pauline P. Yeatts) to M.D. Parker, Trustee(s), dated December 28, 1998, and recorded in Book No. 5007, at Page 0782 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on August 12, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate

Cabarrus County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on August 21, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Concord in the County of Cabarrus, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Lying and being in the City of Concord, Number 2 Township, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and being Lot Number 119 of Cedar Springs, Phase III, Map Two of Two, a map of said property being on le in the o ce of the Register of Deeds for Cabarrus County, North Carolina in Map Book 29, Page 18. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 3634 Cedar Springs Drive Southwest , Concord, North Carolina.

Property Address: 3634 Cedar Springs Drive SW, Concord, NC 28027

Parcel ID: 5519-11-5073-0000

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

Should the property be

Cross Creek Township, Cumberland County, North Carolina, and more particularly described as follows: Parcel A: Being all of Lot One Hundred (100) as shown on a plat entitled “Summertime, Section 4” duly recorded in Book of Plats 47, Page 11, Cumberland County, North Carolina Registry. Parcel B:By a deed dated June 30, 1978, recorded in Book 2662, Page 324, Cumberland County, North Carolina Registry, Broadwell Construction Company has conveyed to Summertime Pond Homeowners Association, Inc. (a not-for-pro t corporation organized under Chapter 55A of the General Statutes of North Carolina) the title to a 4.11 acre tract comprising the Summertime Pond, with said conveyance being made to said corporation so long as the corporate charter of Summertime Pond Homeowners Association, Inc. continues in active existence and no longer. Beginning at the northeast corner of Lot 100, Summertime, Section 4, recorded in Plat Book 47, Page 11, Cumberland County, North Carolina Registry and running thence with the rear line of said Lot 100 the following courses and distances: North 88 degrees 31 minutes West 73.71 feet to a point; North 59 degrees 00 minutes West 56.63 feet to a point in the rear line of Lot 99; thence with the approximate center of a lake North 77 degrees 30 minutes East 126.87 feet to a point in the approximate center of the lake; thence in a southerly direction being the extension of the

is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on August 14, 2024 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit:

Being all of Lot 107 in a subdivision known as Peartree, Section Four, Part One, plat of the same duly recorded in Plat Book 119, Page 117 Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

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

Said property is commonly known as 2919 Chanticleer Court, Fayetteville, NC 28306.

A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory

other usual place of sale in Cumberland County, North Carolina, at 2:00PM on August 13, 2024, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: Being all of Lot 91, in a subdivision known as Lake Rim Estates, Section Three, Part Two, according to a plat of the same being duly recorded in Book of Plats 55, Page 69, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 912 Winterberry Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28314. Tax ID: 9487-60-1536 Third party purchasers must pay the recording cost of the Substitute Trustee’s Deed, any land transfer taxes and the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty- ve Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional

situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PIN 9487-71-7610

BEING all of Lot No. 246 in a Subdivision known as SUNSET PARK, SECTION 3, PART 2, according to a plat of the same duly recorded in Book of Plats 44, Page 41, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 836 Richardson Avenue, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Being the same property described in that Deed recorded in 4850, Page 0391, O ce of the Register of Deeds, Cumberland County, NC.

Being the same property described in that Deed from the Secretary of Veterans A airs to the parties of the rst part named herein, which Deed is to be recorded simultaneously herewith.

This property is being conveyed subject to restrictive covenants, easements and rights of way of record.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole

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

eastern property line of Lot 100 South 01 degree 36 minutes West 58.55 feet, to the beginning, containing 0.11, more or less. The Parcel B is described in accordance with a description furnished by Moorman, Little & Kizer, Inc. dated March 15, 1979, and being the same property conveyed to Christopher S. George and wife, Melissa L. George by deed recorded in Book 6145, Page 641, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Subject to restrictions, reservations, easement, covenants, oil, gas or mineral rights of record, if any. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 180 Ellerslie Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28303. Tax ID: 0417-89-0452 Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty- ve Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid

upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

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

part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing.

Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner of the property is Ephraim D. Demons. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of

discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said

of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to

21.16A(b)(2)).

period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing. Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner of the property is Neill P. Guy, II. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination (North Carolina General Statutes §45-

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

the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold.

this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

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

File No.: 10-03410-FC03

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination (North Carolina General Statutes §4521.16A(b)(2)). Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of termination. If the Trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Substitute Trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale

property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the

CAROLINA

CUMBERLAND COUNTY

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

LARRY EDWARD POWERS, STEFAN

DANIEL POWERS, and JAMES F.

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 24sp351

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY TIMOTHY MARTIN STRICKLAND

DATED DECEMBER 20, 2005 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 7106 AT PAGE 584 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the abovereferenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the

POWERS, JR., Petitioner, VS.

THOMAS D. WRIGHT and wife ANNE M. WRIGHT, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF EDWARD MARTIN WRIGHT II, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF MARY WRIGHT DOLLYHIGH, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF LOUISE WRIGHT COKER, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF LENA MAE WRIGHT a/k/a LENA MAE SCOTT, Respondents.

TO: Nadine Know a/k/a Vivian Nadine Knox 5776 NC Highway 33 NW

courthouse at 11:00AM on August 19, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Timothy Martin Strickland, dated December 20, 2005 to secure the original principal amount of $82,490.00, and recorded in Book 7106 at Page 584 of the Cumberland County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 4981 Butler Nursery Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28306 Tax Parcel ID: 0452-69-4223 Present Record Owners: Timothy Martin Strickland

24 SP 306 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, DAVIDSON COUNTY

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Brittany Nawar to Cynthia Porter eld, Trustee(s), which was dated September 18, 2020 and recorded on September 18, 2020 in Book 2430 at Page 471, Davidson County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DAVIDSON COUNTY 23sp622

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JASON M. MILLS AND MELISSA D. MILLS DATED FEBRUARY 21, 2019 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2347 AT PAGE 1256 AND MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED NOVEMBER 8, 2021 IN BOOK 2513, PAGE 929 IN THE DAVIDSON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA

undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on August 19, 2024 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Davidson County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING KNOWN AND DESIGNATED AS LOTS 10, 11, 12, 13 AND 14, IN BLOCK “J” WAGNER TRACT OF SUNRISE HILLS, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 3, PAGE 40, IN THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OF DAVIDSON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

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

Said property is commonly known as 811 Carolina Avenue, Thomasville, NC 27360.

A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the

debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Davidson County courthouse at 11:00AM on August 21, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Davidson County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Jason M. Mills and Melissa D. Mills, dated February 21, 2019 to secure the original principal amount of $183,612.00, and recorded in Book 2347 at Page 1256 of the Davidson County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 484 Rural Retreat Rd, Winston Salem, NC 27107 Tax Parcel ID: 1300700000037

L. Charles and Bridgett B. Charles) to Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, Trustee(s), dated November 30, 2006, and recorded in Book No. 5436, at Page 139 in Durham County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Durham County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Durham, Durham County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 3:00 PM on August 20, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Durham in the County of Durham, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 9, Block C, Section 2, Casa Grande, as per plat and survey thereof on le in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Durham County in Plat Book 63, Page 65, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description of same. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 4101 Casa Street, Durham, North Carolina. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

Tarboro, NC 27886

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

purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale.

Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing.

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

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

This the ______ day of July, 2024. HUTCHENS LAW FIRM LLP

By:__________________________ J. Haydon Ellis N.C. State Bar No.: 50687 Post O ce Box 2505 Fayetteville, NC 28302 Telephone: (910) 864-6888 Facsimile: (910) 867-8732

Attorneys for Plainti

Dates of Publication: 8.1.24, 8.8.24, and 8.15.24 THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection. IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT

amount of the bid or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING.

knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/ are Brittany Nawar.

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

Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination.

Present Record Owners: Jason M. Mills and Melissa D. Mills The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Jason M. Mills and Melissa D. Mills. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property o ered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds

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

fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. §

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation

the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 5012 Hutchins St, Winston Salem, NC 27106 Tax Parcel ID:

6818-40-1924.000 Present Record Owners: Jean T. Nguessan The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Jean T. Nguessan. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property o ered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY

23 SP 1083

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, FORSYTH COUNTY

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Savannah P. Doby to James C. Steadman, Trustee(s), which was dated January 31, 1990 and recorded on January 31, 1990 in Book 1685 at Page 1819, Forsyth County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door of the

24 SP 259 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, FORSYTH COUNTY

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Belinda J. Hardy to New Salem, Inc., Trustee(s), which was dated June 11, 1996 and recorded on June 11, 1996 in Book 1905 at Page 951, Forsyth County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on August 22, 2024

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, FORSYTH COUNTY

22 SP 78

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Tracey R. Corbett, in the original amount of $187,201.00, payable to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for First National Bank of Pennsylvania, dated February 7, 2018 and recorded on February 7, 2018 in Book RE3389, Page 2570, Forsyth County Registry.

Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE FILE NUMBER: 24 SP 75

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust executed by In the matter of the Foreclosure of that certain Deed of Trust executed by NICHOLAS TROTT payable to SUMMIT FUNDING LLC, lender, to THOMAS & GODLEY, PLLC, Trustee, dated July 17, 2013, and recorded in Book 2255, Page 934 and further modi ed by Agreement recorded on June 15, 2022 in Book 2926, Page 1682 of the Iredell County Public Registry by Anthony Maselli or Genevieve Johnson, either of whom may act, Substitute Trustee, default having been made in the terms of agreement set forth by the loan agreement secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anthony Maselli or Genevieve Johnson, either of whom may act, Substitute Trustee, having been substituted as Successor Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O cial Records of Iredell County, North Carolina, in Book 3042, Page 1656, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Iredell County,

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, JOHNSTON COUNTY 24 SP 000233-500

county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on August 22, 2024 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Forsyth County, North Carolina, to wit:

BEING known and designated as lot no. 28 as shown on the map of East Winston Development Company recorded in the o ce of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina in Plat book 2 page 72.

Also being known and designated as block 535 lot 28, Forsyth County Tax Maps.

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

Said property is commonly known as 215 N Graham Avenue, Winston Salem, NC 27101.

A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the

at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Forsyth County, North Carolina, to wit:

BEING KNOWN AND DESIGNATED as Lot No. 40 as shown on the plat entitled Easton as recorded in Plat Book 14 Page 23 in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description.

Also being known and designated as block 2377 lot 40, Forsyth County Tax Maps.

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

Said property is commonly known as 1003 Nancy Ln, Winston-Salem, NC 27107.

A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater,

for sale at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Forsyth County, North Carolina, at 10:00A.M. on August 13, 2024, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit:

Being known and designated as Lot 15, Lowery Mill, Section 4, Plat Book 62, Page 31, in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description.

Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 2668 Chari Park Lane, Walkertown, NC 27051. Tax ID: 6857-79-2880.000 Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty- ve Cents (0.45) per each One

North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on Friday, August 16, 2024 at 12:30pm, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Iredell, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 4744 27 1317 000 ADDRESS: 511 QUEENS CT., STATESVILLE, NC 28677 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): NICHOLAS TROTT THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF IREDELL, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 2255, PAGE 934 AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT AN IRON STAKE IN THE NORTHERN MARGIN OF QUEENS COURT, 91 FEET NORTH 51’ DEG. 30 MIN. EAST FROM THE NORTHEASTERN INTERSECTION OF BOST STREET AND QUEENS COURT, IN THE CITY OF STATESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA, A NEW CORNER OF THE PROPERTY OF THOMAS H. STEELE AND WIFE, GRACE B. STEELE, AND RUNNING THENCE WITH THE NORTHERLY MARGIN OF QUEENS COURT NORTH 51 DEG. 30 MIN. EAST 61 FEET TO AN IRON STAKE; THENCE NORTH 46 DEG. 15 MIN. WEST 159 FEET TO A STAKE; THENCE SOUTH 47 DEG. 30MIN. WEST 53 FEET TO AN IRON STAKE; THENCE SOUTH 47 DEG. EAST 97.6 FEET TO AN IRON STAKE; THENCE SOUTH 40 DEG. EAST 55 FEET TO THE BEGINNING AND BEING ALL OF LOT NO. 3 OF QUEEN COURT, THOMAS

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Leland Jasper Daughtry, Jr., and Robin B. Daughtry aka Robin G. Daughtry, in the original amount of $35,656.04, payable to Bene cial Mortgage Co. of North Carolina, dated December 31, 2008 and recorded on January 6, 2009 in Book 3640, Page 773 , Johnston County Registry. Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Johnston County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Johnston County, North Carolina, at 2:00 pm on August 13, 2024, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: All that certain property situated in the City of Selma in the County of Johnston and State of North Carolina, being more fully described in Deed dated 11/09/1998 and recorded 11/18/1998, among the Land Records of the County and State set forth above, in Deed Volume 1765 and Page 714. Tax Map or Parcel ID No: 14016010 Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 600 Lizzie Street, Selma NC 27576. Tax ID: 14016010 Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General

purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale.

Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing.

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

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

will be required at the time of the sale.

Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing.

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

Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance

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

Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing. Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner of the property is Tracey R. Corbett. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina

H. STEELE PROPERTY, STATESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA, IN PLAT WHICH IS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 3, PAGE 29, OF THE PLAT RECORDS FOR IREDELL COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, REFERENCE TO WHICH PLAT IS HEREBY MADE FOR FURTHER DESCRIPTION.

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

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

Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty- ve Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing. Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owners of the property are Leland Jasper Daughtry, Jr., and Robin B. Daughtry.

the current owner(s) of the property is/ are All Lawful Heirs of Savannah Parker Doby.

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

are All Lawful Heirs of Belinda J. Hardy

a/k/a Belinda Joyce Hardy.

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

General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination (North Carolina General Statutes §4521.16A(b)(2)). Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of termination. If the Trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy

A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than

petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Substitute Trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Anchor Trustee Services, LLC Substitute Trustee By: _____________________________

Ellen Anne Wiggins, NCSB #55909 McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC Attorney for Anchor Trustee Services, LLC 3550 Engineering Drive, Suite 260 Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 404-474-7149 (phone) 404-745-8121 (fax) Ewiggins@mtglaw.com

90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination. THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection. IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANK-RUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY.

Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 651 Brook eld Parkway, Suite 103 Greenville, South Carolina 29607 Phone: (470) 321-7112, Ext. 204 Fax: 1-919-800-3528 RAS File Number: [24-176473]

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination (North Carolina General Statutes §4521.16A(b)(2)). Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of termination. If the Trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Substitute Trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Anchor Trustee Services, LLC Substitute Trustee By: _____________________________ David W. Neill, Bar #23396 McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC Attorney for Anchor Trustee Services, LLC 3550 Engineering Drive, Suite 260 Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 404-474-7149 (phone) 404-745-8121 (fax) dneill@mtglaw.com

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE FILE NUMBER: 24SP000085-500

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust executed by DAVID SHERRILL WOODARD AND BRENDA JOYCE WOODARD payable to LOANDEPOT. COM, LLC, lender, to WFG NATIONAL TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY, Trustee, dated December 18, 2018, and recorded in Book 5274, Page 773 of the Johnston County Public Registry by Anthony Maselli or Genevieve Johnson, either of whom may act, Substitute Trustee, default having been made in the terms of agreement set forth by the loan agreement secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anthony Maselli or Genevieve Johnson, either of whom may act, having been substituted as Successor Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O cial Records of Johnston County, North Carolina, in Book 6616, Page 716, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Johnston County, North Carolina, or

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 24 SP 36

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Rita M. Patterson and Terry D. Patterson (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Rita M. Patterson and Terry D. Patterson) to Rebecca W. Shaia, Trustee(s), dated June 18, 2007, and recorded in Book No. 3252, at Page 493 in Moore County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Moore County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Carthage, Moore County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for

the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 12:00pm, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Johnston, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 17J07019J ADDRESS: 55 POWELL DR., SMITHFIELD, NC 27577 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): DAVID SHERRILL WOODARD AND BRENDA JOYCE WOODARD THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF JOHNSTON, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 5274, PAGE 773 AS FOLLOWS: BEING LOT 40, CONTAINING 0.919 ACRE, ACCORDING TO A PLAT OF GLENVIEW ACRES SUBDIVISION SECTION 4, RECORDED AT PLAT BOOK 37, PAGE 377, JOHNSTON COUNTY REGISTRY, TO WHICH REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE FOR A MORE PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION. SITUATE IN THE COUNTY OF JOHNSTON, STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the

foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on August 15, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Carthage in the County of Moore, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 1, containing 2.00 acres, and Lot 2, containing 2.00 acres, as shown on a plat entitled “Survey for Frank & Norma Jean Whitt Greenwood Township, Moore County, North Carolina” dated March 10, 2000, prepared by Melvin A. Graham, PLS, as appears of record in Plat Cabinet 7, at Slide 870, to which record reference is hereby made for a more complete description of said lot. For further reference see Book 1669, at Page 336 and Book 1772, at Page 50. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 280 Monroe Road, Carthage, North Carolina.

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

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00)

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

A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to

required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to

this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property: An order for possession of the property may

at Page 324 in New Hanover County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modi ed by the following: A Loan Modi cation recorded on April 30, 2020, in Book No. 6307, at Page 1117, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds New Hanover County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 24 SP 93 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Billy Ray Hat eld, Jr. (deceased) and Debra Hat eld (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Billy R. Hat eld, Heirs of Billy R. Hat eld a/k/a Billy Ray Hat eld, Jr.: Debra Hat eld a/k/a Debra P. Hat eld, Billy Ray Hat eld, III, Christine Hat eld Hall, Christopher Allen Hat eld; Heirs of Christopher Allen Hat eld: Nia King, Madison Hat eld, Christopher Allen Hat eld, Royal Hat eld) to Karen Lamm, Trustee(s), dated April 21, 2006, and recorded in Book No. 2642, at Page 161 in Onslow County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Onslow County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on August 14, 2024 and will sell to the highest

Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Wilmington, New Hanover County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on August 13, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Castle Hayne in the County of New Hanover, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being Parcel 2 as shown on map entitled “Map of Division for Rose K. Bordeaux” and recorded in Map Book 57, Page 374 New Hanover County Registry, reference to said map being hereby made for a more particular description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1521 Oakley Road, Castle Hayne, North Carolina.

A.P.N. #: R03306-003-003-000

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

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Jacksonville in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: The land referred to in this Commitment is described as follows: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in Onslow County, North Carolina, and more particularly described as follows: Commencing at a point where the centerline of NCSR 1212 (Pony Farm Road, 60-foot right of way) intersects the centerline of NCSR 1213 (Blue Creek Road); thence with the centerline of NCSR 1212 in a southern direction 0.2+/miles to an existing pk nail located in the centerline of NCSR 1212 over a 30-inch R. C. P. ; thence South 05-14-57 East 874.33 feet to an iron carriage bolt set in the centerline of NCSR 1212; thence leaving said centerline South 86-40-00 West 30.00 feet an existing iron rebar located in the western right of way of said NCSR 1212, the point of beginning; thence from said beginning point and with said right of way South 03-26-30 East 100.05 feet to an existing iron rebar; thence leaving said right of way South 86-40-21 West 435.48 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence North 03-20-00 West 100.00 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence North 86-40-00 East 435.29 feet to the point of beginning, containing 1.0 acre (by coordinates), and being that property recorded in Deed Book 871, Page 534, Onslow County Registry, and being shown on a map entitled survey for “Billy Ray Hat eld, Jr.”, Jacksonville Township Onslow County, North Carolina, dated August 23, 1996,

The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance

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

A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole

made by David T. Weston, Registered Land Surveyor (L-3588), Richlands, NC. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1888 Pony Farm Road, Jacksonville, North Carolina.

TAX ID#: PARCEL ID #: 324-312

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1888 PONY FARM ROAD JACKSONVILLE NC, 28540 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance

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

this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property

An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S.

is

in which the

of the

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

remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property

An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

person who occupies

property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 24 SP 58 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Sai Baba Hospitality of NC, LLC (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Sai Baba Hospitality of NC, LLC) to Cuong Tran, Trustee(s), dated September 18, 2009, and recorded in Book No. 3298, at Page 111 in Onslow County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Onslow County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on August 14, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real

23 SP 201 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

estate situated in Jacksonville in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows:

EXHIBIT “A” In the City of Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina BEING ALL of Lot 9 as described in the plat entitled “Foxhorn Village, Section I - Phase I, Revised Portion #2” by Barden Lanier and Associates dated November 24, 1986 recorded in Map Book 24 Page 107, Slide D-55. Being also all of the same property described in a Warranty Deed from James McCotter Investment Company et al to Jacksonville Super 8 Motel, Ltd. dated December 23, 1986 recorded December 31, 1986 in Book 813 Page 285. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2149 North Marine Boulevard, Jacksonville, North Carolina.

EXHIBIT “B” Hazardous Substances The following Hazardous Substances are or have been used, treated, stored, generated, manufactured, transported or otherwise handled on the Property: Any substances reasonably related to operations of a hotel, motel or inn.

EXHIBIT “C” Underground Storage Tanks

The following is a description of each underground storage tank and associated

piping located on or under the Property, including a description for each tank of its location, age status (in use, out of service of decommissioned), contents (if out of use, the most recent contents), capacity, type of construction, corrosion protection, leak detection system, over ll protection and results of tank testing (including date and method of testing): NONE Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any

and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater,

ISLEY, AN UNMARRIED MAN.

OF FORECLOSURE SALE FILE NUMBER: 24 SP 73 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust executed by BRADLEY WINEBARGER AND TINA DAWN PATTERN payable to ATLANTIC BAY MORTGAGE GROUP, LLC, lender, to JOSH COSTNER, Trustee, dated May 23, 2022, and recorded in Book D 2349, Page 115 of the Robeson County Public Registry by Anthony Maselli or Genevieve Johnson, either of whom may act, Substitute Trustee, default having been made in the terms of agreement set forth by the loan agreement secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anthony Maselli or Genevieve Johnson, either of whom may act, having been substituted as Successor Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O cial Records of Robeson County, North Carolina, in Book D2451, Page 84, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Robeson

BEING ALL of Lot No. 13 of the Arthur Ross

Subdivision as shown by plat recorded in Plat Book 1, Page 67, in the o ce of the Register of Deeds of Randolph County, North Carolina. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 627 Home Avenue, Asheboro, NC 27203. A certi ed check only (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration

NORTH CAROLINA, RANDOLPH COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Deiondre L Isley to John B Third, Trustee(s), which was dated June 17, 2019 and recorded on June 17, 2019 in Book 2654 at Page 292, Randolph County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on August 20, 2024 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Randolph County, North Carolina, to wit: ASHEBORO TOWNSHIP, RANDOLPH COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA:

County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on Thursday, August 15, 2024 at 12:30pm, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Robeson, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 322801009 ADDRESS: 308 E 17TH ST., LUMBERTON, NC 28358 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): BRADLEY WINEBARGER AND TINA DAWN PATTERN THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF ROBESON, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK D 2349, PAGE 115 AS FOLLOWS: BEING ALL OF LOT D, BLOCK 535, IN A SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS LINDELL, AND THE SAME BEING DULY RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 2, PAGE 123, ROBESON COUNTY REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA. PARCEL ID: 3228-01-009 PROPERTY ADDRESS: 308 E 17TH STREET, LUMBERTON, NC 28358 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents

of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are DEIONDRE L.

($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the

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

days after

sale date

notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)].

deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination.

Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Union County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the Judicial Center in Monroe, Union County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:00 PM on August 13, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Stallings in the County of Union, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Tax Id Number(s): 07102251 Land Situated in the City of Matthews in the County of Union in the State of NC. BEING all of Lot 54 Forest Park Subdivision, Section 4, as shown on a plat duly recorded in Plat Cabinet F at File 438 a reviseion of Plat Cabinet F at File 116, Union County Registry, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular metes and bounds description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 627 White Oak Lane, Stallings, North Carolina. Commonly known as: 627 White Oak Lane, Stallings, NC 28104 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 19 SP 48 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Latoya Clyburn and Rodney Lamont Lockhart (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Latoya Clyburn) to Fidelity National Title, Trustee(s), dated March 9, 2018, and recorded in Book No. 07116, at Page 0504 in Union County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Union County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the Judicial Center in Monroe, Union County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:00

PM on August 22, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Indian Trail in the County of Union, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 29 of Spanish Moss at Brandon Oaks Phase 8, Map 3 as same is shown on plat recorded in Cabinet J, File 146 in the Union County, North Carolina Public Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1009 Spanish Moss Road, Indian Trail, North Carolina.

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

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

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

A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to

this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15

for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property

Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination. THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection. IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 651 Brook eld Parkway, Suite 103 Greenville, South Carolina

UNION

ROBESON

RANDOLPH

SECOND AMENDED NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION

FILE NO.: 24 CVS 017034-910

NORTH CAROLINA WAKE COUNTY

COASTAL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, Plainti , vs.

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

23SP001983-910

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by William Jeremy James Springthorpe and Nicole Springthorpe (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): William Jeremy James Springthorpe and Nicole Springthorpe) to Allan B. Polunsky, Trustee(s), dated July 7, 2017, and recorded in Book No. 16838, at Page 2240 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in

24SP000725-910 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Juan Pablo Carvajal, Unmarried Man to Blue Door Homes LLC., Trustee(s), which was dated March 22, 2022 and recorded on March 22, 2022 in Book 018962 at Page 00717, Wake County Registry, North Carolina.

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

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 24SP000126-910

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY CARL E. STEWART DATED NOVEMBER 16, 2001 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 9168 AT PAGE 2383 IN THE WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the abovereferenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Wake County courthouse

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 23SP003749-910

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY CHARLES E. JACKSON AND JOHNNA B. JACKSON DATED SEPTEMBER 26, 2001 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 9089 AT PAGE 2205 AND MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED FEBRUARY 2, 2017 IN BOOK 16685, PAGE 1 AND FURTHER MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED MAY 26, 2022 IN BOOK 19038 AT PAGE 260 IN THE WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the abovereferenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23SP001712-910 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust

SHERMAN JOSEPH a/k/a SHERMAN

SHERWIN JOSESPH; DENEY JOSEPH a/k/a DENEY NICOLE KRYSTEL

SERIEUX JOSEPH; Et. Al., Defendants. TO:

Sherman Joseph a/k/a Sherman Sherwin Joseph 1505 Farthingale Court Raleigh, North Carolina 27603

DeNey Joseph a/k/a DeNey Nicole Krystel Serieux Joseph 1505 Farthingale Court Raleigh, North Carolina 27603 Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been led in the above entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: The Plainti in the above entitled action has led with the Clerk of Superior Court’s o ce of Wake County, North Carolina, a civil action concerning one parcel of real property located at 1505 Farthingale Court, Raleigh, North Carolina 27603. You are required to make defense to such pleading no later than September 17, 2024 (40 days from date of rst publication) and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought.

Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on August 19, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Willow Spring in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 43, Phase Two, Rowland Meadows Subdivision, as shown on map recorded in Book of Maps 2007, Pages 1133-1135, inclusive, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 533 Spruce Meadows Lane, Willow Spring, North Carolina.

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

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered

location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on August 21, 2024 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit:

BEING all of Lot 167, Lynnwood Blu Townhomes, recorded in Book of Maps 2013, Pages 135-139, Wake County Registry.

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

Said property is commonly known as 6260 Pesta Ct, Raleigh, NC 27612.

A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale.

Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing.

at 11:00AM on August 13, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Carl E. Stewart, dated November 16, 2001 to secure the original principal amount of $65,500.00, and recorded in Book 9168 at Page 2383 of the Wake County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 8048 Mount Pleasant Church Rd, Willow Spring, NC 27592 Tax Parcel ID: 0696834894 Present Record Owners: The Estate of Carl E. Stewart The record owner(s) of the property,

contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Wake County courthouse at 11:00AM on August 22, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Charles E. Jackson and Johnna B. Jackson, dated September 26, 2001 to secure the original principal amount of $155,193.00, and recorded in Book 9089 at Page 2205 of the Wake County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 3213 Flowery Branch Rd, Raleigh, NC 27610 Tax Parcel ID:

This the ___day of August, 2024. HUTCHENS LAW FIRM LLP

By: _____________________________

Davis W. Puryear State Bar Number: 49475 Post O ce Box 2505 Fayetteville, NC 28302 Telephone: (910) 864-6888 Facsimile: (910) 864-6848 Davis.puryear@hutchenslaw rm.com

Attorneys for Plainti

Dates of Publication: August 8, 2024, August 15, 2024, and August 22, 2024

THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection. IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY.

pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the

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

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

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

0287823 Present Record Owners: Charles Jackson and Johnna Jackson aka Joanna Jackson The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Charles Jackson and Johnna Jackson aka Joanna Jackson. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property o ered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and

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

seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing. SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or

encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit

this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the

was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination. The date of this Notice is June 26, 2024. Jason K. Purser, NCSB# 28031 Aaron Gavin, NCSB# 59503 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.LOGS.com Posted: By: 23-117563

Land situated in the City of Raleigh in the County of Wake in the State of NC

Land situated in the Township of Bartons Creek in the County of Wake in the State of NC

BEING all of Lot 277, BENT TREE SOUTH SUBDIVISION, PHASE 1B, as recorded in Book of Maps 1991, Page 984, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 8713 Carriage Tour Lane, Raleigh, North Carolina. Commonly known as: 8713 Carriage Tour Lane, Raleigh, NC 27615-3148

The Property address and Tax Parcel Identi cation number listed are provided solely for Informational purposes. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole

00935 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on August 12, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Raleigh in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Tax Id Number(s): 0189695

discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement

action.

The nature of the relief being sought against is as follows: Money Owed

You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than September 5, 2024, and upon your failure to do so the party against you will apply to the court for the relief sought.

This, the 23 day of July, 2024.

Grady Ingle, The Ingle Law Firm, PA 13801 Reese Blvd West Suite 160 Huntersville, NC 28078 980-771-0717

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS THE UNDERSIGNED, Dana Roland, having quali ed on the 1st day of July 2024, as Collector of the Estate of Ralphanne Benoy (2024-E-970), deceased, does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said Estate that they must present them to the undersigned at DAVID E. ANDERSON, PLLC, 9111 Market Street, Suite A, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28411, on or before the 4th day of November, 2024, or the claims will be forever barred thereafter, and this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery.

All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make prompt payment to the undersigned at the above address. This 1st day of August 2024. Dana Roland Collector ESTATE OF RALPHANNE BENOY David Anderson Attorney at Law 9111 Market St, Ste A Wilmington, NC 28411

Publish: August 1, 2024 August 8, 2024 August 15, 2024 August 22, 2024

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS THE UNDERSIGNED, Eric M. Cardamone, having quali ed on the 1st day of July 2024, as Executor of the Estate of Louis Cardamone (2024-E969), deceased, does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said Estate that they must present them to the undersigned at DAVID E. ANDERSON, PLLC, 9111

Market Street, Suite A, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28411, on or before the 4th day of November, 2024, or the claims will be forever barred thereafter, and this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery.

All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make prompt payment to the undersigned at the above address. This 1st day of August 2024. Eric M. Cardamone Executor ESTATE OF LOUIS CARDAMONE

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

Publish: August 1, 2024 August 8, 2024 August 15, 2024 August 22, 2024

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS THE UNDERSIGNED, Stephen L. Malpass, having quali ed on the 8th day of July 2024, as Executor of the Estate of Margie R. Olive (2024-E389), deceased, does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said Estate that they must present them to the undersigned at DAVID E. ANDERSON, PLLC, 9111 Market Street, Suite A, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28411, on or before the 28th day of October, 2024, or the claims will be forever barred thereafter, and this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery.

All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make prompt payment to the undersigned at the above address. This 25th day of July 2024. Stephen L. Malpass

Executor ESTATE OF MARGIE R. OLIVE

David Anderson

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

Publish: July 25, 2024

August 1, 2024 August 8, 2024 August 15, 2024

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, EMMETT V. RICHARDSON, III, having quali ed as the Executorof the Estate of SYLVIA

TRUMAN GENTRY RICHARDSON , Deceased, hereby noti es all persons, rms or corporations having claims against the Decedent to exhibit same to the said EMMETT V. RICHARDSON, III, at the address set out below, on or before November 6, 2024, or this notice may be pleaded in bar of any payment or recovery of same. All persons indebted to said Decedent will please make immediate payment to the undersigned at the address set out below.

This the 30th day of July, 2024.

EMMETT V. RICHARDSON, III

Executor OF THE ESTATE OF SYLVIA TRUMAN GENTRY RICHARDSON c/o ROBERT H. HOCHULI, JR.

219 RACINE DR., SUITE #A6 Wilmington, NC 28405

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF SHIRLEY C. BRYAN ONSLOW County Estate File No. 24 E 1688

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Shirley Jeannette Campbell Bryan aka Shirley C. Bryan, deceased, of Onslow County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to Margaret Bryan, Administrator, at 2110 Lake Shannon Dr., Fayetteville, NC 28312, on or before the 9th day of November, 2024 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Administrator named above.

This the 31st day of July, 2024.

Margaret Bryan Administrator of the Estate of Shirley C. Bryan

Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311

Run dates: August 8, August 15, August 22, and August 29, 2024

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA RANDOLPH COUNTY In the General Court of Justice District Court Division File No. 24 CVD 1408

Penny Elaine Miller Isom, Plainti vs Jimmy Lee Isom, et als., Defendants. To: Jimmy Lee Isom Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been led in the aboveentitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Declaratory Judgment. You are required to make defense to such

Quick trip to the hardware store

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Tropical storm could bring 6 to 8 inches of rain

With a half-foot or more of rain expected in the next few days, preparing for potential evacuations or power outages is essential. Emergency o cials suggest the following simple steps to make sure you’re prepared:

• Make a plan: Outline a communications and evacuation plan for your family. If you have any pets or livestock, include them in your plan.

• Assemble an emergency kit: It should include a three-day supply of non-perishable food, water and medication, as well as any other items you might need in case of a power outage, such as a ashlight, radio and batteries.

• Charge your cell phone: This will allow you to stay connected to emergency and safety updates even if the power goes out.

• Secure outdoor items: Safely store lawn furniture, decorations, toys, garbage cans and other items that can be brought indoors. Tie down larger objects like boats and trailers.

• Fuel up: Fill vehicles before the storm as a loss of power could put gas pumps out of commission.

• Watch for downed trees and power lines: Understanding precautions associated with downed powerlines is important at any time, but especially during an event such as this. If you should observe downed powerlines, please report it immediately and stay far away from the area. Downed powerlines can carry an electric current strong enough to cause serious injury or death. They can also electrify the ground and nearby objects as much as 30 feet away from the line itself. Additionally, when approaching electric utility crews or emergency responders working on the side of the road, slow down and leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the workers.

Stanly commissioners introduce new EDC director

Elizabeth Underwood began her new role in July

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

ALBEMARLE — Stanly County has a new economic development director in town.

At the board of commissioners meeting on Aug. 5, county leaders hosted an o cial introduction for Mooresville native Elizabeth Underwood, who has accepted the county’s o er to lead the Stanly County Economic Development Commission.

“It’s a pleasure to be with you.

I’m honored to serve as your new economic development director,” Underwood told board members. “You know where to nd me when you have ques-

tions, comments, and concerns.

I’m really looking forward to working with you to strategically grow Stanly County together.”

The Stanly County Economic Development Commission works with industries and prospective companies interested

Albemarle City Council receives update on strategic plan

The city completed or began 89% of the 89 tactics for the prior year

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

ALBEMARLE — During its meeting on Monday night, the Albemarle City Council received a sta presentation on the accomplishments of the city’s strategic plan for the past year, as well as the tactics for the upcoming year.

Assistant City Manager Darren Rhodes provided council members with updates on the overall progress of the City of Albemarle’s set goals as the city enters the third year of the strategic plan.

“The strategic plan allows

us to prioritize what the city is going to do each year, consistent with what the citizens’ and council’s desires are,” Rhodes said. “We had the most recent survey completed last year at the end of the year. We’ve had numerous council workshops and department head retreats, all designed to re ne the plan each year to make sure it keeps us accountable.”

The city’s strategic plan was drafted on the basis of community survey responses and city sta feedback before it was adopted by the council on May 2, 2022, outlining the city’s goals and objectives through 2026.

Speci cally, the plan aims for an ideal vision as established in the original overview: “Albemarle will be a place where all people can develop

their potential, bringing neighbors together to support a connected community.”

Rhodes mentioned that Albemarle had either completed or began 89% of the city’s 89 tactics from the previous year, adding that the other 11% had not been started due to budget constraints or lack of capacity; many of those tactics have been carried over to Year 3 of the plan.

Rhodes reviewed 10 main accomplishments in the plan’s second year, which included funding for additional sta positions such as assistant parks and recreation director, paralegal, eet maintenance mechanic, and customer service representative.

Additionally, the city’s re department was able to put

in expanding business operations to the county. By consulting with networks of real estate service providers, the commission is designed to develop and market human resources, sites, and buildings.

Underwood began her new position on July 15, replacing former EDC director Candice Lowder, who stepped down from the role after ve years of service to join Stanly Community College as the associate vice president of career connections.

Underwood has previously served as the workforce development manager with Lake Norman Economic Development for the past three years. Prior to that, she served as the economic development specialist with Beaufort County Economic Development in Washington, North Carolina.

Underwood was recently awarded as the 2024 Emerging Leader of the Year at the North Carolina Economic Development Association annual conference, where the NCEDA

new engine No. 2 in service. Albemarle committed to fully funding elements of compensation philosophy, while also continuing to fund Public Utilities transition Advanced Meter Infrastructure (smart meters) with an outage management system.

The city also replaced the HVAC System at City Hall — the rst part of a three-year project — and facilitated the site pad completion for the Albemarle Business Center. Rhodes went on to list the completion of the Courthouse Plaza project, the city’s support of the Stanly Community College Line Technician program,

THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

PHOTO COURTESY OF STANLYTV

Elizabeth Underwood was o cially introduced as Stanly County’s new economic development director on Aug. 5

Bryson City native Evy Leibfarth won bronze for the United States in the women’s canoe single competition at the 2024 Summer Olympics in France. Above right, Leibfarth, in pink, also competed in the women’s kayak cross nals.

We stand corrected

To report an error or a suspected error, please email: corrections@nsjonline. com with “Correction request” in the subject line.

CRIME LOG

July 30

• Garrett Dean Almond, 36, was arrested for felony larceny.

• Tony Ray Aldridge, 55, was arrested for crime against nature and cruelty to animals.

July 31

• James Hubbert McCain, 28, was arrested for multiple counts of statutory sex o ense with a child by an adult.

• Timothy Lee Hudson, 50, was arrested for assault on a female, parole violation, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, breaking or entering and harassing phone calls.

• Douglas Ray Hoyt, 32, was arrested for nonsupport of child.

August 1

• James Phillip Meggs, 51, was arrested for assault on a female.

• Bridgett Casandra Blunt, 64, was arrested for resisting a public o cer, fugitive from justice, shoplifting concealment of goods, misdemeanor larceny and felony possession of cocaine.

• Omarion Khibre Hinson, 19, was arrested for multiple counts of misdemeanor probation violation out of county, robbery with a dangerous weapon and conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon.

SATURDAY

TUESDAY

MONDAY AUG

PGA Tour gets new sponsor for Quail Hollow

The tournament is one of eight events with a $20 million purse

By Doug Ferguson The Associated Press

TRUIST FINANCIAL

CORP. is taking over as title sponsor for the PGA Tour’s signature event at Quail Hollow Club with a seven-year commitment, which includes a oneyear detour in 2025 to Philadelphia Cricket Club.

The deal secures top-level golf in Charlotte after Wells Fargo decided not to renew its sponsorship.

The Truist Championship will be the fourth name of the tournament that began in 2003 and immediately grew into a top tournament mainly through word-of-mouth from players who raved about Quail Hollow Club.

Quail Hollow is holding the PGA Championship for the second time next year. Truist and the PGA Tour chose to take

the tournament to Philadelphia Cricket Club and its century-old Wissahickon Course.

The tournament went to Eagle Point in Wilmington, North Carolina, when Quail Hollow hosted the PGA Championship in 2017. It went to the TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm in Maryland in 2019 when Quail Hollow had the Presidents Cup.

“Securing this event and keeping it here in Charlotte has been really, really important and needs to be celebrated for Truist and Quail Hollow Club and the overall greater Charlotte region. This event has a strong reach,” said Bill Rogers, chairman and CEO of Truist Financial.

Truist is the result of the largest bank merger since the 2008 recession, combining BB&T and Sun Trust.

The seven-year deal assures the PGA Tour having a signature event at Quail Hollow, the club run by Johnny Harris, who has spared no expense over the years.

“The PGA Tour cannot host

our events without a title spon-

sor that makes a multiyear commitment,” Commissioner Jay Monahan said. “When you’re building a championship, when you’re building a presence, when you’re constantly looking to improve, to have that certainty with ... the golf course so that the Harrises can continue to plan and know that they have their respective commitment, that’s exceedingly important.”

He said the seven-year deal was a term Truist and the tour felt was the right start and “the right statement to make to the Charlotte community.”

The Truist Championship now is among the eight signature events that o er a $20 million purse, with $3.6 million going to the winner, and a limited eld with no cut. Rory McIlroy won last year over Xander Schau ele.

The signature events get the strongest elds, though they are not mandatory. Quail Hollow last year fell one week before the PGA Championship on

the PGA Tour’s schedule. The 2025 schedule has not been released.

Wachovia was the inaugural title sponsor in 2003 through 2008. The tournament did not have a title sponsor until Wells Fargo took over in 2011. The bank chose not to renew late last year amid reports it was not interested in the rising cost. The purse went from $9 million in 2022 to $20 million as a signature event the next two years.

The PGA Tour also is taking over management of the tournament from Pro Links Sport. Now it goes to the Championship Management arm of the tour, which also runs events like the Presidents Cup, The Players Championship and the Tour Championship.

The announcement is the second in the last few weeks on replacing title sponsors. Procore is replacing Fortinet as the title sponsor of the Napa, California, tournament that starts the fall portion of the PGA Tour schedule.

COUNCIL from page 1

a successful Downtown Revitalization workshop on utilizing Historic Tax Credits, and the conducting of a new community survey.

For Year 3, Albemarle has put forth 83 tactics to accomplish within the strategic plan.

local resources to improve safety and security, and provide a nancial boost to infrastructure and service delivery e ciency.

Additionally, Albemarle is set to unveil community and economic growth opportunities to bene t both residents and businesses.

sizing his opinion that education needs to be an ongoing factor in the city’s overall set of goals.

The city will focus on organizational capacity by investing in the workforce, enhance

EDC from page 1

honored her assistance with the PIVOT Manufacturing Internship Program. The program, led by Lake Norman Economic Development, is a paid-manufacturing internship opportunity for 20 high school students

“Elizabeth’s tangible economic development related experience in a growing and fast paced community along with her demonstrated network of contacts at a regional and statewide level will position her well

Councilmember Chris Bramlett provided feedback for the presentation, empha-

for success in this new role,” County Manager Andy Lucas wrote in a press release. “The county interviewed several quali ed candidates, but Elizabeth’s passion, energy, connections and creativity stood out among the other candidates.

“It’s a pleasure to have her here and we look forward to great things to come,” Lucas said during the commissioners meeting, adding that Underwood has a “tremendous amount” of experience in the eld.

“Her and her ance have al-

“I’ve preached for years that our biggest drawback to economic development in Albemarle is our school system,” Bramlett said. “I would encourage you to get on that. We’ve got to in uence them on behalf of the city of Albemarle to do something about our

ready relocated here and moved to Stanly County, so we’re really excited about welcoming them to the community.”

Underwood, a graduate of UNC Charlotte, is currently serving as the chair of the Emerging Executives Committee for the North Carolina Economic Development Association, which provides mentorship for newcomers in the eld of economic development.

Two years ago, Underwood received her credential as a certi ed North Carolina economic developer; she is cur -

schools…It looks like a very good strategic plan.”

Rhodes concluded his strategic plan presentation by thanking the council for its involvement in the planning stage: “You all had a lot to do with it, and I appreciate your help and support.”

The Albemarle City Council is set to meet again on Aug. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. THURSDAY

rently a candidate to receive her national credential later this year.

Last year, she teamed up with Greene County EDC Director Trey Cash to launch a biweekly podcast called “The New Economic Developers on the Block,” which features interviews with leaders in economic development from across the state. The commissioners are set to hold their next regular meeting on Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. inside the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at Stanly County Commons.

CHRIS CARLSON / AP PHOTO

Rory McIlroy hoists the trophy after winning the Wells Fargo Championship golf tournament at the Quail Hollow Club in May.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

‘Donald being Donald’

A president who is not disciplined about what they say and do is not someone who is up to the job.

IN HER 2019 MEMOIR, Kamala Harris wrote, “My mother understood very well that she was raising two black daughters. She knew her adopted homeland would see Maya and me as black girls, and she was determined to make sure we would grow into con dent, proud black women.”

As she did, when she dismissed Donald Trump’s unbelievable attack on her blackness as the “same old show” of “divisiveness and disrespect.” Or to quote Ronald Reagan’s ultimate dismissal of Jimmy Carter’s attacks, “There you go again.”

It was Trump, being “weird” again. There was no need for Harris to say any more. Every news story underscored the fact that the Howard-educated former president of the Black Law Students Association at Hastings Law has nothing to prove about her blackness.

So why did Trump say it? And why choose an audience of black journalists as your audience? What was he doing there in the rst instance?

To the extent that there is a racist vote in this country, Trump already has it. He doesn’t need to say a word.

Leaders of his own party — including the current and former speaker of the House, as well as top strategists who he is clearly (by their own leaks) ignoring — have warned

COLUMN | JASON SIMMONS

him and other Republicans away from frontal racial assaults. They alienate more swing voters than they attract. The message we were supposed to be hearing this week was all about her record as a supposedly liberal district attorney with a bad record on the border.

Instead, in a feat of derring-do, Donald Trump stole back the headlines from Harris’ stunning debut — and J.D. Vance’s Dan Quayle-like nightmare — to become the star of the week, the focus of attention for, of all things, his decision to play the race card against Harris in an assault with no upside except for her. Maybe the point was just that. Trump clearly hates not being the center of the limelight. He came out of his convention ying high, having ignored those who must have warned him that Vance posed real risks, believing he could choose who he, and Tucker, and Junior, liked best, and Biden and Harris stole his thunder away before the weekend was out. Now everyone was playing the guessing game about Harris’ VP choice and the enthusiasm and size of her crowds, and he simply couldn’t bear being ignored.

And he did it before a hostile black audience so he could go after them as well. He wanted to have a ght. He wanted to get back in the limelight.

So he did.

And that’s what scares me. He is totally undisciplined. He is spinning like he is out of control. He is not sticking to message. He is not saying what he is supposed to say. He is doing everything we teach toddlers not to do.

The week began when he insisted that he meant what he said about Christians not needing to vote in subsequent elections if they voted for him in this one, rather than walking away from what was at best a careless anti-democratic slur. No, he doubled down and con rmed it to Laura Ingraham, which gave him an extra two or three days of negative coverage. And then he went, of all places, to the National Association of Black Journalists, which he had to know was a hostile venue, and jumped into the attack on Harris’ identity and integrity that should have been beneath even him.

It’s Donald being Donald, which is not even good politics for him, which raises the question again of what it says about Donald the would-be next president.

A president who is not disciplined about what they say and do is not someone who is up to the job. Donald being Donald, I submit, is a very dangerous thing.

Susan Estrich is a lawyer, professor, author and political commentator.

Kamala Harris is the origin story of Democrats’ radical criminal justice policies

Harris’ willingness to turn a blind eye to terrorists, and drug and human tra cking sends a dangerously unsettling message.

BEFORE GEORGE SOROS and progressive Democrats spent tens of millions of dollars across the country to elect district attorneys, their anti-law enforcement agenda started in California.

In 2003, a young, power-hungry assistant district attorney named Kamala Harris primaried her boss and was elected Oakland County district attorney. Just four months into o ce, as a new DA she would reduce charges of a gang member who shot and killed a police o cer. Time and time again, Harris showed a soft-on-crime approach. California has long held a brand of politics apart from the rest of the country, a place where people accept it as a tradeo for sunshine, movie stardom, or fortunes in Silicon Valley. Yet over the past two decades, this dangerous and radical strain of progressivism has been exported across the country.

In New York, Philadelphia, Minneapolis and even here in North Carolina, radical district attorneys thumb their noses at enforcing the law and instead make excuses for those who willingly commit criminal acts.

One such district attorney, Durham’s Satana Deberry, took on an incumbent Democrat while promising to waive unpaid nes, declining to prosecute drug felonies and ending cash bail policies. She won

— and made good on her pro-criminal campaign promises.

The dangerous movement that started with Kamala Harris has gone national. At what point will voters say prioritize public safety, not criminals?

In Charlotte, the state’s largest city, the homicide rate is at its highest level in 21 years. The rst six months of 2024 have seen 61 people murdered in the Queen City. This also includes the brutal killing of four police o cers in the city in April.

Our cities are unsafe with far-left, radical liberal policies directly attributed to Harris.

As a U.S. senator, Harris went even further, proudly proclaiming that illegal immigration was not a crime.

This is why her work as “Border Czar” has produced a crisis of unprecedented proportions at the Southern border. Harris’ willingness to turn a blind eye to terrorists, and drug and human tra cking sends a dangerously unsettling message — America welcomes criminal behavior.

The past four years have seen a callous administration, led at the top by Kamala Harris, refusing to take responsibility for the hundreds of crimes committed by migrants. Mothers raped and murdered. Shooting sprees. Not even knowing how many individuals on the terror watch list have crossed the open border.

The central question now is whether

North Carolina, and the nation, will stand up to those who champion soft-on-crime, pro-criminal policies.

Even CNN has reported Harris voiced support for “defund the police” in June 2020, shortly before joining Joe Biden as the Democrats’ vice-presidential nominee.

Harris said they “rightly” called out the amount of money spent on police departments going even a step further, saying that more police did not equate to more public safety.

In her own words, she said, “We need to take a look at these budgets and gure out whether it re ects the right priorities.” She then accused cities of “militarizing police” but “defunding public schools.”

She went on to tell one group that as California’s AG, she signi cantly reformed their criminal justice system and became a national model.

“I’m proud of that work,” she said. That con rms hers is a record — and an origin story — she and Democrats cannot run from.

Kamala Harris cannot be elected president. She is the origin story of radical, out-of-touch, dangerously liberal policies. Nothing less than the safety and security of our country is at stake in November.

Jason Simmons is chairman of the North Carolina GOP.

COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH

North Stanly to host inaugural Stanly County Jamboree football event

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

NEW LONDON — On Fri-

day night, the rst-annual Stanly County Jamboree: The Gridiron Games event will kick o at North Stanly High School’s Jeffery Stadium.

The four Stanly high school football teams will be joined by Community School of Davidson, East Rowan, Piedmont and Pine Lake Prep as the schools participate in a series of preseason scrimmages.

Tickets are available online for The Gridiron Games at gofan.co for $10 for the event that runs between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

“Word needs to spread — the rst-annual Stanly County Jamboree,” North coach Chad Little said in an event advertisement. “It will rotate every year to another county school. This will help build Stanly County football‘s brand. I personally think it is great that all four Stanly County high school head coaches have come together to make this happen. We all care about the future of Stanco football.”

“The Stanly County Jamboree is Aug. 9, come out and support the county teams,” West Stanly coach Ralph Jackson added. “Our plan is to make this an annual event!”

With games running at the same time, the simultaneous 35-minute scrimmages will be played at the scoreboard end and eld house end of the eld;

teams will get 10 o ensive plays from the 40-yard line to the end zones.

For the 6 p.m. time slot, North Stanly will face Pine Lake Prep as South Stanly challenges Community School of Davidson. At 6:40 p.m., West Stanly will play East Rowan while Albemarle and Piedmont square o . West/Pine Lake Prep and North/CSD are both set for 7:20 p.m. while South/Piedmont and Albemarle/E. Rowan are slated for 8 p.m. Lastly, at 8:40 p.m., West will play CSD as South and E. Rowan face o .

“Get ready for the ultimate kicko event of the season,” the North Stanly Booster Club wrote on social media. “Mark your calendar for the Stanly County Football Jamboree on August 9. Gates open at 5pm –be there!”

Charlie Shaver

North Stanly, baseball

Charlie Shaver is a rising junior on the North Stanly baseball team, where he was a two-way player.

The Comets went undefeated in Yadkin Valley Conference play and advanced to the state quarter nals in the 2A NCHSAA playo s. Shaver was one of the top hitters on the team, batting close to .450 with a .535 on-base percentage. He also was dominant on the mound, posting an ERA close to 2.00 and averaging of two strikeouts an inning.

Shaver was named to the N.C. Baseball Coaches Association’s All-State team at the 2A classi cation. He was also selected to the Prep Baseball Report North Carolina Futures Game in July.

Lee claims 3 gymnastics medals at Paris Games

The American gymnast has battled unidenti ed kidney conditions

By Will Graves The Associated Press

PARIS — There is a freedom that Sunisa Lee feels when she’s on the uneven bars that’s hard for her to describe.

“It’s just fun to me,” she said. “(It’s like) ying around out there.” For the better part of a year, however, Lee was largely grounded. The struggle to get a pair of kidney diseases under control led her weight to uctuate wildly. At one point, the 2020 Olympic champion be-

lieves she put on 45 pounds. In December, she was bedridden.

Three years ago, she fumed after earning a bronze on bars, vowing to reach the top of the podium in Paris.

She didn’t. And in a way, she couldn’t care less. The bronze she won — much to her own surprise — in an electric barsnal on Sunday was in some ways as sweet as any individual honor she’s achieved in a career that now has six Olympic medals and counting.

“I just have to keep reminding myself that I wasn’t even supposed to be here,” Lee said. “So that’s the thing that’s in the back of my head because I’m like, ‘You know what? Like a couple months ago, we didn’t even

think this was a possibility.’”

Lee stood and cheered Kaylia Nemour of Algeria during her gold medal-winning set. Maybe it’s because Lee has a greater appreciation than most on what it takes to make something so demanding look so incredibly easy.

It’s an ability that Lee has had from the start. And even as she tried to navigate her health problems, she and Graba put together a plan that included Lee introducing a new skill that could have boosted her di culty high enough to put her in the mix for gold.

One problem: She couldn’t quite get the hang of it in competition. She fell while attempting it during the American Cup in February. USA Gymnastics

then opted not to give her an international assignment that would have let her try it in front of foreign judges to get a feel for how it might be scored.

So rather than press forward, Lee and Graba improvised, coming to the conclusion that it might be safer to put together a slightly less risky set that would take gold out of the equation but leave her in better position to make the ve-woman U.S. team.

“She came over right over and said, ‘I think I’ve got to move on,’” Graba said. “And I’m like, ‘I was going to talk to you about that today.’ Yeah. So we both knew it.”

The shift set the stage for an Olympics that nds Lee every bit the equal — if not better — of

who she was in Tokyo. She and Biles helped power the U.S. to gold in the team nal, and Lee followed it up two days later by nishing third behind Biles and Rebeca Andrade of Brazil in the all-around, making her the rst reigning Olympic champion to medal in the next Games since Romanian icon Nadia Comaneci in 1980.

“I feel like I’m doing so much better this time around,” Lee said. “And even having the girls, like we really could not be here without each other and just having the support and being able to lean on each other has been incredible.”

“You never know what can happen,” she said. “So just keep reaching for your dreams.”

The preseason scrimmage event will rotate to a new host school annually

COURTESY GRAPHIC

SIDELINE REPORT

NBA

Former Hornet Hayward retires after 14 NBA seasons

Brownsburg, Ind. Gordon Hayward, who nearly gave Butler a national title over Duke with a half-court shot that just missed on the nal play of the 2010 NCAA men’s basketball championship game, retired from the NBA after 14 seasons on Thursday. Hayward played for Utah, Boston, Charlotte and Oklahoma City, and he was an All-Star in 2017. He averaged 15.2 points in 835 career regular-season games and said he was looking forward to spending more time with his family. He joined the Hornets prior to the 2020-21 season and played there until he was traded in February 2024.

NASCAR

Montoya to make 1st Cup start since 2014, will drive for 23XI at Watkins Glen

Charlotte Juan Pablo Montoya will return to the Cup Series for the rst time since 2014 when he races for 23XI Racing at Watkins Glen International next month. 23XI is the team owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. The team said Montoya would drive the No. 50 Toyota in support of Mobil 1’s 50th anniversary. Montoya was a Cup Series regular from 2007 to 2013. He will make his rst NASCAR Cup Series start since the 2014 Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The two-time Indianapolis 500 winner has competed full-time in Formula One, CART, IndyCar and IMSA.

NFL

Hopkins won’t require surgery for knee injury

Nashville, Tenn. Tennessee Titans coach Brian Callahan says star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins won’t require surgery for a knee injury su ered in training camp. Callahan said Hopkins “will miss several weeks.” The rst-year coach did not detail the nature of the injury, which Hopkins su ered last week. The 32-year-old Hopkins was seen with a wrap on his left knee during practice. A three-time All-Pro, Hopkins led the Titans last season with 75 receptions for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns. Hopkins is expected to be the top target for quarterback Will Levis.

NCAA FOOTBALL

Kentucky gets 2 years of probation by NCAA after settling football infractions case

Lexington, Ky.

Kentucky and the NCAA have reached a settlement over infractions that included 11 football players getting paid for work they did not perform in 2021 and ’22. It says the school agreed with the NCAA Committee on Infractions that some football players received impermissible bene ts and that rules violations took place in the school’s swimming program. Kentucky agreed to spend two years on probation, pay an undisclosed ne and vacate records of any games in which ineligible football players competed. The swimming infractions involved excessive practice and athletes not being given required days o .

Djokovic nally adds gold medal to his resume

The 37-year-old beat Carlos Alcaraz in the nal

By Howared Fendrich

The Associated Press

PARIS — For all of his Grand Slam championships and other titles, for all of his time at No. 1, Novak Djokovic really, really wanted an Olympic gold medal for Serbia, the last signi cant accomplishment missing from his glittering resume.

He nally got one at age 37, beating Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2) in an enthralling and evenly matched men’s tennis singles nal at the 2024 Games.

“When I take everything into consideration, this probably is the biggest sporting success I ever had in my career,” said Djokovic, who didn’t drop a set in Paris and is the oldest man to win the Summer Games tennis title since 1908. “This kind of supersedes everything that

I imagined, that I hoped that I could experience, that I could feel.”

With margins so thin that any mistake felt as if it could tilt things, Djokovic was at his best when the stakes were highest, dominating each of the two tiebreakers against Alcaraz, who beat him in the Wimbledonnal three weeks ago.

“In the close moments, in the di cult situations, in the tiebreaks, he played an impressive game,” said silver medalist Alcaraz, the 21-year-old from Spain who sobbed, too, after falling short of becoming the youngest male singles gold medalist. “That’s why I saw that he’s hungry for the gold medal. He was going to go for it.”

Djokovic already owns a men’s-record 24 Grand Slam trophies and the most weeks spent atop in the rankings by any man or woman. He also already owned an Olympics medal, from 2008, but it was a

bronze — and he made it clear that simply wasn’t su cient. He kept talking over the past week, but also the past months, about what a priority the gold was for him — and Alcaraz said he kept hearing about it. Until getting Paris bronze medalist Lorenzo Musetti of Italy on Friday, Djokovic was 0-3 in Olympic semi nals, losing to the gold winner each time: Rafael Nadal at Beijing in 2008, Andy Murray at London in 2012, and Alexander Zverev in Tokyo three years ago.

This time, Djokovic said, “I was ready.”

In Paris, wearing a gray sleeve over the right knee that required surgery for a torn meniscus two months ago, Djokovic faced Nadal in the second round and eliminated his longtime rival in straight sets.

The No. 1 seed Djokovic saved eight break points, No. 2 Alcaraz saved six. Pressure? Ha. What pressure?

“We both played at a very high level,” Djokovic said. “We really went toe-to-toe.”

In the second tiebreaker, after Djokovic laced a cross-court forehand winner on the run to cap a 10-shot point for a 3-2 lead, he waved his arms to encourage the folks standing and screaming. Soon, thanks to one last forehand winner, he had earned that prize he wanted, at long last.

When the Serbian national anthem nished ringing out, Djokovic reached for his gold and brought it to his lips for a kiss.

Was he worried that moment would never arrive?

“There are always doubts. Absolutely, I had doubts,” Djokovic said. “But the belief and the conviction that I can make it is stronger than my doubts. It always has been. I knew that it’s going to happen. It was just a matter of when it’s going to happen.”

Sche er gets the Olympic gold medal in a thriller

He shot 62 to become the second straight American to win men’s golf gold

By Doug Ferguson The Associated Press

SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-

YVELINES, France — Scottie

Sche er was a model of calm and greatness as he delivered the greatest closing round of his career. The nal two hours were about charges and collapses, pure theater that ended Sunday with the Olympic gold medal ttingly draped around the neck of golf’s No. 1 player.

It was only when Sche er stood on the top podium, when the nal few bars of the national anthem belted out across Le Golf National, that he lost control.

The medal dangling beneath his right hand xed across his chest, Sche er raised his left arm to cover the sobs.

Four shots behind to start the nal round, six shots behind early on the back nine, Sche er birdied ve of six holes down the stretch and matched the course record with a 9-under 62 for a one-shot victory over Tommy Fleetwood.

“It’s been a long week. It’s been a challenging week. I played some great golf today, and I’m proud to be going home with a medal,” Sche er said.

“These guys played tremendous golf, and I think we should all be proud of the golf that we played this week.”

There was the remarkable surge by Sche er, who shot 29 on the back nine, and the relentless play of Fleetwood (66) and Hideki Matsuyama.

And there was a stunning collapse by Jon Rahm, who saw a four-shot lead disappear in two holes and his hopes vanish with

a double bogey; by Rory McIlroy, one shot behind until hitting wedge into the water; and by Xander Schau ele, the PGA and British Open champion. In the end, it was Sche er. Already a six-time winner on the PGA Tour this year, including his second Masters title, Sche er added Olympic gold to an astonishing season with a round that kept the sellout crowd on edge for a wild conclusion. He set an Olympic record for 72 holes at 19-under 265. Sche er becomes the second straight American to win gold in men’s golf, following Schauf-

fele in the Tokyo Games. It was all such a blur that Sche er didn’t even know where he stood.

“I saw that Rahm had gotten to 20-under, and so I kind of changed a little bit mentally to just really try to do my best to move my way up the leaderboard, and at one point I didn’t even really know if I was in contention or not,” Sche er said.

“I just tried to do my best to make some birdies and start moving up and maybe get a medal or something like that just because Jon is such a great player.” When he nally got a look at

a leaderboard, Sche er was in the fairway on the par-4 15th and hit wedge to a foot. That got him within one. Then came his tee shot to 8 feet for birdie on the par-3 17th. And the winner turned out to be an 8-iron he gouged out of the rough to 18 feet for a fourth straight birdie and his rst lead of the week.

“He’s been piling up trophies left and right and he keeps moving away from what is the pack of people chasing him in the world,” Schau ele said. “When I take my competitive hat o and put my USA patriot hat on, I’m very happy that we won another gold medal.”

GEORGE WALKER IV / AP PHOTO

Gold medalist Scottie Sche er, of the United States, cries as the national anthem is played during the medal ceremony for men’s golf at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

LOUISE DELMOTTE / AP PHOTO

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic shows his gold medal after defeating Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s singles tennis nal at Roland Garros during the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Olympic, faith leaders seek reset after opening ceremony outcry

By Giovanna Dell’Orto

Associated Press

The

PARIS — Faith leaders gathered with Olympic o cials Sunday morning in front of Notre Dame Cathedral to celebrate how “faith and sport can complement each other,” in the words of International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach.

The 2024 Paris Games got o to a rocky start with many religious groups around the world, including the Vatican. They criticized a scene in the opening ceremony seen as mocking Christianity by evoking “The Last Supper” and featuring drag queens, though the performers and the ceremony’s artistic director denied being inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s painting.

“We wanted to show that the most important thing is peace,” Catholic Bishop Emmanuel Gobilliard said at the gathering. It was modeled after the rst such interfaith meeting, organized by modern Olympics founder Pierre de Coubertin in the 1924 Paris Games.

Far from the controversy, in an inconspicuous tent-like structure tucked away at the end of the athletes’ village in Paris, ordained and lay representatives from the ve major global religions have taken up that mantle, providing spiritual comfort to Olympians.

Representatives of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism worked for months to set up a shared hall where the more than 10,500 athletes and their sta can nd information about worship and speak with a chaplain.

For the rst half of the Games, many seem to have found their

way there to have a quiet moment away from the overwhelming pressure of competition.

“Some of the athletes who come to pray, I think they came to give up their pressure, to take some time to get out of their own heads,” said the Rev. Jason Nioka, a former judo champion who’s in charge of the largest contingent of Olympic chaplains, about 40 Catholic priests, nuns and lay faithful.

An athlete who lost a competition told chaplains that he would quit sports. After multiple days of visits, he said everything was ne and he’ll stick to it, said the Rev. Anton Gelyasov, archpriest of the Greek-Orthodox Metropolis of France, who’s leading more than two dozen Christian Orthodox chaplains for the Games.

Each religion got 538 square feet of the structure provided

by the Paris Games organizing committee, with instructions to comply with France’s secularism laws that strictly prescribe the role of religion in public spaces. What the faith leaders have done with the space is itself a wordless message of dialogue, tolerance and welcome — beginning with redistributing the size of the di erent rooms based on the expected number of faithful.

The door between the small Jewish room and the Muslim space, about twice its size but equally sparingly adorned, is often kept open.

“Here it’s very symbolic,” said Rabbi Moshe Lewin, vice president of the Conference of European Rabbis and one of the Jewish chaplains. “The conviviality, that’s the image that we should transmit.”

“People smile when they see an imam and a rabbi together,” added Najat Benali, president of the Coordination of Muslim Associations of Paris, who leads the Muslim chaplaincy. “We do ‘geo-fraternity,’ not geopolitics.”

The Hindu space also welcomes visitors with blessings by a small water fountain as chanting resounds from a volunteer’s cellphone. It’s the most exuberantly decorated space, with statues from India and a recreated temple structure in painted polyester foam.

In the middle is the Christian area, where Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox share an altar with a large Bible anked by a cross and icons. Next to it hangs a poster with a quote about faith by U.S. star gymnast Simone Biles.

Last week, three athletics competitors from Australia, Finland and Jamaica walked in to pray, and faith leaders asked if they could join them.

“It was like a little Pentecost,” said Anne Schweitzer, who’s coordinating about three dozen Protestant chaplains.

She discovered one of the three athletes, a silver medalist, is also quoted in the Gospel edition called “More Precious than Gold,” created for the Games and available to visitors there and at churches across Olympic host cities.

Some Catholics, as well as volunteers in the village, have gone next door to meditate in the Buddhist space, said Luc Charles, a Zen monk with the Buddhist Union of France.

“It’s the occasion to get to know each other better,” he added.

Medical supplies blocked in Sudan’s famine-hit Darfur

Doctors Without Borders says children are at risk of dying without the resources

By Samy Magdy The Associated Press

CAIRO — Malnourished children in a famine-hit camp for war-displaced people in Sudan’s western Darfur region are at risk of dying, an aid group said Sunday, because it was forced to ration malnutrition treatment due to a blockade imposed by a notorious paramilitary group.

Doctors Without Borders said the Rapid Support Forces, which have besieged al-Fasher city as part of its war against the Sudanese military, have blocked three trucks carrying lifesaving medical supplies, including therapeutic food, for the city and the nearby Zamzam camp where famine was con rmed last week.

Sudan plunged into chaos in April last year when simmering tensions between the military and the RSF developed into open ghting in the capital, Khartoum, before spreading across the northeastern African country. Darfur saw some of the worst and most devastating bouts of ghting in the war.

The con ict has killed thousands of people and pushed many into starvation. It created the world’s largest displacement crisis with more than 10 million people forced to ee their homes since April 2023, according to the U.N. migration agency. Over 2 million of those ed to neighboring countries. International experts in the Famine Review Committee con rmed Thursday that starvation at Zamzam camp, where up to 600,000 people shelter, has grown into full famine.

International experts use set criteria to con rm the existence of famines. A famine is declared in an area when one in ve people or households severely lack food and face starvation and destitution that would ultimately lead to critical levels of acute malnutrition and death.

In Zamzam camp, which has swelled with the arrival of new displaced people, many children

are in critical condition, Doctors Without Borders said, adding that the malnutrition ward at its eld hospital in the camp is overcrowded with a 126% bed occupancy rate.

The group said RSF ghters have blocked the trucks in the town of Kabkabiya for over a month, adding that it was forced to limit the number of children receiving therapeutic food in the overcrowded camp as its stock of medicine covers only two weeks.

“Deliberately obstructing or delaying humanitarian cargo is putting the lives of thousands of children at-risk as they are cut-

o from receiving life-saving treatment,” it said on social media platform X.

The RSF has imposed a siege on el-Fasher in its monthslong attempt to take it from the military and its allied rebel groups.

The city, the provincial capital of North Darfur, is the last stronghold for the military in the wartorn Darfur region.

The U.N.’s Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, on Friday called for a cease- re to enable safe and unimpeded humanitarian access across borders and battle lines as well as scaling up nancial

support to prevent large-scale famine in Sudan.

About 25.6 million people — more than half of Sudan’s population — face acute hunger. This year’s $2.7 billion Humanitarian Response Plan for Sudan is less than a third funded, with $872 million received as of early August, according to the United Nations.

Nkweta-Salami said the humanitarian community has been scaling up the response in recent months, but the needs are immense.

“There isn’t a moment to waste,” she said.

“Deliberately obstructing or delaying humanitarian cargo is putting the lives of thousands of children at-risk as they are cut-o from receiving life-saving treatment.”

Doctors Without Borders on X

REBECCA BLACKWELL / AP PHOTO

Muslim representative Najat Benali, left, Rabbi Moshe Lewin, center, and Orthodox Christian priest Anton Gelyasov chat in the Jewish area of the interreligious hall in the Olympic Village at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

JUSTIN LYNCH / AP PHOTO

Doctors Without Borders says the blocking of medical supplies to a Sudanese camp that shelters more than a half a million people in Darfur has increased the risk of famine.

obituaries

obituaries

Barbara Jean (Taylor) Drye

Robert “Ted” Theodore Johnson Jr.

April 17, 1936 ~ January 14, 2023

Barbara Jean Taylor Drye, 86, of Oakboro, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2023 at her home.

June 18, 1955 – July 31, 2024

Robert “Ted” Theodore Johnson Jr., 69, passed away on July 31, 2024. A Graveside service will be at 11 AM on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Evergreen Cemetery in Charlotte, NC. There will be no formal visitation.

Barbara was born April 17, 1936 in North Carolina to the late Robert Lee Taylor and the late Eva Belle Watts Taylor. She was also preceded in death by husband of 61 years, Keith Furr Drye, and brothers, Robert Lee Taylor, Jr. and George Kenneth Taylor.

Born on June 18, 1955, in Whiteville, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Robert T. Johnson, Sr. (Bob) and Mary Jeannette Johnson (Jean).

Dwight Farmer

Terry William Rhodes

January 24, 1939 ~ January 15, 2023

June 3, 1953 – August 2, 2024

Dwight Britten Farmer Sr., 83, of Norwood died Sunday morning, January 15, 2023 at Forrest Oakes.

Terry William Rhodes, 71, of New London passed away on August 2, 2024, in his home.

Dwight was born January 24, 1939 in Stanly County to the late Walter Virgil and Martha Adkins Farmer. He was a 1957 graduate of Norwood High School and was a United States Army Veteran.

A Celebration of Life Service to honor he and his son Eric William Rhodes will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, August 8, 2024, in the Stanly Funeral Home Chapel in Albemarle with Pastor Stoney Ben eld o ciating.

Aubrey Andrew Axsom

James Roseboro

June 23, 1967 ~ January 10, 2023

August 25, 1946 –June 26, 2024

James Arthur Roseboro, 55, of Albemarle, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at Anson Health and Rehab.

John B. Kluttz

March 23, 1935 - January 9, 2023

Michael Leslie Upchurch

December 20, 1948 –July 31, 2024

Elizabeth Byrd Basinger

October 11, 1944 - January 10, 2023

December 30, 1971 –July 31, 2024

Survivors include children, Debbie (Mike) Williams of Albemarle, Teresa (Tom) Curry of Oakboro, Douglas (Tammy) Drye of Oakboro; grandchildren, Melissa (Don) Parrish of Albemarle, Samantha (Destiny) Smith of Oakboro, Bradley Smith of Oakboro, Jonathan Stover of Peachland, and Jessie Stover of Lylesville; sisterin-law, Beatrice Goodman; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved cats, Bo and Gar eld.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his younger brother, William (Bill) Johnson, an uncle, Bill Johnson, and a cousin, William Johnson.

He has left behind two aunts, Betty Johnson and Barbara Johnson both of Bladen County; a brother, Roger (Dee) Johnson, of Mooresville and a sister, Beth Fellner (John) of Shallotte, three nieces, Stacey Todd (Jack) of Shallotte, Megan Morin (Randy) of Salt Lake City, Britney Walkowiak (Michael) of Leland, a close family connection and dear friend, Wilma Todd of Ocean Isle Beach, a great-niece, Mercedes, and great-nephew, Mason, and several cousins.

Barbara was a member of Oakboro Baptist Church for over 60 years. She worked over 30 years at Stanly Knitting Mills. After just two years of retirement, she began managing the Oakboro Senior Center and did that for 18 years until this past week. Barbara was known for her good cooking and always taking care of others. She also loved going on day long shopping trips - she could out walk and out shop people half her age. She kept her mind and body active through gardening, word searches, and various other hobbies.

A special thank you to Susan Eudy for her support and friendship to Ted for over 17 years; and Sara Goodwin for inspiring Ted and being his friend, to the management and sta of Autumn Care of Shallotte for giving him a better quality of life for the last ve years. He truly called it home and you all family. In lieu of owers, the family requests donations be made to Autumn Care of Shallotte’s activity department in memory of Ted Johnson. 237 Mulberry Street, Shallotte, NC 28470.

DEATH NOTICES

• Holly Wayne Smith, 77, of Troy died July 30, 2024.

• Barbara Rose Boswell Hicks, 91, of Albemarle, died July 30, 2024.

• Kenneth “Kenny” Roosevelt Brown, 91, of Albemarle passed away on Thursday, August 1, 2024.

He was a member of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church where he had served as church treasurer and choir member. He began his career with the Stanly County Sheri ’s Department moving to the Norwood Police Department and retiring as Chief of Police with the Town of Norwood after many years of service.

Born June 3, 1953, in Stanly County, NC, he was the son of the late Lessie Huneycutt.

Dwight was an avid gardener, bird watcher and Carolina fan.

Terry was a retired System Networking Specialist at UNC Charlotte’s College of Engineering with 30 years of service. He was an avid golfer in his younger days. He loved tending to his cows and working on his farm.

He is survived by his wife Hilda Whitley Farmer; one son D. Britten Farmer Jr. (Mary) of McLeansville, NC; one daughter Sharon Farmer Lowe (David) of Norwood; one sister Geraldine Dennis of Troy; two grandchildren, Dwight Britten “Dee” Farmer III and Whitley Rose Hui Lowe.

Terry is survived by his wife, Cindy Harkey Rhodes, as well as numerous cousins and numerous nieces and nephews. His son, Eric William Rhodes, preceded him in death on August 1, 2023.

He was preceded in death by his son Alex, brothers, Tommy and Jimmy, sisters, Nancy, Cornelia Annabell, Glennie Mae, and Betty.

Memorials may be made to Cedar Grove United Methodist Church, Cemetery or Choir Fund c/o Pam Smith 36071 Rocky River Springs Road, Norwood, NC 28128.

Misty Barbee

March 14, 1971 –August 3, 2024

Misty Lisk Barbee, 53, of Mooresville, passed away Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Atrium Health in Concord.

Misty was born on March 14, 1971, in Stanly County to Bernie and Charleen Huneycutt Lisk. She was a 1989 South Stanly High School graduate and worked as an insurance claims supervisor.

Misty loved her family, especially her boys. She enjoyed crafting and decorating her home.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com

She is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Will and Virginia Lisk; maternal grandparents: Reuben and Hazel Huneycutt; Uncle Curtis Huneycutt; and aunts: Donna Beck and Louvenia Burleson.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her loving husband, Paul Edward Barbee Jr. of the home; sons: Colton M Barbee of Mooresville and Eli Barbee of Statesville; one brother: Zach Lisk of Norwood; two nephews: Riley and Issac Lisk; mother and father-in-law Paul and Deanna Barbee, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Mr. Roseboro was born on June 23, 1967 to the late Robert and Delena Shipp Roseboro. He graduated from South Stanly High School and was employed by Triangle Brick. He enjoyed watching football and basketball, especially the Carolina TarHeels and Miami.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: Barbara Lee Roseboro, Dorothy Brown, Verna Roseboro, Henrietta Ingram, and Harold Roseboro.

Aubrey Andrew Axsom, 77, of Albemarle passed away on June 26, 2024, in his home with his wife by his side. His funeral service will be at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, in the Stanly Funeral Home Chapel in Albemarle with Rev. Mark Forrest, Rev. John Forrest, and Rev. David Cochran o ciating. Burial will follow in the Bethany United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle from 1:30 until 2:30 p.m. prior to the hour of service.

He is survived by his sisters: Helen (James) Roseboro Edwards of Albemarle, Mary Roseboro of Washington DC, and Marion Morrison of Albemarle; brothers: Thomas D. Roseboro of Charlotte, Robert Roseboro (Patricia) of Norwood, and Van Horne; a special friend of over 40 years, Michelle McLendon of the home; special nieces: Nybrea Montague, Knya Little, and Laquanza Crump; special nephews: Robert Jr., Desmond Roseboro, and Marcus Lilly; and God daughter, Daphne Johnson; and special friends, Vetrella Johnson and Ben McLendon.

Born August 25, 1946, in Stanly County, NC, he was the son of the late Aubrey Andrew Axsom, Sr. and Oshie Bee Laton Axsom. He was a member of Kendall’s Baptist Church and a veteran of the US Marine Corp. Mr. Axsom was co-owner of Alignment Specialty in Albemarle for many years and worked as an auto mechanic for his whole career. He enjoyed hunting and was an avid bow hunter. In 1979, he won the Championship Bow Hunting for the Southeastern Field Archery Association. He found a passion for woodworking in recent years and became very good at it and was an excellent knife maker. Aubrey loved watching birds, especially yellow nches and hummingbirds.

Darrick Baldwin

January 7, 1973 ~ January 8, 2023

Aubrey is survived by his wife of 26 years Becky Lowder Axsom. Other survivors include sister Patricia Axsom Warren, sisters-in-law Debbie Bailey (Ronald) and Susan Gill, and brother-in-law, Todd Lowder as well as many special nieces and nephews. Also surviving is his companion and best friend Jake. Aubrey taught Jake many tricks, but he was especially proud of teaching him to pray. He was preceded in death by a brother Ronald Axsom.

Darrick Vashon Baldwin, age 50, entered eternal rest, Sunday, January 8, 2023, Albemarle, North Carolina. Born January 7, 1973, in Stanly County, North Carolina, Darrick was the son of Eddie James Baldwin Sr. and the late Phyllis Blue Baldwin. Darrick enjoyed life, always kept things lively and enjoyed making others smile. His presence is no longer in our midst, but his memory will forever live in our hearts.

The family requests that memorials be made to Tillery Compassionate Care, tillerycompassionatecare. org or to Samaritans Purse, samaritanspurse.org.

Michael Leslie Upchurch, 75, of Gastonia passed away on July 31, 2024, surrounded by his family. A memorial service is scheduled at 2 PM on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Blackwood Chapel Baptist Church, Candor, NC. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. No formal visitation is scheduled.

John grew up in the Millingport community where he drove a school bus and worked at the local gas station during his High School years. He graduated from Millingport High in 1954 and entered into service with the US Airforce immediately afterward. Upon return from the service, he and his high school sweetheart Julie were married in 1956. He graduated from Nashville Auto Diesel College later in 1959 and began his career as a diesel mechanic at Mitchell Distributing Company, moving his growing family to Charlotte where they lived until their retirement.

When John purchased his rst Model A Ford at the age of 17, he said that he took the car to the community mechanic when he had a small problem.The mechanic told him that if he was going to keep the car, he needed to learn to work on it. This is when John’s passion for Model A Fords began and how he spent his happiest days with his best friends from around the globe for the rest of his life!

Mr. Upchurch was born December 20, 1948, in Mecklenburg County to the late George and Juanita Upchurch. He is preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth Ann Upchurch in 2017. Those left to cherish his memories are daughter, Amanda Tatum (David) of Gastonia and son, John Tatum (Sonya) of Hickory, grandchildren, Lily Tatum and Chelsey Greene. He is also survived by special God Children, Michelle Perry, Tonya Bostic, and Mark Perry. Mr. Upchurch was preceded in death by his brother Leon Brannen.

At age 50, after years as a Detroit Diesel Mechanic he and Julie decided to take the plunge and open a full Model A Restoration Shop. They thrived at their shop in Cornelius, NC until their retirement in 1998 when they moved back to Cabarrus County. John once again set up shop in his back yard garage where he attracted a loyal group of friends who visited almost daily. While on the farm in Gold Hill, John also began a lifelong love with Alis Chalmers tractors after he restored his Dad’s tractor and began amassing his collection of tractors as well.

Michael had a passion for all things sports. He loved to watch sports and he loved his time umpiring softball and refereeing basketball. Michael was devoted to his church and served several roles, including lead Deacon. Michael has volunteered with the Red Cross for last several years. He was known for his quick wit and his ability to tell jokes. His ultimate goal was to bring a smile to your face. Michael has a heart of gold who never met a stranger. He was always generous with his giving.

Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is serving the Upchurch family.

John restored many cars of his own and had the crowning achievement of winning the most prestigious award from MARC, The Henry for a restoration that garnered top points. He was also presented with the Ken Brady Service Awardthe highest award given to members at the national level.

This is what John’s Model A Community had to say upon learning of his death:

Wesley Chapel Methodist Church where he loved serving as greeter on Sunday mornings. He also belonged to the United Methodist Men.

Doris Elaine Jones Coleman, 78, went home into God’s presence on January 10 after a sudden illness and a valiant week-long ght in ICU. Doris was born on October 11, 1944, in the mountains of Marion, NC while her father was away ghting in the US Navy during World War II. Raymond Jones was so proud to return after the war and meet his little girl! Doris grew up in Durham, NC and graduated from Durham High School. She furthered her studies at Watts Hospital School of Nursing in Durham and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1966.

Doris married Rev. Dr. Ted Coleman in 1966 and had two daughters Amy and Laura. Doris raised Amy and Laura in North Augusta, SC. Doris was an incredible neonatal intensive care nurse for most of her career, and this was her passion. The Augusta Chronicle did a feature on her in 1985. She was a clinical nurse manager in Augusta, Georgia at University Hospital NICU and worked there for 20 years. During this time, Doris mentored young nurses and assisted in saving the lives of so many babies. She also worked for Pediatrician Dr. William A. Wilkes in Augusta for several years prior to her NICU career. Doris retired from the mother/baby area at Atrium Stanly in 2007 after over 40 years of nursing.

Elizabeth Byrd Basinger, 52, of Albemarle, passed away on July 31, 2024, in Atrium Health Main in Charlotte. Her funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, August 5, 2024, at Second Street Presbyterian Church with Pastor John Black o ciating. Burial will follow in Stanly Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle on Sunday evening from 6 until 8 pm. Born December 30, 1971, in Stanly County, NC, she was the daughter of Lorraine Davis Byrd of Concord and Keith Byrd and wife Ann of Albemarle. She was a 1990 graduate of Albemarle Senior High School and most recently worked at Stanly County Handimart. Her ability to make others smile & laugh was just one of her biggest assets. Elizabeth adored her new granddaughter Tallulah Byrd Basinger. In addition to her family, her favorite things included traveling with her mom & sister, listening to dad’s sh tales, history of any kind, working in her yard, and anything regarding animals, especially her four dogs. In addition to her parents, Elizabeth is survived by a son, Nathan Davis Basinger and wife Caitlin of New London, a sister Susan Byrd of Concord, and granddaughter Tallulah. She was also preceded in death by a son, Jordan Keith Basinger, in 2017. In lieu of owers, donations can be made to Lifeshare of the Carolinas at lifesharecarolinas. org.

Doris was a gentle and sweet spirit and loved her Lord. She never met a stranger, and she always left you feeling uplifted after talking with her. She would often claim that she had “adopted” friends into her immediate family, and honestly, she never made a distinction between the two. Positivity radiated from her like sunlight. She was sel ess, funny, smart, and sentimental. During her lifetime she was an active member of First Baptist Church of Durham, First Baptist Church of Augusta, Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Augusta, and Palestine United Methodist Church in Albemarle. She especially loved helping at church with older adults, youth, and children.

The family wishes to express special thanks to the sta of Tillery Compassionate Care for their love and support.

He was educated in the Stanly County public schools and attended Albemarle Senior High School, Albemarle.

He was a great conversationalist and loved meeting people. Darrick never met a stranger and always showed love and compassion for his fellowman. He also loved his dog, Rocky.

the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in NSJ at obits@ northstatejournal.com

He is survived by his father, Eddie J. Baldwin Sr.; sisters: Crystal (Eric) Jackson, LaFondra (Stoney) Medley, and Morgan Baldwin; brothers: Eddie Baldwin Jr., Anton Baldwin, and Lamont Baldwin; a host of other relatives and friends. A limb has fallen from our family tree. We will not grieve Darrick’s death; we will celebrate his life. We give thanksgiving for the many shared memories.

Patricia Dianne Mulinix

October 3, 1968 –July 31, 2024

Julie Ussery Kluttz, for 66 years of the home. He is also survived by a son John David Kluttz (Kim) of Oakboro, NC; two daughters, Sally Simerson of Denver, CO and Betsy Tusa (John) of Lafayette, CO; three grandchildren, Bonnie Kluttz Sammons (Ben) of Rich eld, NC John Alexander McKinnon (Sarah) of Asheville, NC and Seth William McKinnon (Amanda) of Germany; ve great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Meredith, Grant, Victoria and Ronan. John is also preceded in death by his parents, J.S. Kluttz and Mary Wyatt Clayton Kluttz; a large and loving group of brothers and sisters, Jack Methias Kluttz, Annie Lou Kluttz Honeycutt, Jake Nelson Kluttz, Julius Kluttz, Mary Patricia Phillips and a grandson, Kevin Fowler Kluttz.

Patricia Dianne Mullinix, 55, of Albemarle passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on July 31, 2024, in the Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis. A memorial service will be held at 3 PM on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Locust. The family will

She was especially talented at sewing from a young age and made gifts for friends, Christmas ornaments, Halloween Costumes, doll clothes, pageant dresses, prom dresses, coats, tote bags, scarves, out ts for Amy and Laura, and Christening gowns for each of her grandchildren.

Doris was preceded in death by her father Arthur Raymond Jones, her mother Mary Ellen Cameron Jones, and her sister Maryanne Jones Brantley. Survivors include her two precious daughters: Amy Cameron Coleman (partner Dr. Edward Neal Chernault) of Albemarle, NC, and Laura Lindahl Coleman Oliverio (husband David) of Cincinnati, Ohio; seven grandchildren: Cameron David Oliverio, Stephanie Jae Dejak, Luca Beatty Oliverio, Coleman John Dejak, Carson Joseph Oliverio, Ryan Nicholas Dejak, and Jadon Richard Oliverio; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.

receive friends at the funeral home from 1 until 3 p.m. prior to the hour of the service. Born October 3, 1968, in Stanly County, NC, she was the daughter of Patricia Lowder Eudy and the late Michael Lee Eudy. She was an administrative assistant with Central Carolina Medical in Albemarle for 25 years. She loved her grandchildren, and she enjoyed writing poems, coloring and cross-stitching. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her daughter Marissa Sherrill (David) of Anderson, SC and son Matthew Mullinix (Jerrika) of Locust, sister Bridget Whitley (Cody) of Locust, three grandchildren Ellis Claire Mullinix, Luke Sherrill, and Tripp Mullinix and two nephews Sawyer Hathcock (Katelyn) of Oakboro and Seth Hathcock (Brooke) of Wingate. In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to the Tucker Hospice House, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.

Doris Jones Coleman

STATE & NATION

More US schools are taking breaks for meditation

Teachers say it helps students’ mental health

By Sharon Johnson

The Associated Press

REX, Ga. — The third-grade students at Roberta T. Smith Elementary School had only a few days until summer vacation and an hour until lunch, but there was no struggle to focus as they led into the classroom. They were ready for one of their favorite parts of the day.

The children closed their eyes and traced their thumbs from their foreheads to their hearts as a pre-recorded voice led them through an exercise called the shark n, part of the classroom’s regular meditation routine.

“Listen to the chimes,” said the teacher, Kim Franklin. “Remember to breathe.”

Schools across the U.S. have been introducing yoga, meditation and mindfulness exercises to help students manage stress and emotions. As the depths of student struggles with mental health became clear in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pan-

demic, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last year endorsed schools’ use of the practices. Research has found that school-based mindfulness programs can help, especially in low-income communities where

9/11 families group leader lauds death penalty option in prosecutions

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin rejected a plea deal for the architects of the terrorist attack

By Larry Neumeister

The Associated Press

THE HEAD OF A GROUP of family members of victims of the Sept. 11 terror attacks said Saturday that she’s hearing nearly unanimous praise of the U.S. defense secretary’s nulli cation of plea deals for the accused 9/11 mastermind and two others that would have removed the death penalty as a possibility.

The American Civil Liberties Union, meanwhile, said it plans to challenge the reversal in court, citing it in a statement Saturday as a “rash act” that “violates the law.”

Terry Strada, national chair of the group 9/11 Families United, said she was shocked by the announcement late Friday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was rejecting a plea deal reached just days ago and was restoring the death penalty as an option in the cases.

He wrote that authority in the matter ultimately rested with him.

“Nobody saw this coming,” Strada said.

But she quickly added that it was the right thing to do.

“These men deserve no mercy,” Strada said. “They certainly didn’t show any mercy to my husband or the other 2,976 who died in the attacks.”

She said dozens of individuals from her group who she has communicated with since Friday night have been unanimous.

“Everybody I’ve talked to wants them put to death because that’s the punishment that ts the crime and the message the United States needs to send to terrorists around the world: We will hold you accountable and exercise the death penalty,” Strada said.

And she said a large international prisoner swap that occurred Thursday was a reminder of the need to ensure that nobody behind the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks that turned hijacked planes into missiles that tore through 110-story twin World Trade Center towers and smashed into the Pentagon are ever set free.

Strada has said as recently as several days ago that some of the 10,000 family members of those killed in the attacks are divided over whether the death penalty is appropriate.

Austin’s action came two days after the military commission at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba,

students face high levels of stress or trauma.

The mindfulness program reached Smith Elementary through a contract with the school system, Clayton County Public Schools, where twothirds of the students are black.

GreenLight Fund Atlanta, a network that matches communities with local nonpro ts, helps Georgia school systems pay for the mindfulness program provided by Inner Explorer, an audio platform.

Joli Cooper, GreenLight Fund Atlanta’s executive director, said it was important to the group to support an organization that is accessible and relevant for communities of color in the Greater Atlanta area.

Children nationwide struggled with the e ects of isolation and remote learning as they returned from the pandemic school closures. The CDC in 2023 reported more than a third of students were a ected by feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness. The agency recommended schools use mindfulness practices to help students manage emotions.

“We know that our teenagers and adolescents have really strained in their mental health,”

CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen, former secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, told The Associated Press. “There are real skills that we can give our teens to make sure that they are coping with some big emotions.”

Approaches to mindfulness represent a form of social-emotional learning, which has become a political ashpoint with many conservatives who say schools use it to promote pro -

gressive ideas about race, gender and sexuality.

But advocates say the programming brings much-needed attention to students’ well-being.

“When you look at the numbers, unfortunately, in Georgia, the number of children of color with suicidal thoughts and success is quite high,” Cooper said. “When you look at the number of psychologists available for these children, there are not enough psychologists of color.”

Black youth have the fastest-growing suicide rate among racial groups, according to CDC statistics. Between 2007 and 2020, the suicide rate among black children and teens ages 10 to 17 increased by 144%.

“It’s a stigma with being able to say you’re not OK and needing help, and having the ability to ask for help,” said Tolana Griggs, Smith Elementary’s assistant principal. “With our diverse school community and wanting to be more aware of our students, how di erent cultures feel and how di erent cultures react to things, it’s important to be all-inclusive with everything we do.”

Teachers and administrators say they have noticed a difference in their students since they’ve incorporated mindfulness into their routine. For Aniyah Woods, 9, the program has helped her “calm down” and “not stress anymore.”

“I love myself how I am, but Inner Explorer just helps me feel more like myself,” Aniyah said.

announced that the o cial appointed to oversee the war court had approved plea deals with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two accused accomplices, Walid bin Attash and Mustafa al-Hawsawi.

In a release Saturday, ACLU Executive Director Anthony Romero said the civil rights group plans to sue to win a reversal of Austin’s move.

He said any death penalty nding would not be upheld on appeal because of torture experienced by those who were captured after the 9/11 attacks and because military commissions are “inherently unjust.”

“After over 20 years, it’s time for our government to accept the defendants’ guilty pleas as the best solution in a terrible circumstance. The 9/11 families and the American people deserve closure and adherence to due process principles that are

“It’s stunning that Secretary Austin betrayed 9/11 family members seeking judicial nality while recklessly setting aside the judgment of his own prosecutors and the Convening Authority, who are actually steeped in the 9/11 case. Politics and command in uence should play no role in this legal proceeding,” Romero said.

the bedrock of our democracy,” Romero said. Families of those killed in the al-Qaida attacks were told in letters that the plea agreement stipulated that the men would serve up to life sentences but would not face death.

Strada said family members feared that if they were placed in U.S. prisons, “any future administration could commute their sentence or use them in a possible prison swap.”

“I’m not a ghoul that I want them put to death,” Strada added. “I want them put them to death because I don’t want them to have a voice, ever.”

SHARON JOHNSON / AP PHOTO

Aniyah Woods meditates during a mindfulness session in her classroom at Roberta T. Smith Elementary School on May 14 in Rex, Georgia.

JANET HAMLIN / AP PHOTO

A 2008 courtroom drawing shows Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, center, and co-defendant Walid Bin Attash, left, attending a pretrial session at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba.

Quick trip to the hardware store

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Tropical storm could bring 6 to 8 inches of rain

With a half-foot or more of rain expected in the next few days, preparing for potential evacuations or power outages is essential. Emergency o cials suggest the following simple steps to make sure you’re prepared:

• Make a plan: Outline a communications and evacuation plan for your family. If you have any pets or livestock, include them in your plan.

• Assemble an emergency kit: It should include a three-day supply of non-perishable food, water and medication, as well as any other items you might need in case of a power outage, such as a ashlight, radio and batteries.

• Charge your cell phone: This will allow you to stay connected to emergency and safety updates even if the power goes out.

• Secure outdoor items: Safely store lawn furniture, decorations, toys, garbage cans and other items that can be brought indoors. Tie down larger objects like boats and trailers.

• Fuel up: Fill vehicles before the storm as a loss of power could put gas pumps out of commission.

• Watch for downed trees and power lines: Understanding precautions associated with downed powerlines is important at any time, but especially during an event such as this. If you should observe downed powerlines, please report it immediately and stay far away from the area. Downed powerlines can carry an electric current strong enough to cause serious injury or death. They can also electrify the ground and nearby objects as much as 30 feet away from the line itself. Additionally, when approaching electric utility crews or emergency responders working on the side of the road, slow down and leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the workers.

14 Forsyth departments receive safety awards

The NC Department of Labor recognizes public and private businesses that achieve and maintain good safety records

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

WINSTON-SALEM — The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners met Thursday, July 25. The board recognized 14 county departments for receiving safety awards from the NC Department of Labor.

“The North Carolina Department of Labor Safety Awards Program is administered through its Education, Training and Technical Assistance Bureau of the Occupational Safety and Health Division,” said Safety Analyst Gayle Swain. “Through the Safety Award Program, pri-

vate and public agencies that achieve and maintain good safety records are recognized. This program is designed to stimulate interest in accident prevention and to promote safety in the workplace by providing an incentive to employers and employees to maintain safe and helpful workplaces.”

The Gold Star departments included Tax Administration, Register of Deeds, Map Forsyth, Interagency Communications, Health and Human Services, Environmental Assistance and Protection, Court Services, Cooperative Extension Service, Community and Economic Development, Behavioral Health, Budget and Management and Communications.

The Silver Star departments included Social Services and Smith Reynolds Airport.

The board also approved six contractual matters including an approximate $465,000

purchase of 11 Ford Interceptor Police Pursuit vehicles from Capital Ford; an approximate $3.8 million purchase of pharmaceuticals for the Forsyth County Pharmacy for scal year 2025; a $115,000 and a $582,000 contract with Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center for mammography screening, chest X-rays and diagnostic services and for up to three years of medical director services, respectively; a $140,000 contract with S&ME for construction materials testing and special inspection services for the Tanglewood Clubhouse Project; and a $291,000 contract with Brooks Lumber Company for the Annex 1 Auditorium Renovation Project. However, Brooks Lumber Company did not meet the 10% Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise subcontracting goal for the project but the MWBE Committee convened on June 5 and it was de -

termined that the company had made a good faith e ort to meet the 10% subcontracting goal.

However, Commissioner Shai Woodbury questioned that decision and voted against approval of the contract.

“Economic equity is a real problem throughout the country,” Woodbury said. “There is concern about the budgets of cities and counties and school districts and who is getting the awards of those contracts and when it is not a fair and reasonable representation of the citizens, there’s going to be concerns. Based on what I have been told and having looked at the information and talking with Deputy County Manager [Sanders] Pratt, I don’t think that it was a truly good-faith e ort. I don’t see how there was really… I’m just concerned about the process. Let me just say it like that.”

According to board attorney Gordon Watkins, if a business doesn’t meet the 10% subcontracting goal, they are then required to submit an a davit of what e orts they did undertake. There are 10 factors that are included in the state statutes and the county-based

See BOARD, page 2

Robinson named new community and economic development director

Kirby Robinson succeeds Kyle Haney, who took on a new role as deputy county manager

North State Journal sta

WINSTON-SALEM — The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners has named Kirby Robinson as the new community and economic development director e ective Aug. 17 following a nationwide search. Robinson has worked for Forsyth County Government

for more than 12 years, most recently as the deputy director of general services. “I am thankful to County management for the opportunity to serve as the next Community and Economic Development Director,” Robinson said in a press release. “I’ve been fortunate in my career to have worked with such talented and dedicated public servants and I am humbled by this new challenge. Forsyth County is my home, and I look forward to serving the community, county employees and the Board of

Commissioners for many years to come.”

Robinson succeeds Kyle Haney who took on a new role as deputy county manager.

“Kirby is an amazing public servant and passionate about making an impact in Forsyth County,” Haney said in the press release. “He’s demonstrated leadership throughout his time with Forsyth County and I’m incredibly excited for the impact he is going to make in this community as the new Community & Economic Development director.”

Bryson City native Evy Leibfarth won bronze for the United States in the women’s canoe single competition at the 2024 Summer Olympics in France. Above right, Leibfarth, in pink, also competed in the women’s kayak cross nals.

TOP RIGHT: EBRAHIM NROOZI / AP; ALL OTHERS: KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH / AP

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Cherokee cannabis biz to begin sales to any adult in early September

The store, on tribal lands in western N.C., opens Sept. 7

The Associated Press

CHEROKEE — The marijuana retailer owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on western North Carolina tribal lands announced last week that it will begin selling cannabis products to anyone

age 21 or over next month.

Great Smoky Cannabis Co. revealed the 10 a.m. Sept. 7 start date on social media. The outlet already started July 4 to sell in-store or drive-thru the products for recreational use to adults enrolled in the tribe or in any other federally recognized tribe. And it had just opened its doors in April initially medical marijuana purchases for adults.

But plans were already being developed to o er products

BOARD from page 1

committee can award points for each of those and if they have at least 50 points, that is considered to legally be a good-faith e ort.

“My strategic questioning is for the public,” Woodbury said. “The citizens that are concerned about MWBE and the process the county goes through. So I wanted to be very responsive to those that have put me in this seat to make sure that it is an equitable process.”

In addition, the board approved the closing of an unopened right-of-way o Colchester Drive following a public hearing on the matter.

The right-of-way, located between 2701 and 2695 Colchester Dr., is approximately 200 feet by 60 feet in area.

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will next meet Aug. 15.

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Qualla Enterprises, the tribe’s cannabis subsidiary, had previously signaled a two-step process to expand to adult-use sales, limiting it initially to tribal members.

more broadly after tribal members voted in a referendum last September backing adult recreational use on their reservation and telling the tribal council to develop legislation to regulate such a market. Those details were hammered out by the council, approving language in June that e ectively decriminalized cannabis on Eastern Band land called the Qualla Boundary. Marijuana possession or use is otherwise illegal in North Carolina, but the tribe can pass rules related to cannabis as a sovereign nation. Of North Carolina and its surrounding states, only Virginia allows for the legal recreational use of marijuana statewide.

PGA Tour gets new sponsor for Quail Hollow

The tournament is one of eight events with a $20 million purse

By Doug Ferguson The Associated Press

TRUIST FINANCIAL Corp. is taking over as title sponsor for the PGA Tour’s signature event at Quail Hollow Club with a seven-year commitment, which includes a one-year detour in 2025 to Philadelphia Cricket Club.

The deal secures top-level golf in Charlotte after Wells Fargo decided not to renew its sponsorship.

The Truist Championship will be the fourth name of the tournament that began in 2003 and immediately grew into a top tournament mainly through word-of-mouth from players who raved about Quail Hollow Club.

Quail Hollow is holding the PGA Championship for the second time next year. Truist and the PGA Tour chose to take the tournament to Philadelphia Cricket Club and its century-old Wissahickon Course. The tournament went to Eagle Point in Wilmington, North Carolina, when Quail Hollow hosted the PGA Championship in 2017. It went to the TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm in Maryland in 2019 when Quail Hollow had the Presidents Cup.

“Securing this event and keeping it here in Charlotte has

been really, really important and needs to be celebrated for Truist and Quail Hollow Club and the overall greater Charlotte region. This event has a strong reach,” said Bill Rogers, chairman and CEO of Truist Financial.

Truist is the result of the largest bank merger since the 2008 recession, combining BB&T and Sun Trust.

The seven-year deal assures the PGA Tour having a signature event at Quail Hollow, the club run by Johnny Harris, who has spared no expense over the years.

“The PGA Tour cannot host our events without a title sponsor that makes a multiyear commitment,” Commissioner Jay Monahan said. “When you’re building a championship, when you’re building a presence, when you’re constantly looking to improve, to have that certainty with ... the golf course so that the Harrises can continue to plan and know that they have their respective commitment, that’s exceedingly important.”

He said the seven-year deal was a term Truist and the tour felt was the right start and “the

Deadly force justi ed in shooting of man who killed 4 Charlotte cops

A report said there was “no question” deadly force was appropriate

By Makiya Seminera The Associated Press

RALEIGH — Law enforcement was justi ed in using deadly force against a gunman in Charlotte who fatally shot four o cers and wounded four others in April, a prosecutor concludes in a report released last week.

There is “no question” that the o cers who killed Terry Clark Hughes Jr. did so to defend themselves and others, Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer Merriweather says in the report. Before he was killed, Hughes, 39, opened re on o cers serving arrest warrants at his home in the city of Charlotte, the deadliest

attack on law enforcement in the U.S. since 2016.

“If law enforcement o cers had not responded to an imminently deadly threat with lethal force, as di cult as it is to imagine, the outcome could have been even more catastrophic,” Merriweather says.

The district attorney’s ofce interviewed law enforcement o cers who were at the shooting, including 12 Charlotte-Mecklenburg police ofcers who red their guns, to determine if the use of deadly force against Hughes was warranted. Authorities also compiled body camera footage and physical evidence, such as how many rounds were discharged during the shooting: 29 by Hughes and 340 by o cers.

Merriweather’s report described a scene of chaos and confusion during the lengthy stando that left the four of-

cers dead: Sam Poloche and William Elliott of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction; Charlotte-Mecklenburg O cer Joshua Eyer and Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeks. As state fugitive task force o cers arrived at Hughes’ residence to serve arrest warrants on the afternoon of April 29, he retreated inside his home and began ring on them with an assault ri e from a window upstairs, the report says. Weeks was hit while taking cover with Poloche behind a tree in the backyard, according to the investigation. Elliott and another o cer were shot near the home’s fence, authorities said. Eyer and Poloche were shot behind the tree while Eyer was attempting to help Weeks, the report says.

Three other Charlotte-Mecklenburg police of-

right statement to make to the Charlotte community.”

The Truist Championship now is among the eight signature events that o er a $20 million purse, with $3.6 million going to the winner, and a limited eld with no cut. Rory McIlroy won last year over Xander Schau ele.

The signature events get the strongest elds, though they are not mandatory. Quail Hollow last year fell one week before the PGA Championship on the PGA Tour’s schedule. The 2025 schedule has not been released. Wachovia was the inaugural title sponsor in 2003 through 2008. The tournament did not have a title sponsor until Wells Fargo took over in 2011. The bank chose not to renew late last year amid reports it was not interested in the rising cost. The purse went from $9 million in 2022 to $20 million as a signature event the next two years.

The PGA Tour also is taking over management of the tournament from Pro Links Sport. Now it goes to the Championship Management arm of the tour, which also runs events like the Presidents Cup, The Players Championship and the Tour Championship.

The announcement is the second in the last few weeks on replacing title sponsors. Procore is replacing Fortinet as the title sponsor of the Napa, California, tournament that starts the fall portion of the PGA Tour schedule.

cers were shot at di erent locations outside the house, according to the report.

Hughes jumped down from the home’s upstairs window into the front yard, where ocers told him to drop his weapon, according to the investigation. The o cers opened re, hitting Hughes 12 times and killing him, according to a state autopsy report. Hughes had two more 30-round ri e magazines in his pocket and an unused pistol on his hip, the district attorney’s o ce said.

During the course of the shooting, the investigation found that 23 o cers had shot at Hughes. None of the four o cers who were killed had red their weapons before they were shot, according to the report.

About 50 minutes after Hughes’ death, his girlfriend called 911 to report that she and her 17-year-old daughter were hiding in a closet in the home. After interviewing them, investigators determined there was no evidence that they had been involved in the shooting of the o cers.

CHRIS CARLSON / AP PHOTO

Rory McIlroy hoists the trophy after winning the Wells Fargo Championship golf tournament at the Quail Hollow Club in May.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

| JOYCE KRAWEIC

Abolish parenthood? Trade kids?

It appears that parents are the sleeping giants and they have been awakened.

IT’S NOT A WELL-KEPT SECRET that many on the left have been trying for some time to diminish the family as a unit. It is the one thing that stands in the way of socialist government control. I have written about this before and my fears keep getting reinforced on a regular basis. I have talked about how moms and dads are no longer the overseers of their own children in many cases. But none of it makes any sense. For example, a child cannot get an aspirin or go on a eld trip without permission, but they can have abortions, and it is perfectly OK.

Students can be taught about every aspect of sexuality without parents knowing. In many cases, students have been allowed to begin transitioning, with assistance from educators, without parental knowledge or consent. They have been given vaccines without permission.

It appears that parents are the sleeping giants and they have been awakened. Now they have insomnia and appear to be ghting back. I am sure you’ve seen the outraged parents at school board meetings around the country.

The Biden administration even labeled them domestic terrorists. That didn’t go over well, and the White House quickly tried to downplay that one.

Parents of a 12-year-old girl in Florida led a lawsuit after the daughter attempted suicide twice at school. The girl had been having secret meetings for months with the school counselor. The counselor told the parents the reason their daughter tried to kill herself was because of a “gender identity” issue. The complaint states that

COLUMN | JASON SIMMONS

over months of these private meetings, the counselor endorsed the fact that the child “could be a boy.” While agreeing that she would not tell the child’s parents, she did begin using the male name and new pronouns in the classroom. This caused embarrassment and escalated bullying by classmates. Eventually, this child attempted to hang herself, twice, in the bathroom.

The counselor told the parents that the daughter felt they would not agree with these changes because of their Christian beliefs. The child was taken to a behavioral health facility with little access to visits from parents. Regardless of how one feels about this issue, I think we can all agree that parents should have been involved before this became a crisis.

A school district in Boston faced a federal lawsuit. Parents claimed their children were discriminated against. The district held racially segregated events, certain students were invited, and white students were speci cally excluded.

As you know, California leads the way in craziness. Remember when we used to hear about things happening in the Golden State and just knew it would never happen here? Well, not anymore. Just be sure that the left coast is the birthing ground, and those crazy ideas will soon be coming to an area near you.

Two teachers in California changed a 12-year-old child’s gender without telling her parents. The school changed her name and pronouns and reported the parents to Child Protective Services because they refused to use the correct name and pronouns.

USA Today published a piece a while back advocating for abolishing parenthood in California. I swear it’s true. Nobody could make this stu up. The article was titled “California should abolish parenthood in the name of equity.” The piece argued that “equity” should be considered the state’s “highest value.” The editor even said parents should be stripped of their “power” over children.

The article has some of the craziest thoughts you can imagine. Excerpts follow:

“Fathers and mothers with greater wealth and education are more likely to transfer these advantages to their children, compounding privilege over generations. As a result, children of less advantaged parents face an uphill struggle, social mobility has stalled, and democracy has been corrupted.

“My solution — making raising your own children illegal — is simple, and while we wait for the legislation to pass, we can act now: the rich and poor should trade kids, and homeowners might swap children with their homeless neighbors.”

At rst, I thought this was some kind of sick joke. The author can’t possibly have children to even think up such a plot. I’m wondering if he even had parents to be able to concoct this idea. Maybe he was hatched in a cabbage patch.

Some think that children are just possessions to be discarded when inconvenient. Most parents would give their lives and all their possessions for their children. There is nothing more important than the happiness and security of our children. Give them up? Over our dead bodies!

Sen. Joyce Krawiec has represented Forsyth County and the 31st District in the North Carolina Senate since 2014. She lives in Kernersville.

Kamala Harris is the origin story of Democrats’ radical criminal justice policies

Harris’ willingness to turn a blind eye to terrorists, and drug and human tra cking sends a dangerously unsettling message.

BEFORE GEORGE SOROS and progressive Democrats spent tens of millions of dollars across the country to elect district attorneys, their anti-law enforcement agenda started in California.

In 2003, a young, power-hungry assistant district attorney named Kamala Harris primaried her boss and was elected Oakland County district attorney. Just four months into o ce, as a new DA she would reduce charges of a gang member who shot and killed a police o cer. Time and time again, Harris showed a soft-on-crime approach. California has long held a brand of politics apart from the rest of the country, a place where people accept it as a tradeo for sunshine, movie stardom, or fortunes in Silicon Valley.

Yet over the past two decades, this dangerous and radical strain of progressivism has been exported across the country.

In New York, Philadelphia, Minneapolis and even here in North Carolina, radical district attorneys thumb their noses at enforcing the law and instead make excuses for those who willingly commit criminal acts.

One such district attorney, Durham’s Satana Deberry, took on an incumbent Democrat while promising to waive unpaid nes, declining to prosecute drug felonies and ending cash bail policies. She won

— and made good on her pro-criminal campaign promises.

The dangerous movement that started with Kamala Harris has gone national. At what point will voters say prioritize public safety, not criminals?

In Charlotte, the state’s largest city, the homicide rate is at its highest level in 21 years. The rst six months of 2024 have seen 61 people murdered in the Queen City. This also includes the brutal killing of four police o cers in the city in April.

Our cities are unsafe with far-left, radical liberal policies directly attributed to Harris.

As a U.S. senator, Harris went even further, proudly proclaiming that illegal immigration was not a crime.

This is why her work as “Border Czar” has produced a crisis of unprecedented proportions at the Southern border. Harris’ willingness to turn a blind eye to terrorists, and drug and human tra cking sends a dangerously unsettling message — America welcomes criminal behavior.

The past four years have seen a callous administration, led at the top by Kamala Harris, refusing to take responsibility for the hundreds of crimes committed by migrants. Mothers raped and murdered. Shooting sprees. Not even knowing how many individuals on the terror watch list have crossed the open border.

The central question now is whether

North Carolina, and the nation, will stand up to those who champion soft-on-crime, pro-criminal policies.

Even CNN has reported Harris voiced support for “defund the police” in June 2020, shortly before joining Joe Biden as the Democrats’ vice-presidential nominee. Harris said they “rightly” called out the amount of money spent on police departments going even a step further, saying that more police did not equate to more public safety.

In her own words, she said, “We need to take a look at these budgets and gure out whether it re ects the right priorities.” She then accused cities of “militarizing police” but “defunding public schools.”

She went on to tell one group that as California’s AG, she signi cantly reformed their criminal justice system and became a national model.

“I’m proud of that work,” she said. That con rms hers is a record — and an origin story — she and Democrats cannot run from.

Kamala Harris cannot be elected president. She is the origin story of radical, out-of-touch, dangerously liberal policies. Nothing less than the safety and security of our country is at stake in November.

Jason Simmons is chairman of the North Carolina GOP.

Forsyth SPORTS

Silver says NBA, FIBA having ‘much more serious’ talks about growth in Europe

The commissioner wants to start an NBA-operated tournament or league

By Tim Reynolds

The Associated Press

VILLENEUVE-D’ASCQ, France — NBA Commissioner Adam Silver was walking around a French neighborhood with his family earlier this week while visiting for the Paris Olympics and NBA jerseys were being worn by people everywhere he looked. Current ones, classic ones, he saw all kinds.

“Again, it reminds me just what the opportunity really is here,” Silver said.

The question now is how to best utilize that opportunity. The NBA is ramping up talks with FIBA, the sport’s global governing body, on how to best increase its competitive footprint in Europe either through an annual tournament or an NBA-operated league, Silver said.

Silver said the NBA has been holding discussions about the future of basketball in Europe for decades. But the current conversations are pointed directly toward ful lling what the league thinks is the commercial and competitive potential of basketball in Europe, and now that the league’s new media rights deals that begin with the 2025-26 season are

complete the conversations with FIBA are “much more serious,” Silver said.

“We certainly haven’t made any de nitive decisions,” Silver said. “I continue to believe there’s enormous opportunity here. It’s not something where we’ll transform a league structure in the short term. But I think that there’s an appetite among our team owners for additional investment in global basketball. We have a huge initiative in China. We have a huge initiative in Africa. Given the quality of the basketball here in Europe, it would seem to make sense that we should be doing something here as well.”

Silver said his trip to the Olympics provides him and deputy commissioner Mark Tatum a chance to talk with FIBA executives, league executives and other stakeholders about the future.

There’s no time frame, but the timing to do something never has made more sense, especially given that many NBA stars — including MVPs and NBA champions like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic, the reigning scoring champion in Luka Doncic and the reigning rookie of the year in Victor Wembanyama — are from Europe. About 60 current NBA players are European, and that gure represents roughly half of the league’s international lineup.

“We want to make sure we have a true grasp of the opportunity,” Silver said. “We’ll take the time we need to before we decide to move forward on any initiative.”

With an estimated 270 million basketball fans in Europe and a growing media market valued at more than $20 billion, it’s easy to understand why the NBA sees further growth potential.

“When we rst played a preseason game in France, there were zero players from France in the NBA. We now have 14, including the last two No. 1 picks,” Silver said.

And whatever the NBA’s decision is, Silver said it will not replace the current European basketball landscape.

“We certainly don’t want to do damage to the strong bones of the basketball infrastructure that are in place,” Silver said. “On the other hand, in terms of regional and pan-regional competition here in Europe, it would be my sense — and again, I’m still studying — that lots of investors are losing signi cant amounts of money every year. And while this isn’t just about money, most things that continue to lose money without a trajectory towards pro tability ultimately do not survive. And so, whatever we do here, I think it’s important that it’s additive to the European basketball structure.”

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Ava Hairston

Mount Tabor, girls’ basketball

Ava Hairston was a 2024 senior on the Mount Tabor girls’ basketball team.

The Spartans went 23-6 and won the Central Piedmont Conference with a 13-1 league record. Hairston led the team in scoring at 18.6 points per game and 3-point shooting (30%). She was second in rebounding (5.4), assists (3.0), steals (2.0) and shooting (36%).

Hairston was chosen for last month’s EastWest All-Star Game in Greensboro and scored ve points for the West team on 2-of-7 shooting.

Lee claims 3 gymnastics medals at Paris Games

The American gymnast has battled unidenti ed kidney conditions

By Will Graves The Associated Press

PARIS — There is a freedom that Sunisa Lee feels when she’s on the uneven bars that’s hard for her to describe.

“It’s just fun to me,” she said. “(It’s like) ying around out there.” For the better part of a year, however, Lee was largely grounded. The struggle to get a pair of kidney diseases under control led her weight to uctuate wildly. At one point, the 2020 Olympic champion be-

lieves she put on 45 pounds. In December, she was bedridden. Three years ago, she fumed after earning a bronze on bars, vowing to reach the top of the podium in Paris. She didn’t. And in a way, she couldn’t care less. The bronze she won — much to her own surprise — in an electric bars nal on Sunday was in some ways as sweet as any individual honor she’s achieved in a career that now has six Olympic medals and counting.

“I just have to keep reminding myself that I wasn’t even supposed to be here,” Lee said. “So that’s the thing that’s in the back of my head because I’m like, ‘You know what? Like a couple months ago, we didn’t even

think this was a possibility.’”

Lee stood and cheered Kaylia Nemour of Algeria during her gold medal-winning set. Maybe it’s because Lee has a greater appreciation than most on what it takes to make something so demanding look so incredibly easy.

It’s an ability that Lee has had from the start. And even as she tried to navigate her health problems, she and Graba put together a plan that included Lee introducing a new skill that could have boosted her di culty high enough to put her in the mix for gold.

One problem: She couldn’t quite get the hang of it in competition. She fell while attempting it during the American Cup in February. USA Gymnastics

then opted not to give her an international assignment that would have let her try it in front of foreign judges to get a feel for how it might be scored. So rather than press forward, Lee and Graba improvised, coming to the conclusion that it might be safer to put together a slightly less risky set that would take gold out of the equation but leave her in better position to make the ve-woman U.S. team.

“She came over right over and said, ‘I think I’ve got to move on,’” Graba said. “And I’m like, ‘I was going to talk to you about that today.’ Yeah. So we both knew it.”

The shift set the stage for an Olympics that nds Lee every bit the equal — if not better — of

who she was in Tokyo. She and Biles helped power the U.S. to gold in the team nal, and Lee followed it up two days later by nishing third behind Biles and Rebeca Andrade of Brazil in the all-around, making her the rst reigning Olympic champion to medal in the next Games since Romanian icon Nadia Comaneci in 1980.

“I feel like I’m doing so much better this time around,” Lee said. “And even having the girls, like we really could not be here without each other and just having the support and being able to lean on each other has been incredible.”

“You never know what can happen,” she said. “So just keep reaching for your dreams.”

CHARLIE RIEDEL / AP PHOTO

Suni Lee, of the United States, celebrates after winning the bronze medal during the women’s gymnastics individual uneven bars nals.

SIDELINE REPORT

NBA

Former Hornet Hayward retires after 14 NBA seasons

Brownsburg, Ind.

Gordon Hayward, who nearly gave Butler a national title over Duke with a half-court shot that just missed on the nal play of the 2010 NCAA men’s basketball championship game, retired from the NBA after 14 seasons on Thursday. Hayward played for Utah, Boston, Charlotte and Oklahoma City, and he was an All-Star in 2017. He averaged 15.2 points in 835 career regular-season games and said he was looking forward to spending more time with his family. He joined the Hornets prior to the 2020-21 season and played there until he was traded in February 2024.

NASCAR

Montoya to make 1st Cup start since 2014, will drive for 23XI at Watkins Glen

Charlotte Juan Pablo Montoya will return to the Cup Series for the rst time since 2014 when he races for 23XI Racing at Watkins Glen International next month. 23XI is the team owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. The team said Montoya would drive the No. 50 Toyota in support of Mobil 1’s 50th anniversary. Montoya was a Cup Series regular from 2007 to 2013. He will make his rst NASCAR Cup Series start since the 2014 Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The two-time Indianapolis 500 winner has competed full-time in Formula One, CART, IndyCar and IMSA.

NFL

Hopkins won’t require surgery for knee injury

Nashville, Tenn.

Tennessee Titans coach

Brian Callahan says star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins won’t require surgery for a knee injury su ered in training camp. Callahan said Hopkins “will miss several weeks.” The rst-year coach did not detail the nature of the injury, which Hopkins su ered last week. The 32-year-old Hopkins was seen with a wrap on his left knee during practice.

A three-time All-Pro, Hopkins led the Titans last season with 75 receptions for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns. Hopkins is expected to be the top target for quarterback Will Levis.

NCAA FOOTBALL

Kentucky gets 2 years of probation by NCAA after settling football infractions case

Lexington, Ky.

Kentucky and the NCAA have reached a settlement over infractions that included 11 football players getting paid for work they did not perform in 2021 and ’22. It says the school agreed with the NCAA Committee on Infractions that some football players received impermissible bene ts and that rules violations took place in the school’s swimming program. Kentucky agreed to spend two years on probation, pay an undisclosed ne and vacate records of any games in which ineligible football players competed. The swimming infractions involved excessive practice and athletes not being given required days o .

Djokovic nally adds gold medal to his resume

The 37-year-old beat

By Howared Fendrich The Associated Press

PARIS — For all of his Grand Slam championships and other titles, for all of his time at No. 1, Novak Djokovic really, really wanted an Olympic gold medal for Serbia, the last signi cant accomplishment missing from his glittering resume.

He nally got one at age 37, beating Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2) in an enthralling and evenly matched men’s tennis singles nal at the 2024 Games.

“When I take everything into consideration, this probably is the biggest sporting success I ever had in my career,” said Djokovic, who didn’t drop a set in Paris and is the oldest man to win the Summer Games tennis title since 1908. “This kind of supersedes everything that

I imagined, that I hoped that I could experience, that I could feel.”

With margins so thin that any mistake felt as if it could tilt things, Djokovic was at his best when the stakes were highest, dominating each of the two tiebreakers against Alcaraz, who beat him in the Wimbledonnal three weeks ago.

“In the close moments, in the di cult situations, in the tiebreaks, he played an impressive game,” said silver medalist Alcaraz, the 21-year-old from Spain who sobbed, too, after falling short of becoming the youngest male singles gold medalist. “That’s why I saw that he’s hungry for the gold medal. He was going to go for it.”

Djokovic already owns a men’s-record 24 Grand Slam trophies and the most weeks spent atop in the rankings by any man or woman. He also already owned an Olympics medal, from 2008, but it was a

bronze — and he made it clear that simply wasn’t su cient. He kept talking over the past week, but also the past months, about what a priority the gold was for him — and Alcaraz said he kept hearing about it.

Until getting Paris bronze medalist Lorenzo Musetti of Italy on Friday, Djokovic was 0-3 in Olympic semi nals, losing to the gold winner each time: Rafael Nadal at Beijing in 2008, Andy Murray at London in 2012, and Alexander Zverev in Tokyo three years ago.

This time, Djokovic said, “I was ready.”

In Paris, wearing a gray sleeve over the right knee that required surgery for a torn meniscus two months ago, Djokovic faced Nadal in the second round and eliminated his longtime rival in straight sets.

The No. 1 seed Djokovic saved eight break points, No. 2 Alcaraz saved six. Pressure? Ha. What pressure?

“We both played at a very high level,” Djokovic said. “We really went toe-to-toe.”

In the second tiebreaker, after Djokovic laced a cross-court forehand winner on the run to cap a 10-shot point for a 3-2 lead, he waved his arms to encourage the folks standing and screaming. Soon, thanks to one last forehand winner, he had earned that prize he wanted, at long last.

When the Serbian national anthem nished ringing out, Djokovic reached for his gold and brought it to his lips for a kiss.

Was he worried that moment would never arrive?

“There are always doubts. Absolutely, I had doubts,” Djokovic said. “But the belief and the conviction that I can make it is stronger than my doubts. It always has been. I knew that it’s going to happen. It was just a matter of when it’s going to happen.”

Sche er gets the Olympic gold medal in a thriller

He shot 62 to become the second straight American to win men’s golf gold

By Doug Ferguson

The Associated Press

SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-

YVELINES, France — Scottie

Sche er was a model of calm and greatness as he delivered the greatest closing round of his career. The nal two hours were about charges and collapses, pure theater that ended Sunday with the Olympic gold medal ttingly draped around the neck of golf’s No. 1 player.

It was only when Sche er stood on the top podium, when the nal few bars of the national anthem belted out across Le Golf National, that he lost control.

The medal dangling beneath his right hand xed across his chest, Sche er raised his left arm to cover the sobs.

Four shots behind to start the nal round, six shots behind early on the back nine, Sche er birdied ve of six holes down the stretch and matched the course record with a 9-under 62 for a one-shot victory over Tommy Fleetwood.

“It’s been a long week. It’s been a challenging week. I played some great golf today, and I’m proud to be going home with a medal,” Sche er said.

“These guys played tremendous golf, and I think we should all be proud of the golf that we played this week.”

There was the remarkable surge by Sche er, who shot 29 on the back nine, and the relentless play of Fleetwood (66) and Hideki Matsuyama.

And there was a stunning collapse by Jon Rahm, who saw a four-shot lead disappear in two holes and his hopes vanish with

a double bogey; by Rory McIlroy, one shot behind until hitting wedge into the water; and by Xander Schau ele, the PGA and British Open champion.

In the end, it was Sche er. Already a six-time winner on the PGA Tour this year, including his second Masters title, Sche er added Olympic gold to an astonishing season with a round that kept the sellout crowd on edge for a wild conclusion. He set an Olympic record for 72 holes at 19-under 265. Sche er becomes the second straight American to win gold in men’s golf, following Schauf-

fele in the Tokyo Games. It was all such a blur that Sche er didn’t even know where he stood.

“I saw that Rahm had gotten to 20-under, and so I kind of changed a little bit mentally to just really try to do my best to move my way up the leaderboard, and at one point I didn’t even really know if I was in contention or not,” Sche er said.

“I just tried to do my best to make some birdies and start moving up and maybe get a medal or something like that just because Jon is such a great player.” When he nally got a look at

a leaderboard, Sche er was in the fairway on the par-4 15th and hit wedge to a foot. That got him within one. Then came his tee shot to 8 feet for birdie on the par-3 17th. And the winner turned out to be an 8-iron he gouged out of the rough to 18 feet for a fourth straight birdie and his rst lead of the week.

“He’s been piling up trophies left and right and he keeps moving away from what is the pack of people chasing him in the world,” Schau ele said. “When I take my competitive hat o and put my USA patriot hat on, I’m very happy that we won another gold medal.”

GEORGE WALKER IV / AP PHOTO

Gold medalist Scottie Sche er, of the United States, cries as the national anthem is played during the medal ceremony for men’s golf at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Carlos Alcaraz in the nal

LOUISE DELMOTTE / AP PHOTO

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic shows his gold medal after defeating Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s singles tennis nal at Roland Garros during the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Olympic, faith leaders seek reset after opening ceremony outcry

By Giovanna Dell’Orto

Associated Press

The

PARIS — Faith leaders gathered with Olympic o cials Sunday morning in front of Notre Dame Cathedral to celebrate how “faith and sport can complement each other,” in the words of International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach.

The 2024 Paris Games got o to a rocky start with many religious groups around the world, including the Vatican. They criticized a scene in the opening ceremony seen as mocking Christianity by evoking “The Last Supper” and featuring drag queens, though the performers and the ceremony’s artistic director denied being inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s painting.

“We wanted to show that the most important thing is peace,” Catholic Bishop Emmanuel Gobilliard said at the gathering. It was modeled after the rst such interfaith meeting, organized by modern Olympics founder Pierre de Coubertin in the 1924 Paris Games.

Far from the controversy, in an inconspicuous tent-like structure tucked away at the end of the athletes’ village in Paris, ordained and lay representatives from the ve major global religions have taken up that mantle, providing spiritual comfort to Olympians.

Representatives of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism worked for months to set up a shared hall where the more than 10,500 athletes and their sta can nd information about worship and speak with a chaplain.

For the rst half of the Games, many seem to have found their

way there to have a quiet moment away from the overwhelming pressure of competition.

“Some of the athletes who come to pray, I think they came to give up their pressure, to take some time to get out of their own heads,” said the Rev. Jason Nioka, a former judo champion who’s in charge of the largest contingent of Olympic chaplains, about 40 Catholic priests, nuns and lay faithful.

An athlete who lost a competition told chaplains that he would quit sports. After multiple days of visits, he said everything was ne and he’ll stick to it, said the Rev. Anton Gelyasov, archpriest of the Greek-Orthodox Metropolis of France, who’s leading more than two dozen Christian Orthodox chaplains for the Games.

Each religion got 538 square feet of the structure provided

by the Paris Games organizing committee, with instructions to comply with France’s secularism laws that strictly prescribe the role of religion in public spaces. What the faith leaders have done with the space is itself a wordless message of dialogue, tolerance and welcome — beginning with redistributing the size of the di erent rooms based on the expected number of faithful.

The door between the small Jewish room and the Muslim space, about twice its size but equally sparingly adorned, is often kept open.

“Here it’s very symbolic,” said Rabbi Moshe Lewin, vice president of the Conference of European Rabbis and one of the Jewish chaplains. “The conviviality, that’s the image that we should transmit.”

“People smile when they see an imam and a rabbi together,” added Najat Benali, president of the Coordination of Muslim Associations of Paris, who leads the Muslim chaplaincy. “We do ‘geo-fraternity,’ not geopolitics.”

The Hindu space also welcomes visitors with blessings by a small water fountain as chanting resounds from a volunteer’s cellphone. It’s the most exuberantly decorated space, with statues from India and a recreated temple structure in painted polyester foam.

In the middle is the Christian area, where Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox share an altar with a large Bible anked by a cross and icons. Next to it hangs a poster with a quote about faith by U.S. star gymnast Simone Biles.

Last week, three athletics competitors from Australia, Finland and Jamaica walked in to pray, and faith leaders asked if they could join them.

“It was like a little Pentecost,” said Anne Schweitzer, who’s coordinating about three dozen Protestant chaplains.

She discovered one of the three athletes, a silver medalist, is also quoted in the Gospel edition called “More Precious than Gold,” created for the Games and available to visitors there and at churches across Olympic host cities.

Some Catholics, as well as volunteers in the village, have gone next door to meditate in the Buddhist space, said Luc Charles, a Zen monk with the Buddhist Union of France.

“It’s the occasion to get to know each other better,” he added.

Medical supplies blocked in Sudan’s famine-hit Darfur

Doctors Without Borders says children are at risk of dying without the resources

By Samy Magdy

The Associated Press

CAIRO — Malnourished children in a famine-hit camp for war-displaced people in Sudan’s western Darfur region are at risk of dying, an aid group said Sunday, because it was forced to ration malnutrition treatment due to a blockade imposed by a notorious paramilitary group.

Doctors Without Borders said the Rapid Support Forces, which have besieged al-Fasher city as part of its war against the Sudanese military, have blocked three trucks carrying lifesaving medical supplies, including therapeutic food, for the city and the nearby Zamzam camp where famine was con rmed last week.

Sudan plunged into chaos in April last year when simmering tensions between the military and the RSF developed into open ghting in the capital, Khartoum, before spreading across the northeastern African country. Darfur saw some of the worst and most devastating bouts of ghting in the war.

The con ict has killed thousands of people and pushed many into starvation. It created the world’s largest displacement crisis with more than 10 million people forced to ee their homes since April 2023, according to the U.N. migration agency. Over 2 million of those ed to neighboring countries. International experts in the Famine Review Committee con rmed Thursday that starvation at Zamzam camp, where up to 600,000 people shelter, has grown into full famine.

International experts use set criteria to con rm the existence of famines. A famine is declared in an area when one in ve people or households severely lack food and face starvation and destitution that would ultimately lead to critical levels of acute malnutrition and death.

In Zamzam camp, which has swelled with the arrival of new displaced people, many children

are in critical condition, Doctors Without Borders said, adding that the malnutrition ward at its eld hospital in the camp is overcrowded with a 126% bed occupancy rate.

The group said RSF ghters have blocked the trucks in the town of Kabkabiya for over a month, adding that it was forced to limit the number of children receiving therapeutic food in the overcrowded camp as its stock of medicine covers only two weeks.

“Deliberately obstructing or delaying humanitarian cargo is putting the lives of thousands of children at-risk as they are cut-

o from receiving life-saving treatment,” it said on social media platform X.

The RSF has imposed a siege on el-Fasher in its monthslong attempt to take it from the military and its allied rebel groups. The city, the provincial capital of North Darfur, is the last stronghold for the military in the wartorn Darfur region.

The U.N.’s Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, on Friday called for a cease- re to enable safe and unimpeded humanitarian access across borders and battle lines as well as scaling up nancial

support to prevent large-scale famine in Sudan.

About 25.6 million people — more than half of Sudan’s population — face acute hunger. This year’s $2.7 billion Humanitarian Response Plan for Sudan is less than a third funded, with $872 million received as of early August, according to the United Nations.

Nkweta-Salami said the humanitarian community has been scaling up the response in recent months, but the needs are immense.

“There isn’t a moment to waste,” she said.

“Deliberately obstructing or delaying humanitarian cargo is putting the lives of thousands of children at-risk as they are cut-o from receiving life-saving treatment.”

Doctors Without Borders on X

REBECCA BLACKWELL / AP PHOTO

Muslim representative Najat Benali, left, Rabbi Moshe Lewin, center, and Orthodox Christian priest Anton Gelyasov chat in the Jewish area of the interreligious hall in the Olympic Village at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

JUSTIN LYNCH / AP PHOTO

Doctors Without Borders says the blocking of medical supplies to a Sudanese camp that shelters more than a half a million people in Darfur has increased the risk of famine.

STATE & NATION

More US schools are taking breaks for meditation

Teachers say it helps students’ mental health

By Sharon Johnson

The Associated Press

REX, Ga. — The third-grade students at Roberta T. Smith Elementary School had only a few days until summer vacation and an hour until lunch, but there was no struggle to focus as they led into the classroom. They were ready for one of their favorite parts of the day.

The children closed their eyes and traced their thumbs from their foreheads to their hearts as a pre-recorded voice led them through an exercise called the shark n, part of the classroom’s regular meditation routine.

“Listen to the chimes,” said the teacher, Kim Franklin. “Remember to breathe.”

Schools across the U.S. have been introducing yoga, meditation and mindfulness exercises to help students manage stress and emotions. As the depths of student struggles with mental health became clear in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pan-

demic, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last year endorsed schools’ use of the practices.

Research has found that school-based mindfulness programs can help, especially in low-income communities where

9/11 families group leader lauds death penalty option in prosecutions

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin rejected a plea deal for the architects of the terrorist attack

By Larry Neumeister

The Associated Press

THE HEAD OF A GROUP of family members of victims of the Sept. 11 terror attacks said Saturday that she’s hearing nearly unanimous praise of the U.S. defense secretary’s nulli cation of plea deals for the accused 9/11 mastermind and two others that would have removed the death penalty as a possibility.

The American Civil Liberties Union, meanwhile, said it plans to challenge the reversal in court, citing it in a statement Saturday as a “rash act” that “violates the law.”

Terry Strada, national chair of the group 9/11 Families United, said she was shocked by the announcement late Friday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was rejecting a plea deal reached just days ago and was restoring the death penalty as an option in the cases.

He wrote that authority in the matter ultimately rested with him.

“Nobody saw this coming,” Strada said.

But she quickly added that it was the right thing to do.

“These men deserve no mercy,” Strada said. “They certainly didn’t show any mercy to my husband or the other 2,976 who died in the attacks.”

She said dozens of individuals from her group who she has communicated with since Friday night have been unanimous.

“Everybody I’ve talked to wants them put to death because that’s the punishment that ts the crime and the message the United States needs to send to terrorists around the world: We will hold you accountable and exercise the death penalty,” Strada said.

And she said a large international prisoner swap that occurred Thursday was a reminder of the need to ensure that nobody behind the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks that turned hijacked planes into missiles that tore through 110-story twin World Trade Center towers and smashed into the Pentagon are ever set free.

Strada has said as recently as several days ago that some of the 10,000 family members of those killed in the attacks are divided over whether the death penalty is appropriate.

Austin’s action came two days after the military commission at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba,

students face high levels of stress or trauma.

The mindfulness program reached Smith Elementary through a contract with the school system, Clayton County Public Schools, where twothirds of the students are black.

GreenLight Fund Atlanta, a network that matches communities with local nonpro ts, helps Georgia school systems pay for the mindfulness program provided by Inner Explorer, an audio platform.

Joli Cooper, GreenLight Fund Atlanta’s executive director, said it was important to the group to support an organization that is accessible and relevant for communities of color in the Greater Atlanta area.

Children nationwide struggled with the e ects of isolation and remote learning as they returned from the pandemic school closures. The CDC in 2023 reported more than a third of students were a ected by feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness. The agency recommended schools use mindfulness practices to help students manage emotions.

“We know that our teenagers and adolescents have really strained in their mental health,”

CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen, former secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, told The Associated Press. “There are real skills that we can give our teens to make sure that they are coping with some big emotions.”

Approaches to mindfulness represent a form of social-emotional learning, which has become a political ashpoint with many conservatives who say schools use it to promote pro -

gressive ideas about race, gender and sexuality.

But advocates say the programming brings much-needed attention to students’ well-being.

“When you look at the numbers, unfortunately, in Georgia, the number of children of color with suicidal thoughts and success is quite high,” Cooper said. “When you look at the number of psychologists available for these children, there are not enough psychologists of color.”

Black youth have the fastest-growing suicide rate among racial groups, according to CDC statistics. Between 2007 and 2020, the suicide rate among black children and teens ages 10 to 17 increased by 144%.

“It’s a stigma with being able to say you’re not OK and needing help, and having the ability to ask for help,” said Tolana Griggs, Smith Elementary’s assistant principal. “With our diverse school community and wanting to be more aware of our students, how di erent cultures feel and how di erent cultures react to things, it’s important to be all-inclusive with everything we do.” Teachers and administrators say they have noticed a difference in their students since they’ve incorporated mindfulness into their routine. For Aniyah Woods, 9, the program has helped her “calm down” and “not stress anymore.”

“I love myself how I am, but Inner Explorer just helps me feel more like myself,” Aniyah said.

announced that the o cial appointed to oversee the war court had approved plea deals with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two accused accomplices, Walid bin Attash and Mustafa al-Hawsawi.

In a release Saturday, ACLU Executive Director Anthony Romero said the civil rights group plans to sue to win a reversal of Austin’s move.

He said any death penalty nding would not be upheld on appeal because of torture experienced by those who were captured after the 9/11 attacks and because military commissions are “inherently unjust.”

“After over 20 years, it’s time for our government to accept the defendants’ guilty pleas as the best solution in a terrible circumstance. The 9/11 families and the American people deserve closure and adherence to due process principles that are

“It’s stunning that Secretary Austin betrayed 9/11 family members seeking judicial nality while recklessly setting aside the judgment of his own prosecutors and the Convening Authority, who are actually steeped in the 9/11 case. Politics and command in uence should play no role in this legal proceeding,” Romero said.

the bedrock of our democracy,” Romero said.

Families of those killed in the al-Qaida attacks were told in letters that the plea agreement stipulated that the men would serve up to life sentences but would not face death.

Strada said family members feared that if they were placed in U.S. prisons, “any future administration could commute their sentence or use them in a possible prison swap.”

“I’m not a ghoul that I want them put to death,” Strada added. “I want them put them to death because I don’t want them to have a voice, ever.”

SHARON JOHNSON / AP PHOTO

Aniyah Woods meditates during a mindfulness session in her classroom at Roberta T. Smith Elementary School on May 14 in Rex, Georgia.

JANET HAMLIN / AP PHOTO

A 2008 courtroom drawing shows Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, center, and co-defendant Walid Bin Attash, left, attending a pretrial session at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba.

the stream

“American Godfathers: The Five Families,” left, the lm “The Instigators,” center, and the docuseries “Hollywood Black” stream this week.

‘Dance

Moms’ returns; Matt Damon, Casey

A eck’s caper ‘The Instigators,’ hits

Michael Imperioli, who played Tony Soprano’s protégé Christopher on “The Sopranos,” can’t shake the mob

The Associated Press

NETFLIX’S “The Umbrella Academy” premieres its nal season. A heist goes wrong in a Boston set movie starring Matt Damon and Casey A eck, and “Dance Moms” is back on Lifetime. Also streaming this week: A four-part docuseries adapts historian Donald Bogle’s 2019 book “Hollywood Black” for MGM+, and “Not Not Jazz,” a documentary following the avant-garde, acid jazz-fusion band Medeski, Martin & Wood, becomes available to stream via video on demand.

MOVIES TO STREAM

A poorly planned heist goes wrong in “The Instigators” (Friday on Apple TV+), a loosely amiable Boston-set caper starring Matt Damon and Casey A eck. The movie, directed by Doug Liman (“Go,” “The Bourne Identity”), returns Damon and A eck to familiar hometown terrain. They play a despondent pair who try to steal money from a corrupt mayor (Ron Perlman) but ends up on the run with a therapist (Hong Chau) in tow. In my review, I called it “a rudderless but winningly shaggy action comedy.”

Je Nichols (“Mud,” “Take Shelter,” “Loving”) extends his survey of classically American dramas with “The Bikeriders,” a chronicle of a Chicago motorcycle club in the 1960s. In the lm (Friday on Peacock), Austin Butler and Tom Hardy star as riders with an antiauthoritarian streak who help found the Vandals but watch as their club grows beyond their control. In a male-populated lm, though, Jodie Comer, the heavily accented narrator, is closer to the main character. In my review, I called it “a vivid dramatization of the birth of an American subculture.”

This month, the Criterion Channel is running two overlapping series: one of movies directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and one of lms starring Philip Seymour Homan. Ho man was a mainstay in Anderson’s lms from the start (he steals “Hard Eight” with one scene) and a central presence in lms like “Magnolia,” “Punch-Drunk Love”

“Not Not Jazz,” about the revolutionary “avant-groove” band Medeski Martin & Wood streams Friday via video on demand.

and “The Master.” The Homan series also includes plenty of other highlights; look especially for the exquisitely tender 2010 drama “Jack Goes Boating.” The Anderson series also includes an exclusive streaming of the director’s radiant 2021 coming-of-age tale “Licorice Pizza,” which poignantly starred Ho man’s son, Cooper. MUSIC TO STREAM Ryuichi Sakamoto’s “Opus” — the posthumous album and documentary of the same name — was captured while the Japanese lm composer was dying of cancer. Across 20 songs, Sakamoto performs a collection of his biggest songs on piano, like the memorable themes for Bernardo Bertolucci’s “The Last Emperor” and “The Sheltering Sky.” The album also in-

cludes the rst-ever recorded version of “Tong Poo,” from his early days with techno-pop trio Yellow Magic Orchestra. On Friday, Colombian reggaetónero J Balvin will release a new full-length project, “Rayo.” Across 15 tracks, he’s promised an album that hits like a house party — just in time for the hottest summer month. “Rayo” is stacked with good time collaborations — reggaetón superstar Fied, regional Mexican musician Carín León, Bad Gyal, Zion, Dei V, Ryan Castro, Blessd and Luar La L. The previously released singles “Gaga” with Saiko, “Polvo de tu Vida” with Chencho Corleone, and “En Alta” with Quevedo, Omar Courtz and Yovngchimi embody that spirit. At his party, everyone is invited. Also on Friday, “Not Not

Jazz,” a documentary following the avant-garde, acid jazz-fusion band Medeski, Martin & Wood, becomes available to stream via video on demand. The lm follows the improvisational trio as they endeavor to record a new album at the Allaire Studio in Woodstock, New York. It is a peek behind the curtain of their processes and a celebration of far too often underserved music.

SHOWS TO STREAM

The dramatic world of “Dance Moms” returns with a new coach, dancers, and invested moms. In “Dance Moms: A New Era,” mothers hover as eight girls are trained by instructor Glo Hampton, a.k.a. Miss Glo, to compete nationally. The original “Dance Moms” ran for eight seasons and fea-

tured breakout stars Jojo Siwa and Maddie Ziegler. It also introduced the world to coach Abby Lee Miller, who was often criticized for being too harsh on her students. “Dance Moms: A New Era” debuted on Lifetime Wednesday. Net ix’s “The Umbrella Academy” premiered its nal season on Thursday. The show follows a family of adopted superheroes — who were stripped of their powers in season three — who must work together to stop the apocalypse. Megan Mullally, Nick O erman and David Cross are new faces in season four alongside regulars David Castañeda, Tom Hopper and Elliot Page.

The musical cartoon for preschoolers “Yo Gabba Gabba!” is getting a reboot called “Yo Gabba GabbaLand!” on Apple TV+. The 10-episode series premieres Friday. Michael Imperioli, who played Tony Soprano’s protégé Christopher on “The Sopranos,” can’t shake the mob. He’s the executive producer and narrator of a three-part docuseries on ve Italian American families selected by Charles “Lucky” Luciano in 1931 to rule the organized crime world. “American Godfathers: The Five Families” debuts Sunday on The History Channel. It will also stream on The History Channel app.

A four-part docuseries adapts historian Donald Bogle’s 2019 book “Hollywood Black” for MGM+. Executive produced by Forest Whitaker, the series examines the history of cinema through the Black perspective. Creatives including Ryan Coogler, Ava DuVernay, Issa Rae, LaKeith Staneld, Gabrielle Union, and Lena Waithe are interviewed. “Hollywood Black” premieres Sunday.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

People who love collecting cute monsters and making them ght have long been drawn to Pokémon. This year’s Palworld upped the ante by adding guns to the mix. But what if you just want to cuddle? That’s where 11 Bit Studios’ Creatures of Ava comes in. You’re an explorer on a planet bustling with wildlife — but the creatures are being threatened by an infection called “the withering.” It’s your mission to tame the beasts with your magic ute and help them heal. It’s a cozier take on the old “gotta catch ‘em all” formula, and it comes to Xbox X/S and PC on Wednesday.

Randolph record

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Tropical storm could bring 6 to 8 inches of rain

With a half-foot or more of rain expected in the next few days, preparing for potential evacuations or power outages is essential. Emergency o cials suggest the following simple steps to make sure you’re prepared:

• Make a plan. Outline a communications and evacuation plan for your family. If you have any pets or livestock, include them in your plan.

• Assemble an emergency kit. It should include a threeday supply of non-perishable food, water and medication, as well as any other items you might need in case of a power outage, such as a ashlight, radio and batteries.

• Charge your cell phone. This will allow you to stay connected to emergency and safety updates even if the power goes out.

• Secure outdoor items. Safely store lawn furniture, decorations, toys, garbage cans and other items that can be brought indoors. Tie down larger objects like boats and trailers.

• Fuel up. Fill vehicles before the storm as a loss of power could put gas pumps out of commission.

• Watch for downed trees and power lines: Understanding precautions associated with downed powerlines is important at any time, but especially during an event such as this. If you should observe downed powerlines, please report it immediately and stay far away from the area. Downed powerlines can carry an electric current strong enough to cause serious injury or death. They can also electrify the ground and nearby objects as much as 30 feet away from the line itself. Additionally, when approaching electric utility crews or emergency responders working on the side of the road, slow down and leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the workers.

New shops brewing in Liberty

Two families have transformed buildings into eateries and more

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

LIBERTY — Two new business ventures are opening in Liberty with co ee themes and months of work in renovating buildings in an area of Randolph County that’s expected to grow rapidly.

Liberty Grounds has opened, featuring a co ee shop and market. Soon, Oak’s Beans, Hops and Vine will be up and running, specializing in gourmet co ee, North Carolina wines and rotation options of craft beer.

These are family operations and clearly new endeavors for the business owners.

“This is a totally new adventure for all of us,” said Ginger VanNess, who along with her husband, Paul VanNess, bought the building at 129 South Fay-

etteville St. where Liberty Grounds is housed. “We know Liberty is going to be growing and there’s going to be a boom. … Liberty is going to take o and is growing and changing, and now is the time.”

That’s much of how Angela and Mike Oakley viewed the scene when they launched their plan for Oak’s Beans, Hops and Vine at 251 North Asheboro St.

“It’s something I talked about as long as I can remember,” Mike Oakley said. “This was the dream I always wanted to do.”

So after 27 years in sales, he took the plunge.

Both of these families live in Guilford County a short drive from Liberty, where they’ve been spending lots of time. They consider themselves friends, though they weren’t aware of the parallel pursuits until they were well into their respective projects.

Big early turnout

Liberty Grounds opened

“Liberty

is going to take o and is growing and changing, and now is the time.”

Ginger VanNess, Liberty Grounds co-owner

July 20, and it was a special experience, Ginger VanNess said. More than 400 people showed up throughout the day.

“We were really overwhelmed,” she said. “We were totally unprepared for that type of support. I hope it stays this way.”

But the last few weeks have been smoother and still rewarding, she said.

Ginger VanNess works remotely in health care, and that allows her to be on site. A manager, Heather Kennedy, has been hired.

The VanNess family bought the building, which had housed

Commissioners approve legislative goals to go before NCACC

The NCACC will review the legislative goals of each county and create a single list to be presented before the General Assembly

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

ASHEBORO — The Randolph County Board of Commissioners held a meeting Aug. 5. The board approved a resolution to send a list of legislative goals to the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners that will be considered to potentially be presented before the North Carolina General Assembly based on their applicability to all 100 counties. Those legislative goals included, “Seeking legislation amend-

ing NCGS §106-740 that de nes formal initiation of any action to condemn any interest in qualifying farmland within a voluntary agricultural district by State or local public agencies or governmental units to allow for adequate time to hold a public hearing and to investigate and develop recommendations on proposed acquisition, supporting increased funding for the Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust to enable the provision of additional conservation easements, supporting funding for comprehensive food systems coordination, including food councils, food hubs, and Cooperative Extension Food Systems agents, seeking funding that will extend federal stabilization grants for childcare centers, supporting legislation to increase subsidy reimburse-

ment rates for childcare centers, supporting legislation to update 2015-established statewide oor rates for childcare subsidy reimbursements, supporting funding for parks, trails, and other recreational amenities that contribute to quality of life and attract and drive economic activity and seeking additional revenue sources to address statewide school capital needs and ensure methods used to distribute school capital funding considers the needs of both low-wealth and growing counties.”

The board then approved multiple funding items, including the addition of two deputy sheri positions for the City of Trinity at a cost of around $189,000 for the 2024-25 scal year which will be fully reimbursed by the City of Trinity.

“The additional positions

the town’s Post O ce at one point and most recently had been a doctor’s o ce, last November and they did the labor in getting it in shape. They’d been working on the renovations since March.

Out of the 3,800 square feet, the shop occupies about 1,200 square feet. There’s also a room for meetings that visitors can use and what she refers to as the Liberty Grounds library, which is a book exchange area. Ginger VanNess’ son Eli Gentry, who’s interested in a culinary career and has completed some courses at Guilford Tech, is handling many of the kitchen duties. But Gentry, 17, will be back in school soon as a rising senior at Southeast Guilford.

The barista is Meadow Skipworth.

The menu o ers salads along with items from a Jamestown bakery. Soon, there could be more.

would be utilized to patrol the city, respond to calls, conduct crime prevention activities and assist with criminal investigations,” said Chief Deputy Aundrea Azelton. “Given the City of Trinity’s growth in population and increased public safety demands, the additional law enforcement presence would be highly bene cial.”

In addition, the board approved the purchase of eight 2024 Chevy Silverado for the Randolph County Sheri ’s O ce too at a cost of around $362,000, an approximate $193,000 construction contract to Granco for a conditioned storage building to expand what the health department is able to store on-site and the purchase of a public health

COURTESY PHOTOS

Bottom left, Liberty Grounds is located in a building that previously housed a post o ce among other businesses. Bottom center, beverages and much more are available at Liberty Grounds. Right, Eli Gentry operates the espresso machine at Liberty Grounds.

Angela Oakley, left, and Mike Oakley soon will be opening their new business in Liberty.

We stand corrected

To report an error or a suspected error, please email: corrections@nsjonline. com with “Correction request” in the subject line.

Archdale location opens for DSS

Local o cials attended the ribbon cutting for the new facility

Randolph Record sta

ARCHDALE — Randolph County’s new satellite location for the Department of Social Services and Public Health opened in late July in Archdale.

This facility, which is located at 215 Balfour Dr., is intended to serve the northwestern part of the county.

“Randolph County Commissioners are delighted to have this location as it is easily accessible, and with the growing needs in our county with the expansion of Medicaid, it comes at a good time for the community,” said Dar -

rell Frye, chairman of the Randolph County commissioners.

Frye lives in Archdale.

Mayors Lewis Dorsett of Archdale and Richard McNabb of Trinity and state Sen. Amy Galey were among the attendees at a ribbon cutting and grand opening, while other government leaders also sent representatives.

Participants of the ribbon cutting were, left to right, county manager Zeb Holden, county commissioner David Allen, county engineer Paxton Arthurs, Public Health director Tara Aker, Department of Social Services director Tracie Murphy, assistant county manager/ nance director Will Massie, county commissioner chairman Darrell Frye, county commissioner Maxton McDowell and assistant county manager William Johnson.

Furniture store in Asheboro to close

A parent company’s nancial woes to result in shutdown

Randolph Record sta

ASHEBORO – The Badcock Home Furniture & More store at 837 East Dixie Drive in Asheboro is closing as the company is going out of business. There were more than 380

CRIME LOG

July 30

• Jimmy Lee Dawson, 41, of Trinity, was arrested by Randolph County Sheri ’s O ce (RCSO) for possession of stolen goods, habitual larceny, misdemeanor possession of stolen goods, misdemeanor larceny, shoplifting concealment of goods, breaking and entering, felony larceny, injury to personal property, and breaking and entering.

• Daniel Angel Lopez, 23, of Asheboro, was arrested by APD for attempted breaking and entering, injury to personal property, injury to real property, simple possession of Schedule VI controlled substance, and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

• Zoet Makayla Grace Reyes, 24, of Trinity, was arrested by RCSO for possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Nancy Lynn Shankel, 28, of Randleman, was arrested by Randleman Police

from page 1

Ginger VanNess wants to pursue an ABC license. There already has been a younger clientele than she expected.

“My main focus is a community hub,” she said. “So far, that’s exactly what I think we’re getting.”

The hours are 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday.

Ginger VanNess said they’d like to expand the space of the shop or perhaps lease some of it for a vintage market.

“We’re all learning together,” she said.

Something for everyone

That might also describe how it’s going for the Oakley

stores in North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi.

Other stores in the region are located in High Point, Greensboro, Burlington, Sanford, Winston-Salem and Durham.

Going-out-of-business sales are including discounts of up to 50 percent. The closures come in association to bankruptcy led

Department for possession of methamphetamine and felony possession of cocaine.

July 31

• Jahlil Tyon Garnes, 20, of Trinity, was arrested by RCSO for common law robbery, felony conspiracy (three counts), and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile (two counts).

August 1

• William David Butler, 48, was arrested by RCSO for obtaining property by false pretense, misdemeanor larceny of a motor vehicle, and possession of stolen goods.

• Terrance Montez Gladden, 36, of Pleasant Garden, was arrested by Asheboro Police Department (APD) for tra cking in cocaine, possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine, maintaining a vehicle/dwelling place for controlled substances, manufacturing/ selling/delivering/possessing controlled substances within 1000 feet

family. They’ve been working on renovating the leased building for Oak’s Beans, Hops and Vine.

“When I committed to this, I’m here every day doing something,” Mike Oakley said. “A little bit more work than I was expecting.”

He has had help, including from children Joseph and Caroline, who’ve helped with painting among other projects. There was plenty of electoral work as part of the upgrades.

The goal is a late-August opening once as they wait for an inspection and apply for an alcohol permit

This, too, will be primarily a family-run operation.

Mike Oakley said a lounge room and what might be described as a game room or ar-

by the Texas-based parent company, Conn’s, which had bought Badcock last year. Conn’s stores are also closing. That’s a total of more than 550 store closings. Reports say that impacts 3,800 employees at the full-time level and dozens more at part-time levels.

Conn’s has 12 stores in North Carolina, including in Greensboro, Winston-Salem and Burlington.

of a park, felony possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana (0.5 to 1.5 oz), possession of marijuana paraphernalia, and simple possession of Schedule II controlled substance.

• Drew Elliott McGill, 41, of Greensboro, was arrested by RCSO for felony dissemination of obscenity and a sex o ense.

• Danny Lee Minor, 30, of Ramseur, was arrested by RCSO for two counts of tra cking in opium or heroin.

• William Ray Martin, 70, of Asheboro, was arrested by APD for tra cking in cocaine, possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine, maintaining a vehicle/dwelling place for controlled substances, possessing controlled substances within 1000 feet of a park, felony possession of cocaine, possession with intent to manufacture/ sell/deliver Schedule I controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

cade will be part of the venue.

“Kind of something for every age,” he said. “It’s very inviting.”

The building, with about 2,000 square feet, previously served several businesses. A tanning salon, a thrift store and a orist were past occupants. The features will include a bar and an area to view televisions. There will be a xture that can display 72 wine bottles.

The Oakleys are partnering with Carolina Co ee Roasting Co. in Greensboro.

Initially, the expected hours will be 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

“Really looking forward to opening and getting to know even more people in Liberty,” Angela Oakley said.

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Randolph County:

Aug. 10

Asheboro

7

134

Aug. 13

Asheboro

7

emergency trailer at a cost around $107,000 using temporary federal COVID pandemic-related funding.

“Acquiring this equipment will facilitate rapid deployment for emergency response for potential use as a health screening or testing area, a mass vaccination area or a temporary command center,” said Public Health Director Tara Aker. “The enclosed trailer will come out tted with in atable sheltering, lighting, an in ator/deator, heating and air units, a generator, an industrial fan, inatable light towers and so on. When deployed, the trailer’s contents can be used in whole or in part, depending on the need at that time.”

The board also approved the allocation of $430,000 in outstanding 2023 Strategic Planning Funding with $200,000 for the Family Crisis Center, $10,000 for OE Enterprises, $20,000 for RhinoLeap, $100,000 for Habitat for Humanity and $100,000 for Lydia’s Place.

The funding, which comes from an agreement with Waste Management for the operation of the land ll, has been used for many years to support local expenses, however it seems that that funding will be running into some issues.

“This year’s revenue shortfall required us to use that money to balance the budget and we realized that, going forward, we’re going to need to be much more strategic with those strategic planning dollars,” said County Manager Zeb Holden. “And so looking forward, we’re going to kind of create windows of application periods and lay it out a bit more formally and set to a time so it’s easier to navigate year by year and easier to budget for.”

While the outstanding funding comes from the 2023 funds, the 2024 funds have already been allocated to balance the budget which puts future funding into question.

“I’m very leery about any recurring funds that we issue out because we may not be able to do that next year,” said Commissioner David Allen. “We don’t want to start a program and then have it fall because we don’t have the money.” The Randolph County Board of Commissioners will next meet Sept. 2.

COFFEE

RANDOLPH COUNTY PHOTO

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

COLUMN | JASON SIMMONS

Kamala Harris is the origin story of Democrats’ radical criminal justice policies

Harris’ willingness to turn a blind eye to terrorists, and drug and human tra cking sends a dangerously unsettling message.

BEFORE GEORGE SOROS and progressive Democrats spent tens of millions of dollars across the country to elect district attorneys, their anti-law enforcement agenda started in California.

In 2003, a young, power-hungry assistant district attorney named Kamala Harris primaried her boss and was elected Oakland County district attorney. Just four months into o ce, as a new DA she would reduce charges of a gang member who shot and killed a police o cer. Time and time again, Harris showed a soft-on-crime approach.

California has long held a brand of politics apart from the rest of the country, a place where people accept it as a tradeo for sunshine, movie stardom, or fortunes in Silicon Valley.

Yet over the past two decades, this dangerous and radical strain of progressivism has been exported across the country.

In New York, Philadelphia, Minneapolis and even here in North Carolina, radical district attorneys thumb their noses at enforcing the law and instead make excuses for those who willingly commit criminal acts.

One such district attorney, Durham’s Satana Deberry, took on an incumbent Democrat while promising to waive unpaid nes, declining to prosecute drug felonies and ending cash bail policies. She won

— and made good on her pro-criminal campaign promises.

The dangerous movement that started with Kamala Harris has gone national. At what point will voters say prioritize public safety, not criminals?

In Charlotte, the state’s largest city, the homicide rate is at its highest level in 21 years. The rst six months of 2024 have seen 61 people murdered in the Queen City. This also includes the brutal killing of four police o cers in the city in April.

Our cities are unsafe with far-left, radical liberal policies directly attributed to Harris.

As a U.S. senator, Harris went even further, proudly proclaiming that illegal immigration was not a crime.

This is why her work as “Border Czar” has produced a crisis of unprecedented proportions at the Southern border. Harris’ willingness to turn a blind eye to terrorists, and drug and human tra cking sends a dangerously unsettling message — America welcomes criminal behavior.

The past four years have seen a callous administration, led at the top by Kamala Harris, refusing to take responsibility for the hundreds of crimes committed by migrants. Mothers raped and murdered. Shooting sprees. Not even knowing how many individuals on the terror watch list have crossed the open border.

The central question now is whether

Delivering results for you

A safe and secure nation needs a safe and secure border.

UNDER PRESIDENT BIDEN and Vice President Harris’ failed leadership, you have seen record-high in ation, skyrocketing energy prices, the worst border crisis in history, and your constitutional rights under attack. Since House Republicans took the majority nearly two years ago, we have worked tirelessly to undo the damage the BidenHarris administration’s policies have done and ensure a safer, freer, more prosperous future for you and your family.

We have passed historic legislation to unleash American energy independence and make life more a ordable for you.

The Biden-Harris administration’s war on American energy has resulted in skyrocketing prices across the board. Unfortunately, instead of boosting production of domestic energy to lower prices, President Biden has continued to double down on his anti-energy policies. Every day, you are paying more at the pump, at the grocery store, and for your electricity bills, leaving you struggling to make ends meet. House Republicans’ bill, the Lower Energy Costs Act, will make energy more a ordable again by increasing domestic energy production,

reforming our broken permitting process, and reversing President Biden’s anti- energy policies.

We have also taken action to combat the crisis at our border by passing the Secure the Border Act, the strongest border security package that Congress has ever considered. The Biden-Harris Administration’s open border policies have led to nearly 10 million illegal crossings and deadly fentanyl owing into our communities. Too many innocent Americans, like Laken Riley, have been beaten, raped and murdered at the hands of people here illegally.

A safe and secure nation needs a safe and secure border. Our legislation would reinstate the successful Trump-era border policies, strengthen our asylum laws, provide Border Patrol agents with more resources, and force the Biden administration to restart construction of the border wall.

As your congressman, I am focused on legislation that will safeguard your constitutionally protected freedoms.

I am proud to lead on multiple pieces of legislation, including H.R. 615, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers

North Carolina, and the nation, will stand up to those who champion soft-on-crime, pro-criminal policies.

Even CNN has reported Harris voiced support for “defund the police” in June 2020, shortly before joining Joe Biden as the Democrats’ vice-presidential nominee.

Harris said they “rightly” called out the amount of money spent on police departments going even a step further, saying that more police did not equate to more public safety.

In her own words, she said, “We need to take a look at these budgets and gure out whether it re ects the right priorities.” She then accused cities of “militarizing police” but “defunding public schools.”

She went on to tell one group that as California’s AG, she signi cantly reformed their criminal justice system and became a national model.

“I’m proud of that work,” she said. That con rms hers is a record — and an origin story — she and Democrats cannot run from.

Kamala Harris cannot be elected president. She is the origin story of radical, out-of-touch, dangerously liberal policies. Nothing less than the safety and security of our country is at stake in November.

Jason Simmons is chairman of the North Carolina GOP.

Act, H.J.Res.44, a resolution to block the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) unconstitutional pistol brace banl and H.R. 5110, the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act, which became law on Oct. 6, 2023. As the Biden administration continues to try and target your Second Amendment rights, these common-sense measures make clear your right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

This is only some of what House Republicans have accomplished to ful ll our promises and address the issues you face every day — but we’re not done working.

We are going to nish this Congress strong and continue pushing back against the Biden-Harris administration’s extreme agenda that has crushed you and your family. We won’t stop ghting for solutions that protect your freedom, strengthen our economy, keep our communities safe, x the crisis at the border, and help you and every American family succeed.

Richard Hudson represents the 9th Congressional District in Washington, D.C.

COLUMN | RICHARD HUDSON

Randolph Record for Thursday, August 8, 2024

RandolpH SPORTS

SPONSORED BY 2024 IS THE YEAR TO eat mor chikin

Cougars embark on another volleyball quest

The Asheboro soccer team will make a trip to start the season

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

Southwestern Randolph’s powerhouse volleyball team will try to keep it going for another season.

The Cougars, who’ve had 25 or more victories the past three seasons, begin their schedule Aug. 14 at home against Oak Grove, which had a 22-5 record last year.

Southwestern Randolph, under coach Darby Kennedy, went 25-5 in 2023.

BEST OVERALL

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

The Cougars are a combined 79-14 in a three-year span. That stretch began with the 2021 state championship in Class 2A. Fall sports teams, with the exception of football, can begin regular-season competition Aug. 12.

Early soccer tests

In boys’ soccer, Asheboro has racked up some of the best records in the state the past few years. The Blue Comets will be challenged right away with a pair of games in Wilmington. Asheboro begins the season Aug. 14 at Wilmington Hoggard. Two nights later, they visit Wilmington Ashley.

Asheboro is a combined 55-87 the past three seasons.

The Blue Comets have their home opener Aug. 19 against Western Alamance.

College destinations

From the Class of 2024, Providence Grove’s Morgan Heilig to Pfei er to join the women’s golf team.

Also set to go from Providence Grove to Pfei er is Devon Kelly for softball.

Southwestern Randolph’s Michal Wilson picked Guilford College for softball.

Trinity’s Sarabeth Johnson is going to Ferrum to play volleyball.

Kenzie Hill

Uwharrie Charter Academy, volleyball/softball

Kenzie Hill made a big impact for Uwharrie Charter Academy in a couple of sports. She played for the highly successful volleyball and softball teams.

She was an All-Piedmont Athletic Conference softball player as a sophomore and a senior. This year, she led the Eagles in batting with a .459 average and also turned in team highs with 34 runs batted in and 33 stolen bases. She provided two home runs and 10 triples.

UCA compiled a 20-4-1 softball record. Last year, the Eagles racked up a 20-7 volleyball record.

During the summer, we recognize seniors from the past school year.

The

school enshrined its inaugural inductees earlier this year

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

TRINITY — Members of the second Trinity Athletics Hall of Fame class stretch across numerous decades.

The selections include athletes, coaches, administrators and special contributors.

The induction ceremony/ banquet is set for Oct. 19.

The range of those chosen as new inductees extends from Gilbert English in the Class of 1927 to Cameron King in the Class of 2012.

The other selections are: Kyle Spencer (athlete and coach, Class of 1997), Gail White Williams (athlete, Class of 1988), Jason Brown (athlete, Class of 1999), Brett Andrews (athlete, Class of 2003),

John Spell (athlete, Class of 1973), Andy Aikens (athlete, Class of 1976), Scout Albertson (athlete, Class of 2010), Karen Frank (coach), Eddie Collins (coach), Darrell Saunders (administrator and coach), Blaine Smith (athlete, Class of 1975), Andy Boyes (fan, Class of 1982), and the 1977 wrestling team that won the Western Region championship. Spencer was a wrestling coach for the school’s state tournament championship in 2012 (di ering from Trinity’s rst dual team state title last February). The inductees will be honored during the Oct. 18 football game vs. Wheatmore. The induction ceremony/banquet is set for Oct. 19. The rst Trinity Athletics Hall of Fame class was selected during the past school year. That induction was held in January.

Points standings vary in terms of margins for leaders

Randolph Record sta

SOPHIA – The chaos had to wait for the Crashin’ Hackett’s Night of Destruction. It was rescheduled for Saturday night at Caraway Speedway after last Saturday’s postponement because of wet weather and an unappealing forecast.

The speedway is promoting this as the 11th edition of the demolition derby style activities at the track.

The race card includes a 50lap Enduro, 35-lap Challengers, 15-lap UCARs, 20-lap Mod 4s and 15-lap Bootleggers.

The specialty events include a demolition derby, trailer / boat race, crawl gure-8 race, bowling with cards and bus races Admission comes with $30 per vehicle load. Races begin at 8 p.m.

About the points

The Late Models division has had a limited schedule. Dean Ward tops the list with 292 points, slightly ahead of Jamie York and Camden Thomas with 286 each.

The UCARs class has been intriguing with Jason Richmond (1,150), Jeremy Moose (1,130), Steven Collins (1,107), Justin Smith (1,097) and Josh Phillips (1,040) clustered near the top, while Ron Mock (954) is the most-recent winner.

The relatively small eld of Modi ed drivers has Rudy Hartley (1,150) leading the way, with Je Linkous (772) in the second spot. Hartley leads the division despite without a race victory.

Jaxson Casper had 1,146 points for a huge edge on Billy Gregg (775) and Mitchell Wright (754) in the 602 Modieds. His victory in the July 20 double-points feature extended his advantage. In Challengers, it’s Brody Duggins with 1,178 points, leading rookie Bryson Pickard (1,090) and Christian Henderson (1,014) in what could become an intriguing stretch run. For Bootleggers, it’s likely to come down between Bentley Black (1,194) and Bobby Bescher (1,118) with perhaps Corey Rose (892), who has won three races, making a push for the top spot. Since placing third in the second race of the season, Black has been rst or second in every feature.

CARS Tour update

The CARS Tour, which made a stop earlier this summer at Caraway Speedway, held a make-up card Saturday at North Wilkesboro Speedway, with Treyten Lapcevich winning for the rst time on tour. Lapcevich, a Canadian, led the nal 57 laps. The runner-up was Corey Heim, followed by Mini Tyrrell, Carson Kvapil and Brenden Queen. Former NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick placed 11th.

RANDOLPH RECORD FILE PHOTO

Kenzie Hill of Uwharrie Charter Academy strikes the ball during a volleyball match last fall.

RANDOLPH RECORD FILE PHOTO

Southwestern Randolph volleyball were champions of last year’s Piedmont Athletic Conference Tournament.

Way set to make next stop at Radford

The player from Randolph County has turned his attention to the mound

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

BURLINGTON — Trey Way hasn’t played much baseball the past couple of years. He wants that to change.

Way, who was a key part of two Randleman state championships, has a new role and a new team.

“It has been an up and down journey, for sure,” Way said. “You have to see the good in everything.”

The quest for more baseball satisfaction hasn’t waned. He’ll attempt to gain that at Radford.

An in elder for Randleman and once projected as a catcher at higher levels, he’s settling on pitching.

That has been an adventure. He has been a Virginia Tech student the past two years.

He was redshirted in 2023, when he was still a position player. He was expecting to have a role with the Hokies this year, but he wasn’t part of the roster.

“It de nitely caught me by surprise,” he said, pointing out that he felt he had a strong fall season. “It really, really caught

me o guard. It was so unexpected to me. … It was de nitely some hard feelings.”

In between the two school years at Virginia Tech, Way suited up last summer for the Asheboro ZooKeepers. He played

Cooper decides on another year at Liberty

The former Randleman pitcher is aiming for a role as a starter

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

BURLINGTON — Even during a summer of baseball uncertainty for pitcher Trey Cooper, he was focused on development.

The former Randleman pitcher wants to be a starting pitcher again.

“Trying to get back in the starting routine,” Cooper said.

Cooper has one season of college eligibility remaining and he entered the transfer portal after his second season at Lib -

erty. It turns out, he’s staying with the Flames. For the second time in three years, he was pitching with the Burlington Sock Puppets, a collegiate summer team in the Appalachian League. Cooper said he held out a longshot hope that he might be selected in last month’s baseball amateur draft after elding “a couple of calls here and there.”

That didn’t happen.

Along the way, the lefthander was trying to re-establish himself this summer. He also pitched for Burlington in 2022, when he was picked for the league’s All-Star Game.

“I’ve worked myself back in the groove,” he said.

Pitching depth could be focus for Post 45

The Southeast Regional continues through the weekend at McCrary Park

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

and played in 2022 for Randolph County Post 45. So even without logging much playing time since then, he said there’s a level of comfort entering a new program.

Former Randleman

baseball player Trey Way goes through pregame testing prior to an outing with the Burlington Sock Puppets last week.

sparingly and was stuck with a low batting average.

“I’ve been having some bad beats the last two years,” he said. “Turn the page. Let’s start over.”

He didn’t attend Virginia Tech baseball games this year, but re-

Cooper’s nal outing for the Sock Puppets came with four shutout innings on the road last week against the Danville Otterbots, who by Saturday night became league champions. He nished the season with a 1-1 record and 6.97 earned run average in nine appearances, including eight starts. He struck out 41 batters in 27 innings, but issued 32 walks and hit 10 batters.

Cooper struck out 10 batters June 16 in a home game against the Elizabethton River Riders. That accounted for all the outs he notched in the 31⁄3 hitless innings, though he also walked four.

Cooper’s rst two college seasons were in North Carolina State’s program before he transferred to Liberty.

Scott Jackson resigned as Liberty’s head coach in July to return to a sta position at North Carolina. Bradley LeCroy, who had been at Virginia

the key pitchers this year.

“My innings were limited the rst couple of years,” Harmon said. “My problem was throwing strikes.”

mained in Blacksburg, Va., to complete the semester. Way, who turns 21 in November, was a regular on the travel ball circuit, was a member of the 2019 Uwharrie Charter Academy state championship team

“I was going to make a switch, but the coach made it seem like they wanted me back.”

Trey Cooper, pitcher from Randleman

Commonwealth, took the Liberty position. Cooper gave a positive review of Jackson. Cooper hadn’t met LeCroy, but he said talking on the phone he felt comfortable and decided to play a redshirt senior season at Liberty.

“I was going to make a switch, but the coach made it seem like they wanted me back,” he said. “It’s a super-nice place. It felt like the right place.”

Cooper said Liberty is adding a pitching lab to its baseball program and increasing trend at the collegiate level

During the high school season, he became Montgomery Central’s ace. He played as a third baseman or shortstop when not on the mound in the high school season.

“I feel more experienced,” he said. “I’ve been around a lot of good players, good locker rooms.”

Way, older brother of rising Liberty freshman pitcher Seth Way, said he considered High Point and UNC Wilmington before settling on Radford, which is about 20 miles from Virginia Tech’s campus.

“Hungry to win,” he said. “I saw it as where I could get a lot of opportunity. That’s my goal for my baseball career.”

Way’s layo from game action extended until recently.

“I took this summer to just work on my training,” he said.

With Appalachian League teams in need of late-season roster llers, Radford coaches reached out to Way. He said he jumped at the chance for what he knew would be only an outing or two with the Burlington Sock Puppets last week.

He gave up one run and struck out two in a home victory against the Danville Otterbots.

“The one day I’ve been in the Appalachian League, I’m very impressed,” Way said.

Playing at Burlington Athletic Stadium was familiar to Way. That’s where Randleman won state titles in 2021 and 2022.

“It gives me chills just thinking about it,” he said.

There, he’ll be joined by incoming freshman pitcher Seth Way, who’s also a Randleman graduate. They’ve never played on the same team, but they’ve worked out at Ghost Lab in High Point. “We’ve trained together,” Cooper said.

In order to advance as far as Sunday’s title game, Randolph County will rely on pitching.

That’s where Drew Harmon and others can make a di erence. Harmon emerged as among

ASHEBORO — Randolph County Post 45 needs pitching depth to challenge for the American Legion’s Southeast Regional title. Despite a regular season that didn’t pan out well, Post 45 entered this week with a chance to make things right as the host team at McCrary Park.

But he ironed some of that out. It was on full display when his rst complete game came with a June 21 two-hitter against Berkeley (W.Va.) Post 14.

Post 45 manager Ronnie Pugh said that seemed like a breakthrough.

“He has probably been down in the rotation a little,” Pugh said.

Harmon said it was a matter of making regular strides.

“Last year, Coach Pugh told me I would get a good amount of innings,” Harmon said. “I’m taking my pitching a lot more serious.”

Harmon said he understands the value of giving the team a long outing, particularly with games potentially on consecutive days.

“It saves guys we have,” Harmon said.

The Southeast Regional began Wednesday and continues through the weekend. It’s an eight-team double-elimination format.

Pugh said Post 45’s pitching depth has been a plus, with

Harmon, Drake Purvis, Samuel Asbill, Austin Lemons, Parker Kines and Brett Smith carrying the load at times and Connor Adams, Braxton Walker and Jake Riddle providing boosts as well. After playing in Wednesday’s nightcap, game times for Post 45 will be determined based on results. Aside from Post 45 and North Carolina state champion Wayne County Post 11, the tournament eld includes teams from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia and Puerto Rico. This is the rst time Puerto Rico is competing in American Legion since 2011.

BOB SUTTON / RANDOLPH RECORD Trey Cooper

RANDOLPH RECORD

Drew Harmon throws a pitch for Randolph County Post 45 earlier this season in American Legion baseball.

BOB SUTTON / RANDOLPH RECORD

Olympic, faith leaders seek reset after opening ceremony outcry

By Giovanna Dell’Orto

The Associated Press

PARIS — Faith leaders gathered with Olympic o cials Sunday morning in front of Notre Dame Cathedral to celebrate how “faith and sport can complement each other,” in the words of International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach.

The 2024 Paris Games got o to a rocky start with many religious groups around the world, including the Vatican. They criticized a scene in the opening ceremony seen as mocking Christianity by evoking “The Last Supper” and featuring drag queens, though the performers and the ceremony’s artistic director denied being inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s painting.

“We wanted to show that the most important thing is peace,” Catholic Bishop Emmanuel Gobilliard said at the gathering. It was modeled after the rst such interfaith meeting, organized by modern Olympics founder Pierre de Coubertin in the 1924 Paris Games.

Far from the controversy, in an inconspicuous tent-like structure tucked away at the end of the athletes’ village in Paris, ordained and lay representatives from the ve major global religions have taken up that mantle, providing spiritual comfort to Olympians.

Representatives of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism worked for months to set up a shared hall where the more than 10,500 athletes and their sta can nd information about worship and speak with a chaplain.

For the rst half of the Games, many seem to have found their

way there to have a quiet moment away from the overwhelming pressure of competition.

“Some of the athletes who come to pray, I think they came to give up their pressure, to take some time to get out of their own heads,” said the Rev. Jason Nioka, a former judo champion who’s in charge of the largest contingent of Olympic chaplains, about 40 Catholic priests, nuns and lay faithful.

An athlete who lost a competition told chaplains that he would quit sports. After multiple days of visits, he said everything was ne and he’ll stick to it, said the Rev. Anton Gelyasov, archpriest of the Greek-Orthodox Metropolis of France, who’s leading more than two dozen Christian Orthodox chaplains for the Games.

Each religion got 538 square feet of the structure provided

by the Paris Games organizing committee, with instructions to comply with France’s secularism laws that strictly prescribe the role of religion in public spaces. What the faith leaders have done with the space is itself a wordless message of dialogue, tolerance and welcome — beginning with redistributing the size of the di erent rooms based on the expected number of faithful.

The door between the small Jewish room and the Muslim space, about twice its size but equally sparingly adorned, is often kept open.

“Here it’s very symbolic,” said Rabbi Moshe Lewin, vice president of the Conference of European Rabbis and one of the Jewish chaplains. “The conviviality, that’s the image that we should transmit.”

“People smile when they see an imam and a rabbi together,” added Najat Benali, president of the Coordination of Muslim Associations of Paris, who leads the Muslim chaplaincy. “We do ‘geo-fraternity,’ not geopolitics.”

The Hindu space also welcomes visitors with blessings by a small water fountain as chanting resounds from a volunteer’s cellphone. It’s the most exuberantly decorated space, with statues from India and a recreated temple structure in painted polyester foam.

In the middle is the Christian area, where Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox share an altar with a large Bible anked by a cross and icons. Next to it hangs a poster with a quote about faith by U.S. star gymnast Simone Biles.

Last week, three athletics competitors from Australia, Finland and Jamaica walked in to pray, and faith leaders asked if they could join them.

“It was like a little Pentecost,” said Anne Schweitzer, who’s coordinating about three dozen Protestant chaplains.

She discovered one of the three athletes, a silver medalist, is also quoted in the Gospel edition called “More Precious than Gold,” created for the Games and available to visitors there and at churches across Olympic host cities.

Some Catholics, as well as volunteers in the village, have gone next door to meditate in the Buddhist space, said Luc Charles, a Zen monk with the Buddhist Union of France.

“It’s the occasion to get to know each other better,” he added.

Medical supplies blocked in Sudan’s famine-hit Darfur

Doctors Without Borders says children are at risk of dying without the resources

By Samy Magdy

The Associated Press

CAIRO — Malnourished children in a famine-hit camp for war-displaced people in Sudan’s western Darfur region are at risk of dying, an aid group said Sunday, because it was forced to ration malnutrition treatment due to a blockade imposed by a notorious paramilitary group.

Doctors Without Borders said the Rapid Support Forces, which have besieged al-Fasher city as part of its war against the Sudanese military, have blocked three trucks carrying lifesav-

ing medical supplies, including therapeutic food, for the city and the nearby Zamzam camp where famine was con rmed last week.

Sudan plunged into chaos in April last year when simmering tensions between the military and the RSF developed into open ghting in the capital, Khartoum, before spreading across the northeastern African country. Darfur saw some of the worst and most devastating bouts of ghting in the war.

The con ict has killed thousands of people and pushed many into starvation. It created the world’s largest displacement crisis with more than 10 million people forced to ee their homes since April 2023, according to the U.N. migration agency. Over 2 million of those ed to neighboring countries.

International experts in the Famine Review Committee conrmed Thursday that starvation at Zamzam camp, where up to 600,000 people shelter, has grown into full famine. International experts use set criteria to con rm the existence of famines. A famine is declared in an area when one in ve people or households severely lack food and face starvation and destitution that would ultimately lead to critical levels of acute malnutrition and death.

In Zamzam camp, which has swelled with the arrival of new displaced people, many children are in critical condition, Doctors Without Borders said, adding that the malnutrition ward at its eld hospital in the camp is overcrowded with a 126% bed occupancy rate.

The group said RSF ghters have blocked the trucks in the town of Kabkabiya for over a month, adding that it was forced to limit the number of children receiving therapeutic food in the overcrowded camp as its stock of medicine covers only two weeks.

“Deliberately obstructing or delaying humanitarian cargo is putting the lives of thousands of children at-risk as they are cuto from receiving life-saving treatment,” it said on social media platform X.

The RSF has imposed a siege on el-Fasher in its monthslong attempt to take it from the military and its allied rebel groups.

The city, the provincial capital of North Darfur, is the last stronghold for the military in the wartorn Darfur region.

The U.N.’s Coordinator in Su-

dan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, on Friday called for a cease- re to enable safe and unimpeded humanitarian access across borders and battle lines as well as scaling up nancial support to prevent large-scale famine in Sudan.

About 25.6 million people — more than half of Sudan’s population — face acute hunger. This year’s $2.7 billion Humanitarian Response Plan for Sudan is less than a third funded, with $872 million received as of early August, according to the United Nations.

Nkweta-Salami said the humanitarian community has been scaling up the response in recent months, but the needs are immense.

“There isn’t a moment to waste,” she said.

“Deliberately obstructing or delaying humanitarian cargo is putting the lives of thousands of children at-risk as they are cut-o from receiving life-saving treatment.”

Doctors Without Borders on X

REBECCA BLACKWELL / AP PHOTO

Muslim representative Najat Benali, left, Rabbi Moshe Lewin, center, and Orthodox Christian priest Anton Gelyasov chat in the Jewish area of the interreligious hall in the Olympic Village at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Ronnie Wayne Morris

November 29, 1955 –August 3, 2024

Ronnie Wayne Morris, a beloved gure and lifetime resident of Troy, NC sadly left our world on August 3, 2024, at his residence after a life lled with shing, hunting, serving the Lord and service to his community. He was born on November 29, 1955, in Denton, NC to Faber and Gertie Morris.

Ronnie will be remembered for his sense of humor, kind heart, giving nature, and willingness to help family, friends, and strangers. Ronnie was an avid sherman in which he shed for fun and competition, winning many awards and Big Fish prizes. If Ronnie was not shing, he could be found in the woods hunting with his brothers, nephews, grandkids, and friends.

Ronnie graduated from West Montgomery High School in 1974. He retired from Troy Lumber and served his community as a Volunteer Fire Fighter at Uwharrie Volunteer Fire Department and later retired as a Volunteer Fire Fighter. Ronnie was a member of Calvary Gospel Church in New Hope, NC.

Ronnie cherished his family above all else. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Ella Hall Morris, daughter, Maria Robison Broos (Sissy), Five Brothers: Pete Morris (Geneva), Hoyt Morris (Jolene), Charlie Morris, Bobby Morris (Loretta), David Morris (Ceil) Two Sisters: Shirley Threadgill (Albert), Florence Cornelison (Donnie), Two Grandchildren: Will Broos (Taylor) and Ella Broos, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, his rst wife, Angie Comer Morris, son Richard (Richie) Keith Morris and three brothers: Carmie Morris, (Cal) Tony Morris, and Clyde Morris.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Pugh Funeral Home in Troy, NC. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Pugh Funeral Home Chapel followed by a graveside service at Macedonia United Methodist in Troy, NC.

Memorials may be directed to Pinehurst Cancer Center and Uwharrie Volunteer Fire Department

The family would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Ronnie’s two amazing and special nurses; Janice Honeycutt, with FirstHealth Hospice and Pallative Care and his niece, Kristie Dixon Online condolences can be made at pughfuneralhome.com Pugh Troy Funeral Home is proudly serving the Morris family.

R.L. Byerly

March 6, 1943 –August 2, 2024

God tremendously blessed our world with R.L. Byerly from March 6, 1943, to August 2, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rashoe Lee Byerly and Mary Luther Byerly, and his brothers, Jerry Byerly and Ronnie Byerly.

This month makes sixty-one years with his lovely bride, Pat Byerly, his “Tisher P.” Their love truly stood the test of time, and they have been a wonderful example to us all.

He also left behind his daughters, Lori Morris (Gary), Karen Allen (Dax), Kristin Staley (Shaun); and his grandchildren, Macy Allen, Sophia Staley, Liam Staley, Scarlette Staley, and Ember Staley.

We want to give a special thank you to Dr. Jason Hu , Unique (best phlebotomist ever), and the ICU doctors and nurses at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist High Point, NC, for their excellent care.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. John Byerly and Rev. Josh Evans o ciating. The family will receive friends following the service. A private burial will be held at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of owers, donations may be given to Freedom Baptist Church at 2078 North Asheboro School Road, Asheboro, NC 27203.

Betty Lou Morgan

April 15, 1958 – July 30, 2024

Betty Lou Brown Morgan, age 76 of Asheboro, passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro.

A native of Alamance County, Betty was born November 12, 1947, to the late Nathan and Pearl Mo tt Brown. She is survived by her signi cant other, Becky Maxwell and sister Ruby Baker.

The family will conduct a service of remembrance at a later date. Midstate Cremation and Funeral Service in Asheboro is honored to assist the family of Ms. Betty Brown Morgan.

Doug Sexton

January 25, 1963 –August 1, 2024

James Douglas Sexton, 61, of Randleman, died Thursday, August 1, 2024, at his home. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m., Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Asheboro. Burial will follow at Randolph Memorial Park.

Born in Guilford County, NC on January 25, 1963, Doug was the son of the late James Edward Sexton and Edna Watts Sexton. He attended Dudley High School in Greensboro. Doug was formerly employed with Walker Shoe Company and Universal Spring in High Point.

In addition to his parents, Doug was preceded in death by his wife, Debbie Walden Sexton. Surviving are stepdaughter, Stephanie Cagle Shooter of Trinity; sisters, Diane Harris of Asheboro, Denise Wood (Curtiss) of Carthage, Susie Bell (Jason) of Georgetown, SC; brothers, Marty Sexton (Cheryl) of Gibsonville, Gary Watts of Kentucky; grandchildren, Jamie Bernie (Wyatt) of Fayetteville, Jeremy Bernie (Erica) of Snow Camp, Breanna Shooter of Trinty; great-grandchildren, April, Leanna, Nathaniel; and many loving nieces and nephews, including special niece, Marti Maness (Richard) of Randleman.

The family will receive friends from 1-1:45 p.m., Wednesday, prior to the service at Ridge Funeral Home.

Darrell Wade Gri n December 1, 1939 –August 1, 2024

It’s time to say goodbye. There will be no more tomorrows for me. The body will perish but the soul will live on, and so will our memories in the hearts of those we left behind. I was born in Randleman, lived a simple life with a lot of love. My parents Grady and Neva Gri n worked hard to provide my sister Barbara, my brother Jimmy, and my baby sister Ruth Ann and I the best life possible in a time when things were not very plentiful for anyone. As I look back at my time on this earth, I am very grateful for many things, most of all my great-children, Mitchell, Janet, and Mark. Also my wife and soul mate Elaine, my lifelong friends Don Gaster, Butch Coltrane and Jimmy Lamb. The book on my life is not closing, just nishing a chapter and starting another one. My hope is to see everyone in the next dimension. Each one of us will die one day so make the best of each day and cherish all the memories.

I bid you all “Farewell”… Darrell W. Gri n Memorials in Darrell’s honor can be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, 1801 Westchester Dr, High Point, NC 27262 or Victory Junction Gang Camp, 4500 Adam’s Way, Randleman, NC 27317. Pugh Funeral Home in Randleman is serving the Gri n family.

Paula Ridgeway

May 1, 1941 – August 1, 2024

Paula Jean Zinkann Moore Ridgeway, 83, of Asheboro, formerly of Spencer, West Virginia, passed away Thursday, August 1, 2024, at her home.

Memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m., Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Asheboro, with Rev. Justin Curry o ciating.

Born on May 1, 1941, in Chicago, IL, Paula was the daughter of the late Paul Joseph Zinkann and Lillian Eleanor Schupolsky. She retired from Spencer State Hospital in West Virginia. Paula was a dedicated nurse, continuing to work at High Point Regional Hospital after retirement. She enjoyed spending time shing, hunting, going outside and stepping into the ocean for the rst time at age 82. Paula loved her family, especially her grandkids and fur baby, Callie.

In addition to her parents, Paula was preceded in death by her husbands, Bernard Neil Moore and James Edward Ridgeway; sisters, Cecelia Marie Zinkann and Suzanne Rush.

Surviving are daughter, Dana Marie White (Tim) of Asheboro; son, Christopher Neil Moore (Robin) of Asheboro; sisters, Deborah Ann Adamson (William) of Florida, Karen Sue Mohrman (Raymond) of St. Louis, MO, Mary Jo Nelson (David) of CA; brother, Paul Joseph Zinkann, Jr. (Linda) of Charlotte; grandchildren, T.J. Harlon White (Anne), Taylor Marie Lineberry (Adam), Kim Hancock (Lee), Jason Harris (Shannon Seaman), Melissa Thurston; great-grandchildren, Musiq, Aleigha, Logan, Ava, Bradon, Hudson, Breyanna, Skyler, Camdin, Alexa and Zaxson.

The family will receive friends from 12:45 until 1:45 p.m., Saturday, prior to the service, at Ridge Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cross Road Baptist Church, Building Fund, 1566 Old Cox Road, Asheboro, NC 27205; or to Randolph SPCA, 300 W. Bailey Street, Asheboro, NC 27203.

Johnsie Belle Hinesley Bowman

April 20, 1939 –August 1, 2024

Johnsie Belle Hinesley Bowman, 85, of Randleman, passed away Thursday, August 1, 2024, at Hospice of Randolph. She was born April 20, 1939, to Alfred Lester Hinesley and Beulah Nettie Gallimore Hinesley in Asheboro, NC.

Johnsie was a loving and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She was married 69 years to the love of her life, Clifton Bowman. She enjoyed working with textiles and retired from Bossong Hosiery Mills, Inc.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to the Randolph Hospital ER sta for the care given to Johnsie.

Johnsie is survived by her husband, Clifton Bowman of the home; daughter, Danette B. Joyce (Wayne) of Asheboro; sons, Randall Bowman (Debbie) of Randleman, Timothy “Timmy” Bowman of Asheboro; two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; brother, Larry Hinesley (Gail) of Asheboro. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Steve Hinesley and her twin sister, Violette Key.

The family will receive friends Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 11:00 am - 12:50 pm at Pugh Funeral Home, 600 S. Main St. Funeral services will follow at 1p.m. with Pastor Mark Wilburn o ciating. Interment will be held at Randolph Memorial Park.

Memorials in Johnsie’s honor can be made to Hospice of Randolph, 416 Vision Dr., Asheboro, NC, 27203 Pugh Funeral Home is serving the Bowman family.

DEATH NOTICES

• Shirley Ann Saunders Poe, 87, of Asheboro, died July 30, 2024.

• Lucille Hinson Johnson, 77, of Asheboro, died July 29, 2024.

• Linda Lee Beal Mangum, 78, of Asheboro, died July 29, 2024.

• Stephen Dixon Sands Sr., 63, died July 28, 2024.

• James C. “Jim” Gardner, 88, of Sophia July 28, 2024.

pen STATE & NATION

More US schools are taking breaks for meditation

Teachers say it helps students’ mental health

By Sharon Johnson

The Associated Press

REX, Ga. — The third-grade students at Roberta T. Smith Elementary School had only a few days until summer vacation and an hour until lunch, but there was no struggle to focus as they led into the classroom. They were ready for one of their favorite parts of the day.

The children closed their eyes and traced their thumbs from their foreheads to their hearts as a pre-recorded voice led them through an exercise called the shark n, part of the classroom’s regular meditation routine.

“Listen to the chimes,” said the teacher, Kim Franklin. “Remember to breathe.”

Schools across the U.S. have been introducing yoga, meditation and mindfulness exercises to help students manage stress and emotions. As the depths of student struggles with mental health became clear in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pan-

demic, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last year endorsed schools’ use of the practices.

Research has found that school-based mindfulness programs can help, especially in low-income communities where

9/11 families group leader lauds death penalty option in prosecutions

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin rejected a plea deal for the architects of the terrorist attack

By Larry Neumeister

The Associated Press

THE HEAD OF A GROUP of family members of victims of the Sept. 11 terror attacks said Saturday that she’s hearing nearly unanimous praise of the U.S. defense secretary’s nulli cation of plea deals for the accused 9/11 mastermind and two others that would have removed the death penalty as a possibility.

The American Civil Liberties Union, meanwhile, said it plans to challenge the reversal in court, citing it in a statement Saturday as a “rash act” that “violates the law.”

Terry Strada, national chair of the group 9/11 Families United, said she was shocked by the announcement late Friday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was rejecting a plea deal reached just days ago and was restoring the death penalty as an option in the cases.

He wrote that authority in the matter ultimately rested with him.

“Nobody saw this coming,” Strada said.

But she quickly added that it was the right thing to do.

“These men deserve no mercy,” Strada said. “They certainly didn’t show any mercy to my husband or the other 2,976 who died in the attacks.”

She said dozens of individuals from her group who she has communicated with since Friday night have been unanimous.

“Everybody I’ve talked to wants them put to death because that’s the punishment that ts the crime and the message the United States needs to send to terrorists around the world: We will hold you accountable and exercise the death penalty,” Strada said.

And she said a large international prisoner swap that occurred Thursday was a reminder of the need to ensure that nobody behind the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks that turned hijacked planes into missiles that tore through 110-story twin World Trade Center towers and smashed into the Pentagon are ever set free.

Strada has said as recently as several days ago that some of the 10,000 family members of those killed in the attacks are divided over whether the death penalty is appropriate.

Austin’s action came two days after the military commission at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba,

students face high levels of stress or trauma.

The mindfulness program reached Smith Elementary through a contract with the school system, Clayton County Public Schools, where twothirds of the students are black.

GreenLight Fund Atlanta, a network that matches communities with local nonpro ts, helps Georgia school systems pay for the mindfulness program provided by Inner Explorer, an audio platform.

Joli Cooper, GreenLight Fund Atlanta’s executive director, said it was important to the group to support an organization that is accessible and relevant for communities of color in the Greater Atlanta area.

Children nationwide struggled with the e ects of isolation and remote learning as they returned from the pandemic school closures. The CDC in 2023 reported more than a third of students were a ected by feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness. The agency recommended schools use mindfulness practices to help students manage emotions.

“We know that our teenagers and adolescents have really strained in their mental health,” CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen, former secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, told The Associated Press. “There are real skills that we can give our teens to make sure that they are coping with some big emotions.”

Approaches to mindfulness represent a form of social-emotional learning, which has become a political ashpoint with many conservatives who say schools use it to promote pro -

gressive ideas about race, gender and sexuality.

But advocates say the programming brings much-needed attention to students’ well-being.

“When you look at the numbers, unfortunately, in Georgia, the number of children of color with suicidal thoughts and success is quite high,” Cooper said. “When you look at the number of psychologists available for these children, there are not enough psychologists of color.”

Black youth have the fastest-growing suicide rate among racial groups, according to CDC statistics. Between 2007 and 2020, the suicide rate among black children and teens ages 10 to 17 increased by 144%.

“It’s a stigma with being able to say you’re not OK and needing help, and having the ability to ask for help,” said Tolana Griggs, Smith Elementary’s assistant principal. “With our diverse school community and wanting to be more aware of our students, how di erent cultures feel and how di erent cultures react to things, it’s important to be all-inclusive with everything we do.” Teachers and administrators say they have noticed a difference in their students since they’ve incorporated mindfulness into their routine. For Aniyah Woods, 9, the program has helped her “calm down” and “not stress anymore.”

“I love myself how I am, but Inner Explorer just helps me feel more like myself,” Aniyah said.

announced that the o cial appointed to oversee the war court had approved plea deals with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two accused accomplices, Walid bin Attash and Mustafa al-Hawsawi.

In a release Saturday, ACLU Executive Director Anthony Romero said the civil rights group plans to sue to win a reversal of Austin’s move.

He said any death penalty nding would not be upheld on appeal because of torture experienced by those who were captured after the 9/11 attacks and because military commissions are “inherently unjust.”

“After over 20 years, it’s time for our government to accept the defendants’ guilty pleas as the best solution in a terrible circumstance. The 9/11 families and the American people deserve closure and adherence to due process principles that are

“It’s stunning that Secretary Austin betrayed 9/11 family members seeking judicial nality while recklessly setting aside the judgment of his own prosecutors and the Convening Authority, who are actually steeped in the 9/11 case. Politics and command in uence should play no role in this legal proceeding,” Romero said.

the bedrock of our democracy,” Romero said.

Families of those killed in the al-Qaida attacks were told in letters that the plea agreement stipulated that the men would serve up to life sentences but would not face death.

Strada said family members feared that if they were placed in U.S. prisons, “any future administration could commute their sentence or use them in a possible prison swap.”

“I’m not a ghoul that I want them put to death,” Strada added. “I want them put them to death because I don’t want them to have a voice, ever.”

SHARON JOHNSON / AP PHOTO

Aniyah Woods meditates during a mindfulness session in her classroom at Roberta T. Smith Elementary School on May 14 in Rex, Georgia.

JANET HAMLIN / AP PHOTO

A 2008 courtroom drawing shows Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, center, and co-defendant Walid Bin Attash, left, attending a pretrial session at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba.

pen & paper pursuits

this week in history

Thoreau’s “Walden” published, WWII ends, Ford sworn in

The Associated Press

AUG. 9

1173: Construction began on the campanile of Pisa Cathedral—better known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

1854: Henry David Thoreau’s “Walden,” which described his experiences while living near Walden Pond in Massachusetts, was published.

1945: U.S. B-29 Superfortress code-named Bockscar dropped a nuclear device over Nagasaki; the bombing and subsequent radiation poisoning killed an estimated 74,000 people.

1969: Actor Sharon Tate and four other people were found brutally slain at Tate’s Los Angeles home by cult leader Charles Manson’s followers.

1974: Gerald Ford took the oath of o ce to become U.S. president after Richard Nixon’s resignation; in a speech following, Ford declared that “our long national nightmare is over.”

AUG. 10

1792: During the French Revolution, mobs in Paris attacked the Tuileries Palace, where King Louis XVI resided. (The king was later arrested, put on trial for treason and executed.)

1821: Missouri became the 24th state admitted to the Union.

1945: A day after the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Imperial Japan conveyed its willingness to surrender.

1969: Leno and Rosemary

LaBianca were murdered in their Los Angeles home by members of Charles Manson’s cult, one day after actor Sharon Tate and four other people were slain.

1977: Postal employee David Berkowitz was arrested in Yonkers, New York, accused of being the “Son of Sam,” the gunman who killed six people and wounded seven others in the New York City area.

1993: Ruth Bader Ginsburg was sworn in as the second female justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.

AUG. 11

1860: The nation’s rst successful silver mill began operation near Virginia City, Nevada.

1919: Germany’s Weimar Constitution was signed by President Friedrich Ebert.

1956: Abstract painter Jackson Pollock, 44, died.

1965: Rioting and looting that claimed 34 lives broke out in the predominantly black Watts section of Los Angeles.

1992: Mall of America, the nation’s largest shopping-en-

tertainment center, opened in Bloomington, Minnesota.

2014: Academy Award-winning actor and comedian Robin Williams, 63, died.

AUG. 12

1909: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home to the Indianapolis 500, rst opened.

1953: The Soviet Union conducted a secret test of its rst hydrogen bomb.

AUG. 13

1961: East Germany sealed o the border between Berlin’s eastern and western sectors before building a wall dividing the city for 28 years.

1521: Spanish conqueror Hernando Cortez captured Tenochtitlan, present-day Mexico City, from the Aztecs.

1846: The American ag was raised in Los Angeles for the rst time.

1910: Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, died in London at age 90.

1995: Baseball Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle died at a Dallas hospital of rapidly spreading liver cancer; he was 63.

2004: TV chef Julia Child died in Montecito, California, two days before she turned 92.

AUG. 14

1848: The Oregon Territory was created.

1935: President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law.

1945: President Harry S. Truman announced that Imperial Japan had surrendered, ending World War II.

1997: An unrepentant Timothy McVeigh was formally sentenced to death for the Oklahoma City bombing.

CLAUDIO LUFFOLI / AP PHOTO

The Leaning Tower of Pisa began construction in Pisa, Italy, on Aug. 9, 1173.

BOB DAUGHERTY / AP PHOTO

Julie and David Eisenhower left, and Vice President Gerald Ford with wife Betty watch as Richard M. Nixon departs the White House in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 9, 1974. Ford was sworn in as the nation’s 38th president.

‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ breaks records, ‘Purple Crayon’ disappoints critics

The Marvel blockbuster’s $395.6 million two-week total surpassed the 20-year reign of “The Passion of the Christ”

By Jake Coyle

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — After 10 days in theaters, “Deadpool & Wolverine” is already the highest-grossing R-rated movie ever, not accounting for in ation.

In its second weekend, the Marvel Studios blockbuster starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman continued to steamroll through movie theaters, collecting $97 million according to studio estimates Sunday. That raised its two-week total to $395.6 million, pushing it past the long-reigning top R-rated feature, “The Passion of the Christ,” which held that mark for 20 years with $370 million domestic.

Worldwide, the Shawn Levydirected “Deadpool & Wolverine” has quickly amassed $824.1 million in ticket sales, surpassing the global hauls of the rst two “Deadpool” lms. The 2016 original grossed $782.6 million worldwide; the 2018 sequel collected $734.5 million.

The weekend’s primary challengers both struggled.

M. Night Shyamalan’s latest

“Deadpool & Wolverine” starring Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool/ Wade Wilson and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine/ Logan earned $97 million last weekend.

thriller, “Trap,” opened modestly at $15.6 million at 3,181 theaters for Warner Bros. The lm, starring Josh Hartnett as a serial killer hunted by police at a pop concert, didn’t screen for critics before opening day and scored lower in reviews (48% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) than Shyamalan’s lms typically do.

“This is a soft opening for an M. Night Shyamalan suspense crime thriller,” wrote David A. Gross, a lm consultant who publishes a newsletter for Franchise Entertainment. “The writer/director’s movies out-earn other original thrillers by a wide margin, and that’s true here, but this start is not on the level of recent Shyamalan lms.”

The live-action “Harold and the Purple Crayon,” adapted from the classic kid’s book, also didn’t make much of a mark in theaters. The Sony Pictures release debuted with $6 million. It got dinged by critics (28% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes), though audiences (an A—CinemaScore) liked it more.

“Twisters,” the Universal Pictures disaster lm, continues to do well at the box o ce. It held second place with $22.7 million in its third weekend. Lee Isaac Chung’s sequel to the 1996 original, starring Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Anthony Ramos, has raised $195.6 million domestically. While it has made

less of an impression overseas, “Twisters” holds particularly well in North American theaters, down just 35% from the week prior.

Hollywood closed July with its best month in a year and its rst $1 billion month since July 2023. While comparisons to last year aren’t favorable — July was when “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” launched — a pair of Walt Disney Co. releases in “Inside Out 2” and “Deadpool & Wolverine” (the two top lms of the year) powered a banner month for the movie industry. According to Comscore, ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters were estimated. Domestic gures were released on Monday.

1. “Deadpool & Wolverine,” $97 million 2. “Twisters,” $22.7 million 3. “Trap,” $15.6 million 4. “Despicable Me 2,” $11.3 million 5. “Inside Out 2,” $6.7 million 6. “Harold and the Purple Crayon,” $6 million

7. “Longlegs,” $4.1 million 8. “A Quiet Place: Day One,” $1.4 million 9. “Daaru Na Peenda Hove,” $615,782 10. “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” $600,000.

20TH CENTURY STUDIOS/ MARVEL STUDIOS VIA AP

Musician and comedy legend Steve Martin turns 79 on Wednesday.

Hoda Kotb is 60, Steve Martin turns 79, Mark Knop er hits 75

The Associated Press Aug. 9: Jazz drummer Jack DeJohnette is 82. Comedian David Steinberg is 82. Actor Sam Elliott is 80. Singer Barbara Mason is 77. Actor Melanie Gri th is 67. Rapper Kurtis Blow is 65. “Today” co-host Hoda Kotb is 60. Actor Gillian Anderson (“The X-Files”) is 56. Actor Eric Bana (“Star Trek,” ″The Hulk”) is 56. Aug. 10: Actor James Reynolds (“Days of Our Lives”) is 78. Singer- utist Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull is 77. Mandolin player Gene Johnson of Diamond Rio is 75. Singer Patti Austin is 74. Actor Rosanna Arquette is 65. Actor Antonio Banderas is 64. Drummer Jon Farriss of INXS is 63. Aug. 11: Country singer John Conlee is 78. Singer Eric Carmen is 75. Wrestler-actor Hulk Hogan is 71. Singer Joe Jackson is 70. Actor Viola Davis (“How To Get Away With Murder,” ″The Help”) is 59. Actor-podcaster Joe Rogan (“Fear Factor,” ″NewsRadio”) is 57.. Hip-hop artist Ali Shaheed Muhammad (Lucy Pearl, A Tribe Called Quest) is 54. Actor Chris Hemsworth (“Tron,” ″The Avengers”) is 41. Aug. 12: Actor George Hamilton is 85. Actor Jennifer Warren is 83. Singer-guitarist Mark Knop er of Dire Straits is 75. Singer Kid Creole is 74. Jazz guitarist Pat Metheny is 70. Rapper Sir Mix-A-Lot is 61.

Actor Rebecca Gayheart is 53.

Actor Casey A eck is 49.

Aug. 13: Actor Kevin Tighe (“Emergency,” ″Murder One”) is 77. Opera singer Kathleen Battle is 73. Actor Danny Bonaduce (“The Partridge Family”) is 65. Actor John Slattery (“Mad Men,” ″Desperate Housewives”) is 59. Actor Debi Mazar is 57.

Aug. 14: Country singer Connie Smith is 83. Actor-musician Steve Martin is 79. Actor Susan St. James is 78. Romance novelist Danielle Steel is 77. Cartoonist Gary Larson (“The Far

Side”) is 74. Actor Jackee Harry (“Sister, Sister,” ″227″) is 68. Actor Halle Berry is 58.

GREG ALLEN / AP PHOTO

ANDY KROPA / AP PHOTO

Actor Rosanna Arquette, pictured in 2022, turns 65 on Saturday.

PAUL A. HEBERT / AP PHOTO

Singer, and guitarist Mark Knop er of Dire Straits, pictured performing in 2013, turns 75 on Monday.

the stream

“American Godfathers: The Five Families,” left, the lm “The Instigators,” center, and the docuseries “Hollywood Black” stream this week.

‘Dance

Moms’ returns; Matt Damon, Casey

A eck’s caper ‘The Instigators,’ hits

Michael Imperioli, who played Tony Soprano’s protégé Christopher on “The Sopranos,” can’t shake the mob

The Associated Press

NETFLIX’S “The Umbrella Academy” premieres its nal season. A heist goes wrong in a Boston set movie starring Matt Damon and Casey A eck, and “Dance Moms” is back on Lifetime. Also streaming this week: A four-part docuseries adapts historian Donald Bogle’s 2019 book “Hollywood Black” for MGM+, and “Not Not Jazz,” a documentary following the avant-garde, acid jazz-fusion band Medeski, Martin & Wood, becomes available to stream via video on demand.

MOVIES TO STREAM

A poorly planned heist goes wrong in “The Instigators” (Friday on Apple TV+), a loosely amiable Boston-set caper starring Matt Damon and Casey A eck. The movie, directed by Doug Liman (“Go,” “The Bourne Identity”), returns Damon and A eck to familiar hometown terrain. They play a despondent pair who try to steal money from a corrupt mayor (Ron Perlman) but ends up on the run with a therapist (Hong Chau) in tow. In my review, I called it “a rudderless but winningly shaggy action comedy.”

Je Nichols (“Mud,” “Take Shelter,” “Loving”) extends his survey of classically American dramas with “The Bikeriders,” a chronicle of a Chicago motorcycle club in the 1960s. In the lm (Friday on Peacock), Austin Butler and Tom Hardy star as riders with an antiauthoritarian streak who help found the Vandals but watch as their club grows beyond their control. In a male-populated lm, though, Jodie Comer, the heavily accented narrator, is closer to the main character. In my review, I called it “a vivid dramatization of the birth of an American subculture.”

This month, the Criterion Channel is running two overlapping series: one of movies directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and one of lms starring Philip Seymour Homan. Ho man was a mainstay in Anderson’s lms from the start (he steals “Hard Eight” with one scene) and a central presence in lms like “Magnolia,” “Punch-Drunk Love”

“Not Not Jazz,” about the revolutionary “avant-groove” band Medeski Martin & Wood streams Friday via video on demand.

and “The Master.” The Homan series also includes plenty of other highlights; look especially for the exquisitely tender 2010 drama “Jack Goes Boating.” The Anderson series also includes an exclusive streaming of the director’s radiant 2021 coming-of-age tale “Licorice Pizza,” which poignantly starred Ho man’s son, Cooper. MUSIC TO STREAM Ryuichi Sakamoto’s “Opus” — the posthumous album and documentary of the same name — was captured while the Japanese lm composer was dying of cancer. Across 20 songs, Sakamoto performs a collection of his biggest songs on piano, like the memorable themes for Bernardo Bertolucci’s “The Last Emperor” and “The Sheltering Sky.” The album also in-

cludes the rst-ever recorded version of “Tong Poo,” from his early days with techno-pop trio Yellow Magic Orchestra. On Friday, Colombian reggaetónero J Balvin will release a new full-length project, “Rayo.” Across 15 tracks, he’s promised an album that hits like a house party — just in time for the hottest summer month. “Rayo” is stacked with good time collaborations — reggaetón superstar Fied, regional Mexican musician Carín León, Bad Gyal, Zion, Dei V, Ryan Castro, Blessd and Luar La L. The previously released singles “Gaga” with Saiko, “Polvo de tu Vida” with Chencho Corleone, and “En Alta” with Quevedo, Omar Courtz and Yovngchimi embody that spirit. At his party, everyone is invited. Also on Friday, “Not Not

Jazz,” a documentary following the avant-garde, acid jazz-fusion band Medeski, Martin & Wood, becomes available to stream via video on demand. The lm follows the improvisational trio as they endeavor to record a new album at the Allaire Studio in Woodstock, New York. It is a peek behind the curtain of their processes and a celebration of far too often underserved music.

SHOWS TO STREAM

The dramatic world of “Dance Moms” returns with a new coach, dancers, and invested moms. In “Dance Moms: A New Era,” mothers hover as eight girls are trained by instructor Glo Hampton, a.k.a. Miss Glo, to compete nationally. The original “Dance Moms” ran for eight seasons and fea-

tured breakout stars Jojo Siwa and Maddie Ziegler. It also introduced the world to coach Abby Lee Miller, who was often criticized for being too harsh on her students. “Dance Moms: A New Era” debuted on Lifetime Wednesday. Net ix’s “The Umbrella Academy” premiered its nal season on Thursday. The show follows a family of adopted superheroes — who were stripped of their powers in season three — who must work together to stop the apocalypse. Megan Mullally, Nick O erman and David Cross are new faces in season four alongside regulars David Castañeda, Tom Hopper and Elliot Page.

The musical cartoon for preschoolers “Yo Gabba Gabba!” is getting a reboot called “Yo Gabba GabbaLand!” on Apple TV+. The 10-episode series premieres Friday. Michael Imperioli, who played Tony Soprano’s protégé Christopher on “The Sopranos,” can’t shake the mob. He’s the executive producer and narrator of a three-part docuseries on ve Italian American families selected by Charles “Lucky” Luciano in 1931 to rule the organized crime world. “American Godfathers: The Five Families” debuts Sunday on The History Channel. It will also stream on The History Channel app.

A four-part docuseries adapts historian Donald Bogle’s 2019 book “Hollywood Black” for MGM+. Executive produced by Forest Whitaker, the series examines the history of cinema through the Black perspective. Creatives including Ryan Coogler, Ava DuVernay, Issa Rae, LaKeith Staneld, Gabrielle Union, and Lena Waithe are interviewed. “Hollywood Black” premieres Sunday.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

People who love collecting cute monsters and making them ght have long been drawn to Pokémon. This year’s Palworld upped the ante by adding guns to the mix. But what if you just want to cuddle? That’s where 11 Bit Studios’ Creatures of Ava comes in. You’re an explorer on a planet bustling with wildlife — but the creatures are being threatened by an infection called “the withering.” It’s your mission to tame the beasts with your magic ute and help them heal. It’s a cozier take on the old “gotta catch ‘em all” formula, and it comes to Xbox X/S and PC on Wednesday.

Quick trip to the hardware store

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Tropical storm could bring 6 to 8 inches of rain

With a half-foot or more of rain expected in the next few days, preparing for potential evacuations or power outages is essential. Emergency o cials suggest the following simple steps to make sure you’re prepared:

• Make a plan: Outline a communications and evacuation plan for your family. If you have any pets or livestock, include them in your plan.

• Assemble an emergency kit: It should include a three-day supply of non-perishable food, water and medication, as well as any other items you might need in case of a power outage, such as a ashlight, radio and batteries.

• Charge your cell phone: This will allow you to stay connected to emergency and safety updates even if the power goes out.

• Secure outdoor items: Safely store lawn furniture, decorations, toys, garbage cans and other items that can be brought indoors. Tie down larger objects like boats and trailers.

• Fuel up: Fill vehicles before the storm as a loss of power could put gas pumps out of commission.

• Watch for downed trees and power lines: Understanding precautions associated with downed powerlines is important at any time, but especially during an event such as this. If you should observe downed powerlines, please report it immediately and stay far away from the area. Downed powerlines can carry an electric current strong enough to cause serious injury or death. They can also electrify the ground and nearby objects as much as 30 feet away from the line itself. Additionally, when approaching electric utility crews or emergency responders working on the side of the road, slow down and leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the workers.

J&K General Contractors pledges $200K donation for animal shelter

The donation is aimed to cover some of the labor and construction costs associated with the shelter

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

RAEFORD — The Hoke County Board of Commissioners met Monday, Aug. 5.

Near the start of the meeting, the board was presented with a donation from J&K General Contractors for upgrades to the animal shelter.

“J&K is committing up to $200,000 to build, renovate and upgrade the animal shelter,” said Relations Director Steve Phillips at the meeting.

According to a letter from J&K owner Mubarak Shahbain to the county commissioners, the $200,000 will be in labor

and construction services to the Hoke County Animal Shelter.

“This contribution cements our desire to support the county in which we work as well as continue to provide value to the community,” Shahbain said in the letter. “With the continued expansion of Hoke County and surrounding areas, this service has been under-resourced and we believe that this contribution can be of great bene t to the sta and animals they care for.”

In addition, Phillips stated that the company was hosting a backpack giveaway.

“August 10, we’re giving away 900 bookbags at our new event center from 11-2. Furnishing lunch and everything to all the kids that want to come out and get them.”

The event, which is sponsored by the county commissioners as well as Board of

Tour event

The tournament is one of eight events with a $20 million purse

By Doug Ferguson

The Associated Press

TRUIST FINANCIAL

CORP. is taking over as title sponsor for the PGA Tour’s signature event at Quail Hollow Club with a seven-year commitment, which includes a one-year detour in 2025 to Philadelphia Cricket Club. The deal secures top-level golf in Charlotte after Wells Fargo decided not to renew its sponsorship. The Truist Championship

will be the fourth name of the tournament that began in 2003 and immediately grew into a top tournament mainly through word-of-mouth from players who raved about Quail Hollow Club.

Quail Hollow is holding the PGA Championship for the second time next year. Truist and the PGA Tour chose to take the tournament to Philadelphia Cricket Club and its century-old Wissahickon Course. The tournament went to Eagle Point in Wilmington, North Carolina, when Quail Hollow hosted the PGA

See QUAIL, page 2

“This contribution cements our desire to support the county in which we work as well as continue to provide value to the community.”

Mubarak (Jamal) Shahbain, J&K owner

Education members Angela Southerland and Catherine Blue, will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 469 Posey Farm Rd.

The board also approved two contract renewals for the Health Department.

The rst was a $13,559, 13-month renewal with Lamar Media Campaign for the promotion of public health services and the second was for a

16-week, $15 per hour service contract for a WIC Processing Assistant funded through the state WIC program.

The board then approved the bid for surplus property located on Stevens Street and moved to advertise the bid for the 10-day upset period.

“The surplus property on Stevens Street is just a small piece of land, I think 0.19 acres,” said Clerk to the Board Gwen McGougan. “It’s been on the books for over three years and nobody had shown any interest in it at all the whole time. However, we had someone come in the other day and ask about it and placed a bid in the amount of $2,000. According to the surplus property procedures, after it’s been on the books that long, they can bid lower than the foreclosed price.”

The Hoke County Board of Commissioners will next meet Aug. 19.

10 le to run for Hoke County School Board

Ten candidates will compete in November for the two open seats on the Hoke County Schools Board of Education

North State Journal sta

RAEFORD — It’s looking like it will be a busy race this November for the two up-forgrabs seats on the Hoke County Schools Board of Education. With the ling period having closed on Monday, Aug. 5, the eld is set with 10 candidates having put their names in the hat for the non-partisan race.

Incumbents Rosa McAllister-McRae and Keisha Gill, who were both elected to their seats in 2020, have led for reelection and will be joined on the ballot by John

Carr and Lent C. Carr II. The two candidates with the most votes will be elected to four-year terms and join board members Catherine Blue, Angela Southerland and Ruben Castellon, who were all elected in 2022.

$2.00

F. Harry, Christopher A. Leach, Ashley B. Brock, Jessica Hendrix Brown, Tona Jacobs, Roosevelt McPherson, Deltarina V.

Bryson City native Evy Leibfarth won bronze for the United States in the women’s canoe single competition at the 2024 Summer Olympics in France. Above right, Leibfarth, in pink, also competed in the women’s kayak cross nals. TOP RIGHT: EBRAHIM

“Join the conversation”

THURSDAY

TUESDAY AUG

Cherokee cannabis biz to begin sales to any adult in early September

The store, on tribal lands in western NC, opens Sept. 7

The Associated Press CHEROKEE — The marijuana retailer owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on western NC tribal lands announced last week that it will begin selling cannabis products to anyone age 21 or over next month.

Great Smoky Cannabis Co. revealed the 10 a.m. Sept. 7 start date on social media. The outlet already started July 4 to

sell in-store or drive-thru the products for recreational use to adults enrolled in the tribe or in any other federally recognized tribe. And it had just opened its doors in April initially medical marijuana purchases for adults.

But plans were already being developed to o er products more broadly after tribal members voted in a referendum last September backing adult recreational use on their reservation and telling the tribal council to develop legislation to regulate such a market. Those details were hammered out by the council, approving language in

June that e ectively decriminalized cannabis on Eastern Band land called the Qualla Boundary. Marijuana possession or use is otherwise illegal in North Carolina, but the tribe can pass rules related to cannabis as a sovereign nation. Of North Carolina and its surrounding states, only Virginia allows for the legal recreational use of marijuana statewide.

Qualla Enterprises, the tribe’s cannabis subsidiary, had previously signaled a two-step process to expand to adult-use sales, limiting it initially to tribal members.

WEDNESDAY

QUAIL from page 1

Championship in 2017. It went to the TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm in Maryland in 2019 when Quail Hollow had the Presidents Cup.

“Securing this event and keeping it here in Charlotte has been really, really important and needs to be celebrated for Truist and Quail Hollow Club and the overall greater Charlotte region. This event has a strong reach,” said Bill Rogers, chairman and CEO of Truist Financial.

Truist is the result of the largest bank merger since the 2008 recession, combining BB&T and Sun Trust.

The seven-year deal assures the PGA Tour having a signature event at Quail Hollow, the club run by Johnny Harris, who has spared no expense over the years.

“The PGA Tour cannot host our events without a title sponsor that makes a multiyear commitment,” Commissioner Jay Monahan said. “When you’re building a championship, when you’re building a presence, when you’re constantly looking to improve, to have that certainty with ... the golf course so that the Harrises can continue to plan and know that they have their respective commitment, that’s exceedingly important.”

He said the seven-year deal was a term Truist and the tour felt was the right start and “the right statement to make to the Charlotte community.”

The Truist Championship now is among the eight signature events that o er a $20 million purse, with $3.6 million going to the winner, and a limited eld with no cut. Rory McIlroy won last year over Xander Schau ele. The signature events get the strongest elds, though they are not mandatory. Quail Hollow last year fell one week before the PGA Championship on the PGA Tour’s schedule. The 2025 schedule has not been released.

Wachovia was the inaugural title sponsor in 2003 through 2008. The tournament did not have a title sponsor until Wells Fargo took over in 2011. The bank chose not to renew late last year amid reports it was not interested in the rising cost. The purse went from $9 million in 2022 to $20 million as a signature event the next two years.

The PGA Tour also is taking over management of the tournament from Pro Links Sport. Now it goes to the Championship Management arm of the tour, which also runs events like the Presidents Cup, The Players Championship and the Tour Championship.

The announcement is the second in the last few weeks on replacing title sponsors. Procore is replacing Fortinet as the title sponsor of the Napa, California, tournament that starts the fall portion of the PGA Tour schedule.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Kamala Harris is the origin story of Democrats’ radical criminal justice policies

Harris’ willingness to turn a blind eye to terrorists, and drug and human tra cking sends a dangerously unsettling message.

BEFORE GEORGE SOROS and progressive Democrats spent tens of millions of dollars across the country to elect district attorneys, their anti-law enforcement agenda started in California.

In 2003, a young, power-hungry assistant district attorney named Kamala Harris primaried her boss and was elected Oakland County district attorney. Just four months into o ce, as a new DA she would reduce charges of a gang member who shot and killed a police o cer. Time and time again, Harris showed a soft-on-crime approach. California has long held a brand of politics apart from the rest of the country, a place where people accept it as a tradeo for sunshine, movie stardom, or fortunes in Silicon Valley.

Yet over the past two decades, this dangerous and radical strain of progressivism has been exported across the country.

In New York, Philadelphia, Minneapolis and even here in North Carolina, radical district attorneys thumb their noses at enforcing the law and instead make excuses for those who willingly commit criminal acts.

One such district attorney, Durham’s Satana Deberry, took on an incumbent Democrat while promising to waive unpaid nes, declining to prosecute drug felonies and ending cash bail policies. She won

— and made good on her pro-criminal campaign promises.

The dangerous movement that started with Kamala Harris has gone national. At what point will voters say prioritize public safety, not criminals?

In Charlotte, the state’s largest city, the homicide rate is at its highest level in 21 years. The rst six months of 2024 have seen 61 people murdered in the Queen City. This also includes the brutal killing of four police o cers in the city in April.

Our cities are unsafe with far-left, radical liberal policies directly attributed to Harris.

As a U.S. senator, Harris went even further, proudly proclaiming that illegal immigration was not a crime.

This is why her work as “Border Czar” has produced a crisis of unprecedented proportions at the Southern border. Harris’ willingness to turn a blind eye to terrorists, and drug and human tra cking sends a dangerously unsettling message — America welcomes criminal behavior.

The past four years have seen a callous administration, led at the top by Kamala Harris, refusing to take responsibility for the hundreds of crimes committed by migrants. Mothers raped and murdered. Shooting sprees. Not even knowing how many individuals on the terror watch list have crossed the open border.

The central question now is whether

Delivering results for you

UNDER PRESIDENT BIDEN and Vice President Harris’ failed leadership, you have seen record-high in ation, skyrocketing energy prices, the worst border crisis in history, and your constitutional rights under attack. Since House Republicans took the majority nearly two years ago, we have worked tirelessly to undo the damage the BidenHarris administration’s policies have done and ensure a safer, freer, more prosperous future for you and your family.

We have passed historic legislation to unleash American energy independence and make life more a ordable for you.

The Biden-Harris administration’s war on American energy has resulted in skyrocketing prices across the board. Unfortunately, instead of boosting production of domestic energy to lower prices, President Biden has continued to double down on his anti-energy policies. Every day, you are paying more at the pump, at the grocery store, and for your electricity bills, leaving you struggling to make ends meet. House Republicans’ bill, the Lower Energy Costs Act, will make energy more a ordable again by increasing domestic energy production,

reforming our broken permitting process, and reversing President Biden’s anti- energy policies.

We have also taken action to combat the crisis at our border by passing the Secure the Border Act, the strongest border security package that Congress has ever considered. The Biden-Harris Administration’s open border policies have led to nearly 10 million illegal crossings and deadly fentanyl owing into our communities. Too many innocent Americans, like Laken Riley, have been beaten, raped and murdered at the hands of people here illegally.

A safe and secure nation needs a safe and secure border. Our legislation would reinstate the successful Trump-era border policies, strengthen our asylum laws, provide Border Patrol agents with more resources, and force the Biden administration to restart construction of the border wall.

As your congressman, I am focused on legislation that will safeguard your constitutionally protected freedoms.

I am proud to lead on multiple pieces of legislation, including H.R. 615, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers

North Carolina, and the nation, will stand up to those who champion soft-on-crime, pro-criminal policies.

Even CNN has reported Harris voiced support for “defund the police” in June 2020, shortly before joining Joe Biden as the Democrats’ vice-presidential nominee.

Harris said they “rightly” called out the amount of money spent on police departments going even a step further, saying that more police did not equate to more public safety.

In her own words, she said, “We need to take a look at these budgets and gure out whether it re ects the right priorities.” She then accused cities of “militarizing police” but “defunding public schools.”

She went on to tell one group that as California’s AG, she signi cantly reformed their criminal justice system and became a national model.

“I’m proud of that work,” she said. That con rms hers is a record — and an origin story — she and Democrats cannot run from.

Kamala Harris cannot be elected president. She is the origin story of radical, out-of-touch, dangerously liberal policies. Nothing less than the safety and security of our country is at stake in November.

Jason Simmons is chairman of the North Carolina GOP.

Act, H.J.Res.44, a resolution to block the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) unconstitutional pistol brace banl and H.R. 5110, the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act, which became law on Oct. 6, 2023. As the Biden administration continues to try and target your Second Amendment rights, these common-sense measures make clear your right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

This is only some of what House Republicans have accomplished to ful ll our promises and address the issues you face every day — but we’re not done working.

We are going to nish this Congress strong and continue pushing back against the Biden-Harris administration’s extreme agenda that has crushed you and your family. We won’t stop ghting for solutions that protect your freedom, strengthen our economy, keep our communities safe, x the crisis at the border, and help you and every American family succeed.

Richard Hudson represents the 9th Congressional District in Washington, D.C.

COLUMN | RICHARD HUDSON

HOKE SPORTS

Volleyball schedules for Hoke varsity, key matchups

The rst game of the season will take place Aug. 12

North State Journal sta

THE HOKE COUNTY volleyball team returns to the oor next week.

Last year, the Bucks went 8-13, 4-9 in the Sandhills. Despite a losing record, the Bucks put up their best win-loss percentage since 2017 and will look to build on that this year.

The schedules are still a work in progress, with non-conference games likely to be added over the next few weeks but we know that Hoke tips o its season on Aug. 12, at home, and the conference season begins on Aug. 27. With exciting matchups ahead from intra-conference, intra-county and non-conference play, here’s a look at Hoke’s soccer schedule with dates, opponents and a look at key matchups this season:

Aug. 12 vs. St. Pauls: For the second straight season, Hoke plays St. Pauls in the opener. The Bulldogs knocked o the Bucks at St. Pauls last year in a tight ve-set contest. This year, Hoke gets the game at home, which could make the di erence.

Aug. 14 at E.E. Smith: The two schools haven’t met on the volleyball court since 2015. They’ll play a home-and-home in August.

Aug. 15 at Westover: Another unfamiliar foe. The last time Westover and Hoke County met in volleyball was 2008.

Aug. 19 at Red Springs: The two teams split last season’s series, with each school winning

through

in three sets at home.

Aug 21 vs. E.E. Smith: Five road games are broken up by the return game in the homeand-home with Smith.

Aug. 22 at St. Pauls

Aug. 27 at Scotland: The Sandhills Conference opener comes on the road, Hoke didn’t win a set in the two-game sweep last year.

Aug. 29 vs. Lee County: The conference home opener comes against a team Hoke swept last year, in four sets on the road and ve at home.

Sept. 3 at Richmond: The Raiders ended Hoke’s season last year, sweeping them out of the conference tourney in straight sets to cap o 3-0 edge in the season series.

Sept. 4 at Douglas Byrd: Hoke steps out of conference to face a team the Bucks beat in

straight sets last season.

Sept. 5 vs. Southern Lee: Hoke swept the season series last year, winning 3-1 and 3-2.

Sept. 10 at Union Pines: It’s been a lopsided decade in the series. Union Pines has won all 13 matchups since the two teams started playing regularly.

Sept. 12 at Pinecrest: Another lopsided series. Going back to 2010, Hoke is 0-28 and hasn’t won a set in the last 11 matchups.

Sept. 16 vs. Red Springs

Sept. 19 vs. Scotland

Sept. 24 at Lee County

Sept. 26 vs. Richmond

Sept. 30 vs. Douglas Byrd

Oct. 1 at Southern Lee

Oct. 3 vs. Union Pines

Oct. 8 at Pinecrest

Hoke County, softball

Kalea Parker is a rising senior for the Hoke County softball team. She is also a two-time Athlete of the Week after earning the honor in early April.

Parker hit .323 last year and was third on the Bucks in on-base percentage (.462). Her 19 RBIs led Hoke, and her six doubles, 20 hits and .419 slugging were all in the top three for the Bucks. We’re not the only ones who have noticed. Methodist University has been trying to get Parker to play for its team when her high school days are done, and Parker gave a verbal commitment to the Monarchs last week.

Lee claims 3 gymnastics medals at Paris Games

The American gymnast has battled unidenti ed kidney conditions

By Will Graves

The Associated Press

PARIS — There is a freedom that Sunisa Lee feels when she’s on the uneven bars that’s hard for her to describe.

“It’s just fun to me,” she said. “(It’s like) ying around out there.” For the better part of a year, however, Lee was largely grounded. The struggle to get a pair of kidney diseases under control led her weight to uctuate wildly. At one point, the 2020 Olympic champion be-

lieves she put on 45 pounds. In December, she was bedridden.

Three years ago, she fumed after earning a bronze on bars, vowing to reach the top of the podium in Paris.

She didn’t. And in a way, she couldn’t care less. The bronze she won — much to her own surprise — in an electric barsnal on Sunday was in some ways as sweet as any individual honor she’s achieved in a career that now has six Olympic medals and counting.

“I just have to keep reminding myself that I wasn’t even supposed to be here,” Lee said. “So that’s the thing that’s in the back of my head because I’m like, ‘You know what? Like a couple months ago, we didn’t even

think this was a possibility.’”

Lee stood and cheered Kaylia Nemour of Algeria during her gold medal-winning set. Maybe it’s because Lee has a greater appreciation than most on what it takes to make something so demanding look so incredibly easy.

It’s an ability that Lee has had from the start. And even as she tried to navigate her health problems, she and Graba put together a plan that included Lee introducing a new skill that could have boosted her di culty high enough to put her in the mix for gold.

One problem: She couldn’t quite get the hang of it in competition. She fell while attempting it during the American Cup in February. USA Gymnastics

then opted not to give her an international assignment that would have let her try it in front of foreign judges to get a feel for how it might be scored.

So rather than press forward, Lee and Graba improvised, coming to the conclusion that it might be safer to put together a slightly less risky set that would take gold out of the equation but leave her in better position to make the ve-woman U.S. team.

“She came over right over and said, ‘I think I’ve got to move on,’” Graba said. “And I’m like, ‘I was going to talk to you about that today.’ Yeah. So we both knew it.”

The shift set the stage for an Olympics that nds Lee every bit the equal — if not better — of

who she was in Tokyo. She and Biles helped power the U.S. to gold in the team nal, and Lee followed it up two days later by nishing third behind Biles and Rebeca Andrade of Brazil in the all-around, making her the rst reigning Olympic champion to medal in the next Games since Romanian icon Nadia Comaneci in 1980.

“I feel like I’m doing so much better this time around,” Lee said. “And even having the girls, like we really could not be here without each other and just having the support and being able to lean on each other has been incredible.”

“You never know what can happen,” she said. “So just keep reaching for your dreams.”

DAVID SINCLAIR FOR THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Hoke County’s Abigail Watts (7) skies to defend during a game against Pinecrest last season. The Bucks will get two chances to break

against the Patriots this year.

SIDELINE REPORT

NBA

Former Hornet

Hayward retires after 14 NBA seasons

Brownsburg, Ind.

Gordon Hayward, who nearly gave Butler a national title over Duke with a half-court shot that just missed on the nal play of the 2010 NCAA men’s basketball championship game, retired from the NBA after 14 seasons on Thursday. Hayward played for Utah, Boston, Charlotte and Oklahoma City, and he was an All-Star in 2017. He averaged 15.2 points in 835 career regular-season games and said he was looking forward to spending more time with his family. He joined the Hornets prior to the 2020-21 season and played there until he was traded in February 2024.

NASCAR

Montoya to make 1st Cup start since 2014, will drive for 23XI at Watkins Glen

Charlotte Juan Pablo Montoya will return to the Cup Series for the rst time since 2014 when he races for 23XI Racing at Watkins Glen International next month. 23XI is the team owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. The team said Montoya would drive the No. 50 Toyota in support of Mobil 1’s 50th anniversary. Montoya was a Cup Series regular from 2007 to 2013. He will make his rst NASCAR Cup Series start since the 2014 Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The two-time Indianapolis 500 winner has competed full-time in Formula One, CART, IndyCar and IMSA.

NFL

Hopkins won’t require surgery for knee injury

Nashville, Tenn.

Tennessee Titans coach Brian Callahan says star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins won’t require surgery for a knee injury su ered in training camp. Callahan said Hopkins “will miss several weeks.” The rst-year coach did not detail the nature of the injury, which Hopkins su ered last week. The 32-year-old Hopkins was seen with a wrap on his left knee during practice.

A three-time All-Pro, Hopkins led the Titans last season with 75 receptions for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns. Hopkins is expected to be the top target for quarterback Will Levis.

NCAA FOOTBALL

Kentucky gets 2 years of probation by NCAA after settling football infractions case Lexington, Ky.

Kentucky and the NCAA have reached a settlement over infractions that included 11 football players getting paid for work they did not perform in 2021 and ’22. It says the school agreed with the NCAA Committee on Infractions that some football players received impermissible bene ts and that rules violations took place in the school’s swimming program. Kentucky agreed to spend two years on probation, pay an undisclosed ne and vacate records of any games in which ineligible football players competed. The swimming infractions involved excessive practice and athletes not being given required days o .

Djokovic nally adds gold medal to his resume

The 37-year-old beat

Carlos Alcaraz in the nal

By Howared Fendrich The Associated Press

PARIS — For all of his Grand Slam championships and other titles, for all of his time at No. 1, Novak Djokovic really, really wanted an Olympic gold medal for Serbia, the last signi cant accomplishment missing from his glittering resume.

He nally got one at age 37, beating Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2) in an enthralling and evenly matched men’s tennis singles nal at the 2024 Games.

“When I take everything into consideration, this probably is the biggest sporting success I ever had in my career,” said Djokovic, who didn’t drop a set in Paris and is the oldest man to win the Summer Games tennis title since 1908. “This kind of supersedes everything that

I imagined, that I hoped that I could experience, that I could feel.”

With margins so thin that any mistake felt as if it could tilt things, Djokovic was at his best when the stakes were highest, dominating each of the two tiebreakers against Alcaraz, who beat him in the Wimbledonnal three weeks ago.

“In the close moments, in the di cult situations, in the tiebreaks, he played an impressive game,” said silver medalist Alcaraz, the 21-year-old from Spain who sobbed, too, after falling short of becoming the youngest male singles gold medalist. “That’s why I saw that he’s hungry for the gold medal. He was going to go for it.”

Djokovic already owns a men’s-record 24 Grand Slam trophies and the most weeks spent atop in the rankings by any man or woman. He also already owned an Olympics medal, from 2008, but it was a

bronze — and he made it clear that simply wasn’t su cient. He kept talking over the past week, but also the past months, about what a priority the gold was for him — and Alcaraz said he kept hearing about it.

Until getting Paris bronze medalist Lorenzo Musetti of Italy on Friday, Djokovic was 0-3 in Olympic semi nals, losing to the gold winner each time: Rafael Nadal at Beijing in 2008, Andy Murray at London in 2012, and Alexander Zverev in Tokyo three years ago.

This time, Djokovic said, “I was ready.”

In Paris, wearing a gray sleeve over the right knee that required surgery for a torn meniscus two months ago, Djokovic faced Nadal in the second round and eliminated his longtime rival in straight sets.

The No. 1 seed Djokovic saved eight break points, No. 2 Alcaraz saved six. Pressure? Ha. What pressure?

“We both played at a very high level,” Djokovic said. “We really went toe-to-toe.”

In the second tiebreaker, after Djokovic laced a cross-court forehand winner on the run to cap a 10-shot point for a 3-2 lead, he waved his arms to encourage the folks standing and screaming. Soon, thanks to one last forehand winner, he had earned that prize he wanted, at long last.

When the Serbian national anthem nished ringing out, Djokovic reached for his gold and brought it to his lips for a kiss.

Was he worried that moment would never arrive?

“There are always doubts. Absolutely, I had doubts,” Djokovic said. “But the belief and the conviction that I can make it is stronger than my doubts. It always has been. I knew that it’s going to happen. It was just a matter of when it’s going to happen.”

Sche er gets the Olympic gold medal in a thriller

He shot 62 to become the second straight American to win men’s golf gold

By Doug Ferguson The Associated Press

SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-

YVELINES, France — Scottie

Sche er was a model of calm and greatness as he delivered the greatest closing round of his career. The nal two hours were about charges and collapses, pure theater that ended Sunday with the Olympic gold medal ttingly draped around the neck of golf’s No. 1 player.

It was only when Sche er stood on the top podium, when the nal few bars of the national anthem belted out across Le Golf National, that he lost control.

The medal dangling beneath his right hand xed across his chest, Sche er raised his left arm to cover the sobs.

Four shots behind to start the nal round, six shots behind early on the back nine, Sche er birdied ve of six holes down the stretch and matched the course record with a 9-under 62 for a one-shot victory over Tommy Fleetwood.

“It’s been a long week. It’s been a challenging week. I played some great golf today, and I’m proud to be going home with a medal,” Sche er said.

“These guys played tremendous golf, and I think we should all be proud of the golf that we played this week.”

There was the remarkable surge by Sche er, who shot 29 on the back nine, and the relentless play of Fleetwood (66) and Hideki Matsuyama.

And there was a stunning collapse by Jon Rahm, who saw a four-shot lead disappear in two holes and his hopes vanish with

a double bogey; by Rory McIlroy, one shot behind until hitting wedge into the water; and by Xander Schau ele, the PGA and British Open champion.

In the end, it was Sche er. Already a six-time winner on the PGA Tour this year, including his second Masters title, Sche er added Olympic gold to an astonishing season with a round that kept the sellout crowd on edge for a wild conclusion. He set an Olympic record for 72 holes at 19-under 265.

Sche er becomes the second straight American to win gold in men’s golf, following Schauf-

fele in the Tokyo Games. It was all such a blur that Sche er didn’t even know where he stood.

“I saw that Rahm had gotten to 20-under, and so I kind of changed a little bit mentally to just really try to do my best to move my way up the leaderboard, and at one point I didn’t even really know if I was in contention or not,” Sche er said.

“I just tried to do my best to make some birdies and start moving up and maybe get a medal or something like that just because Jon is such a great player.”

When he nally got a look at

a leaderboard, Sche er was in the fairway on the par-4 15th and hit wedge to a foot. That got him within one. Then came his tee shot to 8 feet for birdie on the par-3 17th. And the winner turned out to be an 8-iron he gouged out of the rough to 18 feet for a fourth straight birdie and his rst lead of the week.

“He’s been piling up trophies left and right and he keeps moving away from what is the pack of people chasing him in the world,” Schau ele said. “When I take my competitive hat o and put my USA patriot hat on, I’m very happy that we won another gold medal.”

GEORGE WALKER IV / AP PHOTO

Gold medalist Scottie Sche er, of the United States, cries as the national anthem is played during the medal ceremony for men’s golf at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

LOUISE DELMOTTE / AP PHOTO

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic shows his gold medal after defeating Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s singles tennis nal at Roland Garros during the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Olympic, faith leaders seek reset after opening ceremony outcry

By Giovanna Dell’Orto

The Associated Press

PARIS — Faith leaders gathered with Olympic o cials Sunday morning in front of Notre Dame Cathedral to celebrate how “faith and sport can complement each other,” in the words of International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach.

The 2024 Paris Games got o to a rocky start with many religious groups around the world, including the Vatican. They criticized a scene in the opening ceremony seen as mocking Christianity by evoking “The Last Supper” and featuring drag queens, though the performers and the ceremony’s artistic director denied being inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s painting.

“We wanted to show that the most important thing is peace,” Catholic Bishop Emmanuel Gobilliard said at the gathering. It was modeled after the rst such interfaith meeting, organized by modern Olympics founder Pierre de Coubertin in the 1924 Paris Games.

Far from the controversy, in an inconspicuous tent-like structure tucked away at the end of the athletes’ village in Paris, ordained and lay representatives from the ve major global religions have taken up that mantle, providing spiritual comfort to Olympians.

Representatives of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism worked for months to set up a shared hall where the more than 10,500 athletes and their sta can nd information about worship and speak with a chaplain.

For the rst half of the Games, many seem to have found their

way there to have a quiet moment away from the overwhelming pressure of competition.

“Some of the athletes who come to pray, I think they came to give up their pressure, to take some time to get out of their own heads,” said the Rev. Jason Nioka, a former judo champion who’s in charge of the largest contingent of Olympic chaplains, about 40 Catholic priests, nuns and lay faithful.

An athlete who lost a competition told chaplains that he would quit sports. After multiple days of visits, he said everything was ne and he’ll stick to it, said the Rev. Anton Gelyasov, archpriest of the Greek-Orthodox Metropolis of France, who’s leading more than two dozen Christian Orthodox chaplains for the Games.

Each religion got 538 square feet of the structure provided

by the Paris Games organizing committee, with instructions to comply with France’s secularism laws that strictly prescribe the role of religion in public spaces. What the faith leaders have done with the space is itself a wordless message of dialogue, tolerance and welcome — beginning with redistributing the size of the di erent rooms based on the expected number of faithful.

The door between the small Jewish room and the Muslim space, about twice its size but equally sparingly adorned, is often kept open.

“Here it’s very symbolic,” said Rabbi Moshe Lewin, vice president of the Conference of European Rabbis and one of the Jewish chaplains. “The conviviality, that’s the image that we should transmit.”

“People smile when they see an imam and a rabbi together,” added Najat Benali, president of the Coordination of Muslim Associations of Paris, who leads the Muslim chaplaincy. “We do ‘geo-fraternity,’ not geopolitics.”

The Hindu space also welcomes visitors with blessings by a small water fountain as chanting resounds from a volunteer’s cellphone. It’s the most exuberantly decorated space, with statues from India and a recreated temple structure in painted polyester foam.

In the middle is the Christian area, where Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox share an altar with a large Bible anked by a cross and icons. Next to it hangs a poster with a quote about faith by U.S. star gymnast Simone Biles.

Last week, three athletics competitors from Australia, Finland and Jamaica walked in to pray, and faith leaders asked if they could join them.

“It was like a little Pentecost,” said Anne Schweitzer, who’s coordinating about three dozen Protestant chaplains.

She discovered one of the three athletes, a silver medalist, is also quoted in the Gospel edition called “More Precious than Gold,” created for the Games and available to visitors there and at churches across Olympic host cities.

Some Catholics, as well as volunteers in the village, have gone next door to meditate in the Buddhist space, said Luc Charles, a Zen monk with the Buddhist Union of France.

“It’s the occasion to get to know each other better,” he added.

Medical supplies blocked in Sudan’s famine-hit Darfur

Doctors Without Borders says children are at risk of dying without the resources

By Samy Magdy

The Associated Press

CAIRO — Malnourished children in a famine-hit camp for war-displaced people in Sudan’s western Darfur region are at risk of dying, an aid group said Sunday, because it was forced to ration malnutrition treatment due to a blockade imposed by a notorious paramilitary group.

Doctors Without Borders said the Rapid Support Forces, which have besieged al-Fasher city as part of its war against the Sudanese military, have blocked three trucks carrying lifesaving medical supplies, including therapeutic food, for the city and the nearby Zamzam camp where famine was con rmed last week.

Sudan plunged into chaos in

April last year when simmering tensions between the military and the RSF developed into open ghting in the capital, Khartoum, before spreading across the northeastern African country. Darfur saw some of the worst and most devastating bouts of ghting in the war.

The con ict has killed thousands of people and pushed many into starvation. It created the world’s largest displacement crisis with more than 10 million people forced to ee their homes since April 2023, according to the U.N. migration agency. Over 2 million of those ed to neighboring countries.

International experts in the Famine Review Committee con rmed Thursday that starvation at Zamzam camp, where up to 600,000 people shelter, has grown into full famine.

International experts use set criteria to con rm the existence of famines. A famine is declared in an area when one in ve people or households severely lack

food and face starvation and destitution that would ultimately lead to critical levels of acute malnutrition and death.

In Zamzam camp, which has swelled with the arrival of new displaced people, many children are in critical condition, Doctors Without Borders said, adding that the malnutrition ward at its eld hospital in the camp is overcrowded with a 126% bed occupancy rate.

The group said RSF ghters have blocked the trucks in the town of Kabkabiya for over a month, adding that it was forced to limit the number of children receiving therapeutic food in the overcrowded camp as its stock of medicine covers only two weeks.

“Deliberately obstructing or delaying humanitarian cargo is putting the lives of thousands of children at-risk as they are cuto from receiving life-saving treatment,” it said on social media platform X.

The RSF has imposed a siege on el-Fasher in its monthslong

attempt to take it from the military and its allied rebel groups.

The city, the provincial capital of North Darfur, is the last stronghold for the military in the war-torn Darfur region.

The U.N.’s Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, on Friday called for a cease- re to enable safe and unimpeded humanitarian access across borders and battle lines as well as scaling up nancial support to prevent largescale famine in Sudan.

About 25.6 million people — more than half of Sudan’s population — face acute hunger. This year’s $2.7 billion Humanitarian Response Plan for Sudan is less than a third funded, with $872 million received as of early August, according to the United Nations.

Nkweta-Salami said the humanitarian community has been scaling up the response in recent months, but the needs are immense.

“There isn’t a moment to waste,” she said.

“Deliberately obstructing or delaying humanitarian cargo is putting the lives of thousands of children at-risk as they are cut-o from receiving life-saving treatment.”

Doctors Without Borders on X

REBECCA BLACKWELL / AP PHOTO

Muslim representative Najat Benali, left, Rabbi Moshe Lewin, center, and Orthodox Christian priest Anton Gelyasov chat in the Jewish area of the interreligious hall in the Olympic Village at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in NSJ at obits@northstatejournal.com

Chris Tyler

March 30, 1970 –August 1, 2024

Ms. Chris Tyler, of Shannon, NC went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Thursday, August 01, 2024, at the age of 54. She was born in Scotland County, NC on March 30, 1970, to Nelson and Marion Tyler. She was preceded in death by her aunt, Annie Ruth Locklear.

Chris had a good heart and brought many good memories and joy to her family. She could always make you laugh. She loved yard work, owers, and her puppy.

She is survived by her parents, Nelson and Marion Tyler; son, Brian Keith Locklear; grandchildren, Hailey and Houston Locklear, and James Lowery Studivant; sister, Valeria Parks (Barrett); brother, Nelson Tyler, Jr.; nephew, Harvey Lee Locklear; niece, Lyric Tyler; and Keith Locklear.

A visitation will be held from 2-3 p.m. on Monday, August 5, 2024, at Sandhills Community Baptist Church 575 N McPhatter Rd. Red Springs, NC 28377.

A service will follow at 3 p.m. with Pastor Earl Deese o ciating. Online condolences may be made on the Crumpler Funeral Home Website.

Billy Bean, second openly gay ex-MLB player, dies at 60

Bean worked in the MLB commissioner’s o ce after he retired from baseball

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Billy Bean, who became the second former Major League Baseball player to come out as gay in 1999 before becoming the sport’s senior vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion, has died. He

was 60. MLB released a statement con rming his death. Bean died at home on Tuesday after a yearlong ght with acute myeloid leukemia.

The California native played in six big league seasons from 1987 to 1995, making his debut with the Detroit Tigers in a four-hit performance that tied a record for a player in his rst game. He also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. He was a two-

time All-American out elder at Loyola Marymount, leading the team to the NCAA Men’s College World Series in 1986.

Bean wrote a book titled “Going the Other Way” and was also a keynote speaker at many events. He publicly came out as gay in 1999, the second former major leaguer to do so after Glenn Burke.

Bean joined the commissioner’s o ce in 2014, when he was hired by former Commissioner Bud Selig to be MLB’s rst am-

Hilda Ruth Jordan Williams

July 10, 2024

Hilda Ruth Jordan Williams, 92, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2024, in her home in Harriman, TN. Born in Raeford, NC, she was the daughter of Jeptha and Sallie Jordan.

After receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education from Wake Forest University, Hilda served as an educator in Eastern North Carolina, Harriman City Schools, Manpower Development Training and Roane State Community College. She was an active member of Woods Chapel United Methodist Church, serving in many roles over the years. She is survived by her children: Hooper Williams (Kimberly) of Brevard, NC and Ruth Williams of Harriman, TN, grandchildren: Allie, Olin (Arin), and Lei Williams and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Irma Randall, Julius Jordan, Milton Jordan and Riley Jordan.

A small family service is planned for 11 a.m. on August 10th, 2024, in the Raeford City Cemetery.

bassador for inclusion. He spent more than 10 years working for MLB, eventually being promoted to senior vice president.

Bean worked with MLB clubs to “advance equality for all players, coaches, managers, umpires, employees, and stakeholders throughout baseball to ensure an equitable, inclusive, and supportive workplace for everyone.”

“Our hearts are broken today as we mourn our dear friend and colleague, Billy Bean, one of the kindest and most respected individuals I have ever known,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “Billy was a friend to countless people across our game, and he made a di erence through his constant dedication to others.”

CHRIS O’MEARA / AP PHOTO

Billy Bean, then the MLB’s vice president of Social Responsibility and Inclusion, throws out the ceremonial rst pitch before a 2016 baseball game in St. Petersburg, Fla.

STATE & NATION

More US schools are taking breaks for meditation

Teachers say it helps students’ mental health

By Sharon Johnson

The Associated Press

REX, Ga. — The third-grade students at Roberta T. Smith Elementary School had only a few days until summer vacation and an hour until lunch, but there was no struggle to focus as they led into the classroom. They were ready for one of their favorite parts of the day.

The children closed their eyes and traced their thumbs from their foreheads to their hearts as a pre-recorded voice led them through an exercise called the shark n, part of the classroom’s regular meditation routine.

“Listen to the chimes,” said the teacher, Kim Franklin. “Remember to breathe.”

Schools across the U.S. have been introducing yoga, meditation and mindfulness exercises to help students manage stress and emotions. As the depths of student struggles with mental health became clear in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pan-

demic, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last year endorsed schools’ use of the practices.

Research has found that school-based mindfulness programs can help, especially in low-income communities where

9/11 families group leader lauds death penalty option in prosecutions

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin rejected a plea deal for the architects of the terrorist attack

By Larry Neumeister

The Associated Press

THE HEAD OF A GROUP of family members of victims of the Sept. 11 terror attacks said Saturday that she’s hearing nearly unanimous praise of the U.S. defense secretary’s nulli cation of plea deals for the accused 9/11 mastermind and two others that would have removed the death penalty as a possibility.

The American Civil Liberties Union, meanwhile, said it plans to challenge the reversal in court, citing it in a statement Saturday as a “rash act” that “violates the law.”

Terry Strada, national chair of the group 9/11 Families United, said she was shocked by the announcement late Friday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was rejecting a plea deal reached just days ago and was restoring the death penalty as an option in the cases.

He wrote that authority in the matter ultimately rested with him.

“Nobody saw this coming,” Strada said.

But she quickly added that it was the right thing to do.

“These men deserve no mercy,” Strada said. “They certainly didn’t show any mercy to my husband or the other 2,976 who died in the attacks.”

She said dozens of individuals from her group who she has communicated with since Friday night have been unanimous.

“Everybody I’ve talked to wants them put to death because that’s the punishment that ts the crime and the message the United States needs to send to terrorists around the world: We will hold you accountable and exercise the death penalty,” Strada said.

And she said a large international prisoner swap that occurred Thursday was a reminder of the need to ensure that nobody behind the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks that turned hijacked planes into missiles that tore through 110-story twin World Trade Center towers and smashed into the Pentagon are ever set free.

Strada has said as recently as several days ago that some of the 10,000 family members of those killed in the attacks are divided over whether the death penalty is appropriate.

Austin’s action came two days after the military commission at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba,

students face high levels of stress or trauma.

The mindfulness program reached Smith Elementary through a contract with the school system, Clayton County Public Schools, where twothirds of the students are black.

GreenLight Fund Atlanta, a network that matches communities with local nonpro ts, helps Georgia school systems pay for the mindfulness program provided by Inner Explorer, an audio platform.

Joli Cooper, GreenLight Fund Atlanta’s executive director, said it was important to the group to support an organization that is accessible and relevant for communities of color in the Greater Atlanta area.

Children nationwide struggled with the e ects of isolation and remote learning as they returned from the pandemic school closures. The CDC in 2023 reported more than a third of students were a ected by feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness. The agency recommended schools use mindfulness practices to help students manage emotions.

“We know that our teenagers and adolescents have really strained in their mental health,”

CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen, former secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, told The Associated Press. “There are real skills that we can give our teens to make sure that they are coping with some big emotions.”

Approaches to mindfulness represent a form of social-emotional learning, which has become a political ashpoint with many conservatives who say schools use it to promote pro -

gressive ideas about race, gender and sexuality.

But advocates say the programming brings much-needed attention to students’ well-being.

“When you look at the numbers, unfortunately, in Georgia, the number of children of color with suicidal thoughts and success is quite high,” Cooper said. “When you look at the number of psychologists available for these children, there are not enough psychologists of color.”

Black youth have the fastest-growing suicide rate among racial groups, according to CDC statistics. Between 2007 and 2020, the suicide rate among black children and teens ages 10 to 17 increased by 144%.

“It’s a stigma with being able to say you’re not OK and needing help, and having the ability to ask for help,” said Tolana Griggs, Smith Elementary’s assistant principal. “With our diverse school community and wanting to be more aware of our students, how di erent cultures feel and how di erent cultures react to things, it’s important to be all-inclusive with everything we do.” Teachers and administrators say they have noticed a difference in their students since they’ve incorporated mindfulness into their routine. For Aniyah Woods, 9, the program has helped her “calm down” and “not stress anymore.”

“I love myself how I am, but Inner Explorer just helps me feel more like myself,” Aniyah said.

announced that the o cial appointed to oversee the war court had approved plea deals with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two accused accomplices, Walid bin Attash and Mustafa al-Hawsawi.

In a release Saturday, ACLU Executive Director Anthony Romero said the civil rights group plans to sue to win a reversal of Austin’s move.

He said any death penalty nding would not be upheld on appeal because of torture experienced by those who were captured after the 9/11 attacks and because military commissions are “inherently unjust.”

“After over 20 years, it’s time for our government to accept the defendants’ guilty pleas as the best solution in a terrible circumstance. The 9/11 families and the American people deserve closure and adherence to due process principles that are

“It’s stunning that Secretary Austin betrayed 9/11 family members seeking judicial nality while recklessly setting aside the judgment of his own prosecutors and the Convening Authority, who are actually steeped in the 9/11 case. Politics and command in uence should play no role in this legal proceeding,” Romero said.

the bedrock of our democracy,” Romero said.

Families of those killed in the al-Qaida attacks were told in letters that the plea agreement stipulated that the men would serve up to life sentences but would not face death.

Strada said family members feared that if they were placed in U.S. prisons, “any future administration could commute their sentence or use them in a possible prison swap.”

“I’m not a ghoul that I want them put to death,” Strada added. “I want them put them to death because I don’t want them to have a voice, ever.”

SHARON JOHNSON / AP PHOTO

Aniyah Woods meditates during a mindfulness session in her classroom at Roberta T. Smith Elementary School on May 14 in Rex, Georgia.

JANET HAMLIN / AP PHOTO

A 2008 courtroom drawing shows Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, center, and co-defendant Walid Bin Attash, left, attending a pretrial session at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba.

Quick trip to the hardware store

Bryson City native Evy Leibfarth won bronze for the United States in the women’s canoe single competition at the 2024 Summer Olympics in France. Above right, Leibfarth, in pink, also competed in the women’s kayak cross nals.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Tropical storm could bring 6 to 8 inches of rain

With a half-foot or more of rain expected in the next few days, preparing for potential evacuations or power outages is essential. Emergency o cials suggest the following simple steps to make sure you’re prepared:

• Make a plan: Outline a communications and evacuation plan for your family. If you have any pets or livestock, include them in your plan.

• Assemble an emergency kit: It should include a three-day supply of non-perishable food, water and medication, as well as any other items you might need in case of a power outage, such as a ashlight, radio and batteries.

• Charge your cell phone: This will allow you to stay connected to emergency and safety updates even if the power goes out.

• Secure outdoor items: Safely store lawn furniture, decorations, toys, garbage cans and other items that can be brought indoors. Tie down larger objects like boats and trailers.

• Fuel up: Fill vehicles before the storm as a loss of power could put gas pumps out of commission.

• Watch for downed trees and power lines: Understanding precautions associated with downed powerlines is important at any time, but especially during an event such as this. If you should observe downed powerlines, please report it immediately and stay far away from the area. Downed powerlines can carry an electric current strong enough to cause serious injury or death. They can also electrify the ground and nearby objects as much as 30 feet away from the line itself. Additionally, when approaching electric utility crews or emergency responders working on the side of the road, slow down and leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the workers.

PGA Tour gets new sponsor for Quail Hollow

The tournament is one of eight events with a $20 million purse

By Doug Ferguson The Associated Press

TRUIST FINANCIAL CORP.

is taking over as title sponsor for the PGA Tour’s signature event at Quail Hollow Club with a seven-year commitment, which includes a one-year detour in 2025 to Philadelphia Cricket Club.

The deal secures top-level golf in Charlotte after Wells Fargo decided not to renew its sponsorship.

The Truist Championship will be the fourth name of the tournament that began in 2003 and immediately grew into a top tournament mainly through word-of-mouth from players who raved about Quail Hollow Club.

Quail Hollow is holding the PGA Championship for the second time next year. Truist and the PGA Tour chose to take the tournament to Philadelphia Cricket Club and its century-old Wissahickon Course.

The tournament went to Eagle Point in Wilmington, North

Carolina, when Quail Hollow hosted the PGA Championship in 2017. It went to the TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm in Maryland in 2019 when Quail Hollow had the Presidents Cup.

The seven-year deal assures the PGA Tour having a signature event at Quail Hollow, the club run by Johnny Harris, who has spared no expense over the years.

“The PGA Tour cannot host our events without a title sponsor that makes a multiyear commitment,” Commissioner Jay Monahan said. “When you’re building a championship, when you’re building a presence, when you’re constantly looking to improve, to have that certainty with ... the golf course so that the Harrises can continue to plan and know that they have their respective commitment, that’s exceedingly important.”

He said the seven-year deal was a term Truist and the tour felt was the right start and “the right statement to make to the Charlotte community.”

The Truist Championship now is among the eight signature events that o er a $20 million purse, with $3.6 million going to the winner, and a limited eld with no cut. Rory McIlroy won last year over Xander Schau ele.

Truist is the result of the largest bank merger since the 2008 recession, combining BB&T and Sun Trust.

“Securing this event and keeping it here in Charlotte has been really, really important and needs to be celebrated for Truist and Quail Hollow Club and the overall greater Charlotte region. This event has a strong reach,” said Bill Rogers, chairman and CEO of Truist Financial.

Deadly force justi ed in shooting

of man who killed 4 Charlotte cops

A report said there was “no question” deadly force was appropriate

By Makiya Seminera The Associated Press

RALEIGH — Law enforcement was justi ed in using deadly force against a gunman in Charlotte who fatally shot four o cers and wounded four others in April, a prosecutor concludes in a report released last week. There is “no question” that

the o cers who killed Terry Clark Hughes Jr. did so to defend themselves and others, Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer Merriweather says in the report. Before he was killed, Hughes, 39, opened re on o cers serving arrest warrants at his home in the city of Charlotte, the deadliest attack on law enforcement in the U.S. since 2016. “If law enforcement o cers had not responded to an imminently deadly threat with lethal force, as di cult as it is to imagine, the outcome could

have been even more catastrophic,” Merriweather says.

The district attorney’s ofce interviewed law enforcement o cers who were at the shooting, including 12 Charlotte-Mecklenburg police ofcers who red their guns, to determine if the use of deadly force against Hughes was warranted. Authorities also compiled body camera footage and physical evidence, such as how many rounds were discharged during the shooting: 29 by Hughes and 340 by o cers. Merriweather’s report de -

The signature events get the

scribed a scene of chaos and confusion during the lengthy stando that left the four ofcers dead: Sam Poloche and William Elliott of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction; Charlotte-Mecklenburg O cer Joshua Eyer and Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeks.

As state fugitive task force o cers arrived at Hughes’ res-

CHRIS CARLSON / AP PHOTO

Rory McIlroy hoists the trophy after winning the Wells Fargo Championship golf tournament at the Quail Hollow Club in May.

“Join the conversation”

Cherokee cannabis biz to begin sales to any adult in early September

Dan Reeves, Features Editor

Ryan Henkel, Reporter

P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer

BUSINESS

David Guy, Advertising Manager

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please email: corrections@nsjonline.com with “Correction request” in the subject line.

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: moorecommunity@ northstatejournal.com

Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

The store, on tribal lands in western NC, opens Sept. 7

The Associated Press

CHEROKEE — The marijuana retailer owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on western NC tribal lands announced last week that it will begin selling cannabis products to anyone age 21 or over next month.

Great Smoky Cannabis Co. revealed the 10 a.m. Sept. 7 start date on social media. The outlet already started July 4 to

July 31

• Allison Nicole Robinson, 29, was arrested by the Moore County Sheri ’s O ce (MCSO) for driving while impaired.

• Jesse James Jones, 20, was arrested by the Southern Pines Police Department (SPPD) for common law robbery.

August 2

• Richard Dwayne Brady, 51, was arrested by MCSO for possession of methamphetamine.

from page 1

idence to serve arrest warrants on the afternoon of April 29, he retreated inside his home and began ring on them with an assault ri e from a window upstairs, the report says.

Weeks was hit while taking cover with Poloche behind a tree in the backyard, according to the investigation. Elliott and another o cer were shot near the home’s fence, authorities said. Eyer and Poloche were shot behind the tree while Eyer was attempting to help Weeks, the report says.

sell in-store or drive-thru the products for recreational use to adults enrolled in the tribe or in any other federally recognized tribe. And it had just opened its doors in April initially medical marijuana purchases for adults.

But plans were already being developed to o er products more broadly after tribal members voted in a referendum last September backing adult recreational use on their reservation and telling the tribal council to develop legislation to regulate such a market. Those details were hammered out by the council, approving language in

August 3

• Anthony Brock Duncan, 37, was arrested by MCSO for resisting a public o cer.

August 4

• Kaylynn Ann Senecal, 29, was arrested by MCSO for possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

• Joyce Taylor Green, 45, was arrested by MCSO for resisting a public o cer.

Three other Charlotte-Mecklenburg police ofcers were shot at di erent locations outside the house, according to the report.

Hughes jumped down from the home’s upstairs window into the front yard, where ocers told him to drop his weapon, according to the investigation. The o cers opened re, hitting Hughes 12 times and killing him, according to a state autopsy report. Hughes had two more 30-round ri e magazines in his pocket and an unused pistol on his hip, the district attorney’s o ce said.

June that e ectively decriminalized cannabis on Eastern Band land called the Qualla Boundary.

Marijuana possession or use is otherwise illegal in North Carolina, but the tribe can pass rules related to cannabis as a sovereign nation. Of North Carolina and its surrounding states, only Virginia allows for the legal recreational use of marijuana statewide.

Qualla Enterprises, the tribe’s cannabis subsidiary, had previously signaled a twostep process to expand to adultuse sales, limiting it initially to tribal members.

August 5

• Jaira Lenise Stevons, 22, was arrested by the Aberdeen Police Department for resisting a public o cer.

• Timothy Delmont Fairley, 23, was arrested by SPPD for driving while license revoked, not impaired rev based.

• Kane Eli Avonce, 28, was arrested by MCSO for felony larceny.

During the course of the shooting, the investigation found that 23 o cers had shot at Hughes. None of the four o cers who were killed had red their weapons before they were shot, according to the report. About 50 minutes after Hughes’ death, his girlfriend called 911 to report that she and her 17-year-old daughter were hiding in a closet in the home. After interviewing them, investigators determined there was no evidence that they had been involved in the shooting of the o cers.

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Moore County:

Aug. 8

Moore County Farmers Market 604 W. Morganton Rd. (Armory Sports Complex) in Southern Pines. 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Aug. 9

4-H Growing Farmers Livestock Meeting 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. The Moore County Agricultural Center in Carthage, 707 Pinehurst Ave.

Aug. 10

Moore County Farmers Market Downtown Park, 156 SE Broad St. in Southern Pines. noon-4 p.m.

Aug. 13

Arts Council of Moore County: Fine Arts Festival 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Arts Council Campbell House Galleries, 482 E. Connecticut Ave. in Southern Pines

Aug. 16

Tell Me on a Sunday — JTC Summer Theatre Festival 2024 McPherson Theater at Bradshaw Performing Arts Center (BPAC), 3395 Airport Road in Pinehurst. 8 p.m. Tickets are $38. For more information, call 910-585-6989.

QUAIL from page 1

strongest elds, though they are not mandatory. Quail Hollow last year fell one week before the PGA Championship on the PGA Tour’s schedule. The 2025 schedule has not been released.

Wachovia was the inaugural title sponsor in 2003 through 2008. The tournament did not have a title sponsor until Wells Fargo took over in 2011. The bank chose not to renew late last year amid reports it was not interested in the rising cost. The purse went from $9 million in 2022 to $20 million as a signature event the next two years. The PGA Tour also is taking over management of the tournament from Pro Links Sport. Now it goes to the Championship Management arm of the tour, which also runs events like the Presidents Cup, The Players Championship and the Tour Championship.

The announcement is the second in the last few weeks on replacing title sponsors. Procore is replacing Fortinet as the title sponsor of the Napa, California, tournament that starts the fall portion of the PGA Tour schedule.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Kamala Harris is the origin story of Democrats’ radical criminal justice policies

Harris’ willingness to turn a blind eye to terrorists, and drug and human tra cking sends a dangerously unsettling message.

BEFORE GEORGE SOROS and progressive Democrats spent tens of millions of dollars across the country to elect district attorneys, their anti-law enforcement agenda started in California.

In 2003, a young, power-hungry assistant district attorney named Kamala Harris primaried her boss and was elected Oakland County district attorney. Just four months into o ce, as a new DA she would reduce charges of a gang member who shot and killed a police o cer. Time and time again, Harris showed a soft-on-crime approach. California has long held a brand of politics apart from the rest of the country, a place where people accept it as a tradeo for sunshine, movie stardom, or fortunes in Silicon Valley.

Yet over the past two decades, this dangerous and radical strain of progressivism has been exported across the country.

In New York, Philadelphia, Minneapolis and even here in North Carolina, radical district attorneys thumb their noses at enforcing the law and instead make excuses for those who willingly commit criminal acts.

— and made good on her pro-criminal campaign promises.

The dangerous movement that started with Kamala Harris has gone national. At what point will voters say prioritize public safety, not criminals?

In Charlotte, the state’s largest city, the homicide rate is at its highest level in 21 years. The rst six months of 2024 have seen 61 people murdered in the Queen City. This also includes the brutal killing of four police o cers in the city in April.

Our cities are unsafe with far-left, radical liberal policies directly attributed to Harris.

As a U.S. senator, Harris went even further, proudly proclaiming that illegal immigration was not a crime.

This is why her work as “Border Czar” has produced a crisis of unprecedented proportions at the Southern border. Harris’ willingness to turn a blind eye to terrorists, and drug and human tra cking sends a dangerously unsettling message — America welcomes criminal behavior.

The past four years have seen a callous administration, led at the top by Kamala Harris, refusing to take responsibility for the hundreds of crimes committed by migrants. Mothers raped and murdered. Shooting sprees. Not even knowing how many individuals on the terror watch list have crossed the open border.

North Carolina, and the nation, will stand up to those who champion soft-on-crime, pro-criminal policies.

Even CNN has reported Harris voiced support for “defund the police” in June 2020, shortly before joining Joe Biden as the Democrats’ vice-presidential nominee.

Harris said they “rightly” called out the amount of money spent on police departments going even a step further, saying that more police did not equate to more public safety.

Jason Simmons is chairman of the North Carolina GOP. COLUMN | JASON SIMMONS

One such district attorney, Durham’s Satana Deberry, took on an incumbent Democrat while promising to waive unpaid nes, declining to prosecute drug felonies and ending cash bail policies. She won

The central question now is whether

Delivering results for you

A safe and secure nation needs a safe and secure border.

UNDER PRESIDENT BIDEN and Vice President Harris’ failed leadership, you have seen record-high in ation, skyrocketing energy prices, the worst border crisis in history, and your constitutional rights under attack. Since House Republicans took the majority nearly two years ago, we have worked tirelessly to undo the damage the BidenHarris administration’s policies have done and ensure a safer, freer, more prosperous future for you and your family.

We have passed historic legislation to unleash American energy independence and make life more a ordable for you.

The Biden-Harris administration’s war on American energy has resulted in skyrocketing prices across the board. Unfortunately, instead of boosting production of domestic energy to lower prices, President Biden has continued to double down on his anti-energy policies. Every day, you are paying more at the pump, at the grocery store, and for your electricity bills, leaving you struggling to make ends meet. House Republicans’ bill, the Lower Energy Costs Act, will make energy more a ordable again by increasing domestic energy production,

reforming our broken permitting process, and reversing President Biden’s anti- energy policies.

We have also taken action to combat the crisis at our border by passing the Secure the Border Act, the strongest border security package that Congress has ever considered. The Biden-Harris Administration’s open border policies have led to nearly 10 million illegal crossings and deadly fentanyl owing into our communities. Too many innocent Americans, like Laken Riley, have been beaten, raped and murdered at the hands of people here illegally.

A safe and secure nation needs a safe and secure border. Our legislation would reinstate the successful Trump-era border policies, strengthen our asylum laws, provide Border Patrol agents with more resources, and force the Biden administration to restart construction of the border wall.

As your congressman, I am focused on legislation that will safeguard your constitutionally protected freedoms. I am proud to lead on multiple pieces of legislation, including H.R. 615, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers

In her own words, she said, “We need to take a look at these budgets and gure out whether it re ects the right priorities.” She then accused cities of “militarizing police” but “defunding public schools.”

She went on to tell one group that as California’s AG, she signi cantly reformed their criminal justice system and became a national model.

“I’m proud of that work,” she said. That con rms hers is a record — and an origin story — she and Democrats cannot run from.

Kamala Harris cannot be elected president. She is the origin story of radical, out-of-touch, dangerously liberal policies. Nothing less than the safety and security of our country is at stake in November.

Act, H.J.Res.44, a resolution to block the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) unconstitutional pistol brace banl and H.R. 5110, the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act, which became law on Oct. 6, 2023. As the Biden administration continues to try and target your Second Amendment rights, these common-sense measures make clear your right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

This is only some of what House Republicans have accomplished to ful ll our promises and address the issues you face every day — but we’re not done working.

We are going to nish this Congress strong and continue pushing back against the Biden-Harris administration’s extreme agenda that has crushed you and your family. We won’t stop ghting for solutions that protect your freedom, strengthen our economy, keep our communities safe, x the crisis at the border, and help you and every American family succeed.

Richard Hudson represents the 9th Congressional District in Washington, D.C.

COLUMN | RICHARD HUDSON

All three teams are looking to make the playo s once again

MOORE SPORTS

Volleyball schedules for Moore County’s varsity teams, key games 0-5

North State Journal sta

THE 2024 HIGH SCHOOL volleyball season will begin Friday, setting off what should be another exciting year for volleyball fans in Moore County.

All three county teams are coming o playo appearances from last year and will look to build on their respective successes. Before those athletes hit the court for another season, here’s a look at each team’s schedule and matchups to look out for:

Pinecrest (19-8 in 2023, 14-0 in the Sandhills Conference)

Aug. 12 (vs. Purnell Swett); Aug. 14 (at Ashley); Aug. 22 (vs. Chapel Hill); Aug. 29 (vs. Richmond); Sept. 3 (at Southern Lee); Sept. 5 (at Lee County); Sept. 10 (vs. Scotland); Sept. 11 (at Cape Fear); Sept 12 (at Hoke County); Sept. 17 (at Union Pines); Sept. 18 (at Gray’s Creek); Sept. 23 (at Middle Creek); Sept. 24 (at Richmond); Sept. 26 (vs. Southern Lee); Oct. 1 (vs. Lee County); Oct. 3 (at Scotland); Oct. 8 (vs. Hoke County); Oct. 10 (vs. Union Pines)

Union Pines (20-7 in 2023, 11-4 in the Sandhills)

Aug. 14 (vs. Purnell Swett); Aug. 15 (vs. Jack Britt); Aug. 19. (vs. Northwood); Aug. 21

North Moore’s record against Seaforth and Bartlett Yancey last season. The Mustangs went 16-4 against everyone else.

(at Uwharrie Charter); Aug. 22 (at Purnell Swett); Aug. 26 (vs. Triton); Aug. 27 (vs. Lee County); Aug. 28 (vs. Pine Forest); Sept. 3 (vs. Scotland); Sept. 5 (at Richmond); Sept. 10 (vs. Hoke County); Sept. 11 (vs. Seaforth); Sept. 12 (at Southern Lee); Sept. 17 (vs. Pinecrest); Sept. 19 (at Lee County); Sept. 23 (vs. Harnett Central); Sept. 25 (at Jack Britt); Sept. 26 (at Scotland); Oct. 1 (vs. Richmond); Oct. 3 (at Hoke County); Oct. 8 (vs. Southern Lee); Oct. 10 (at Pinecrest)

North Moore (16-9 in 2023, 11-6 in the Mid-Carolina Conference)

Aug. 9 (at O’Neal); Aug. 12 (vs. Father Capodanno); Aug. 13 (at Northwood); Aug. 14 (at Chatham Charter); Aug. 19 (at Father Capodanno); Aug. 29 (at Seaforth); Sept. 3 (at Graham); Sept. 10 (at Chatham Central); Sept. 16 (at South Stanly); Sept. 17 (vs. Chatham Charter); Sept. 19 (at Southeast Alamance); Sept. 24 (at Jordan-Matthews); Sept. 26 (at Bartlett Yancey); Oct. 1 (vs. Seaforth); Oct. 3 (vs. Graham); Oct. 7 (vs. Southeast Alamance); Oct. 8 (at Cummings); Oct. 10 (vs. Chatham Central)

KEY GAMES

Chapel Hill at Pinecrest (Aug. 22)

A visit from the team that gave the Patriots their rst loss last season in game No. 3 makes for some nonconference drama coming out of the gate. Pinecrest also has a mini-revenge tour against two other nonconference foes that dished out losses last year — at Cape Fear on Sept. 11 and at Middle Creek on Sept. 23.

Pinecrest vs. Union Pines (at Pinecrest Oct. 10, at Union Pines Sept. 17)

Over an 18-game stretch last season, the only team to beat Union Pines was Pinecrest, and they did it three times — in the regular season home-andhome as well as the conference tournament. Union Pines will look to even up the rivalry this time around.

Seaforth at Union Pines (Sept. 11)

The highly talented Seaforth squad will have an early test against a 3A opponent that beat the Hawks last year by a score of 3-1.

Seaforth vs. North Moore (at Seaforth Aug. 29, at North Moore Oct. 1)

Five of the Mustangs’ nine losses last year came against Seaforth and Bartlett Yancey. The Hawks swept three games from North Moore, adding a conference tourney win to the regular season sweep.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Garrett Wol

St. Andrews University, baseball

Garrett Wol is a Wilmington native and rising senior at St. Andrews University, where he’s an in elder on the baseball team.

Wol spent the summer playing for Moore County’s Sandhills Bogeys in the Old North State League, a summer college league.

The Bogeys reached the Old North State League nals, where they fell just short of a title, losing the best-of-three championship series to the Clayton Clovers in two straight games.

Wol did his part in the series, however, driving in runs in both games. He went 2-for-5 in the rst game, hitting a homer, driving in three runs and scoring once. He followed that up with a 1-for-4 performance in game two, getting one RBI.

Lee claims three Olympic medals in Paris

The American gymnast has battled unidenti ed kidney conditions

By Will Graves The Associated Press

PARIS — There is a freedom that Sunisa Lee feels when she’s on the uneven bars that’s hard for her to describe.

“It’s just fun to me,” she said. “(It’s like) ying around out there.”

For the better part of a year, however, Lee was largely grounded. The struggle to get a pair of kidney diseases under control led her weight to uctuate wildly. At one point, the 2020 Olympic champion be-

lieves she put on 45 pounds. In December, she was bedridden. Three years ago, she fumed after earning a bronze on bars, vowing to reach the top of the podium in Paris. She didn’t. And in a way, she couldn’t care less. The bronze she won — much to her own surprise — in an electric barsnal on Sunday was in some ways as sweet as any individual honor she’s achieved in a career that now has six Olympic medals and counting.

“I just have to keep reminding myself that I wasn’t even supposed to be here,” Lee said. “So that’s the thing that’s in the back of my head because I’m like, ‘You know what? Like a couple months ago, we didn’t even

think this was a possibility.’” Lee stood and cheered Kaylia Nemour of Algeria during her gold medal-winning set. Maybe it’s because Lee has a greater appreciation than most on what it takes to make something so demanding look so incredibly easy.

It’s an ability that Lee has had from the start. And even as she tried to navigate her health problems, she and Graba put together a plan that included Lee introducing a new skill that could have boosted her di culty high enough to put her in the mix for gold.

One problem: She couldn’t quite get the hang of it in competition. She fell while attempting it during the American Cup in February. USA Gymnastics

then opted not to give her an international assignment that would have let her try it in front of foreign judges to get a feel for how it might be scored.

So rather than press forward, Lee and Graba improvised, coming to the conclusion that it might be safer to put together a slightly less risky set that would take gold out of the equation but leave her in better position to make the ve-woman U.S. team.

“She came over right over and said, ‘I think I’ve got to move on,’” Graba said. “And I’m like, ‘I was going to talk to you about that today.’ Yeah. So we both knew it.”

The shift set the stage for an Olympics that nds Lee every bit the equal — if not better — of

who she was in Tokyo. She and Biles helped power the U.S. to gold in the team nal, and Lee followed it up two days later by nishing third behind Biles and Rebeca Andrade of Brazil in the all-around, making her the rst reigning Olympic champion to medal in the next Games since Romanian icon Nadia Comaneci in 1980.

“I feel like I’m doing so much better this time around,” Lee said. “And even having the girls, like we really could not be here without each other and just having the support and being able to lean on each other has been incredible.”

“You never know what can happen,” she said. “So just keep reaching for your dreams.”

PHOTO COURTESY ST. ANDREWS UNIVERSITY

CHARLIE RIEDEL / AP PHOTO

Suni Lee, of the United States, celebrates after winning the bronze medal during the women’s gymnastics individual uneven bars nals.

SIDELINE REPORT

NBA

Former Hornet

Hayward retires after 14 NBA seasons

Brownsburg, Ind.

Gordon Hayward, who nearly gave Butler a national title over Duke with a half-court shot that just missed on the nal play of the 2010 NCAA men’s basketball championship game, retired from the NBA after 14 seasons on Thursday. Hayward played for Utah, Boston, Charlotte and Oklahoma City, and he was an All-Star in 2017. He averaged 15.2 points in 835 career regular-season games and said he was looking forward to spending more time with his family. He joined the Hornets prior to the 2020-21 season and played there until he was traded in February 2024.

NASCAR

Montoya to make 1st Cup start since 2014, will drive for 23XI at Watkins Glen

Charlotte Juan Pablo Montoya will return to the Cup Series for the rst time since 2014 when he races for 23XI Racing at Watkins Glen International next month. 23XI is the team owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. The team said Montoya would drive the No. 50 Toyota in support of Mobil 1’s 50th anniversary. Montoya was a Cup Series regular from 2007 to 2013. He will make his rst NASCAR Cup Series start since the 2014 Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The two-time Indianapolis 500 winner has competed full-time in Formula One, CART, IndyCar and IMSA.

NFL

Hopkins won’t require surgery for knee injury

Nashville, Tenn.

Tennessee Titans coach Brian Callahan says star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins won’t require surgery for a knee injury su ered in training camp. Callahan said Hopkins “will miss several weeks.” The rst-year coach did not detail the nature of the injury, which Hopkins su ered last week. The 32-year-old Hopkins was seen with a wrap on his left knee during practice.

A three-time All-Pro, Hopkins led the Titans last season with 75 receptions for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns. Hopkins is expected to be the top target for quarterback Will Levis.

NCAA FOOTBALL

Kentucky gets 2 years of probation by NCAA after settling football infractions case Lexington, Ky.

Kentucky and the NCAA have reached a settlement over infractions that included 11 football players getting paid for work they did not perform in 2021 and ’22. It says the school agreed with the NCAA Committee on Infractions that some football players received impermissible bene ts and that rules violations took place in the school’s swimming program. Kentucky agreed to spend two years on probation, pay an undisclosed ne and vacate records of any games in which ineligible football players competed. The swimming infractions involved excessive practice and athletes not being given required days o .

Djokovic nally adds gold medal to his resume

The 37-year-old beat

Carlos Alcaraz in the nal

By Howared Fendrich The Associated Press

PARIS — For all of his Grand Slam championships and other titles, for all of his time at No. 1, Novak Djokovic really, really wanted an Olympic gold medal for Serbia, the last signi cant accomplishment missing from his glittering resume.

He nally got one at age 37, beating Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2) in an enthralling and evenly matched men’s tennis singles nal at the 2024 Games.

“When I take everything into consideration, this probably is the biggest sporting success I ever had in my career,” said Djokovic, who didn’t drop a set in Paris and is the oldest man to win the Summer Games tennis title since 1908. “This kind of supersedes everything that

I imagined, that I hoped that I could experience, that I could feel.”

With margins so thin that any mistake felt as if it could tilt things, Djokovic was at his best when the stakes were highest, dominating each of the two tiebreakers against Alcaraz, who beat him in the Wimbledonnal three weeks ago.

“In the close moments, in the di cult situations, in the tiebreaks, he played an impressive game,” said silver medalist Alcaraz, the 21-year-old from Spain who sobbed, too, after falling short of becoming the youngest male singles gold medalist. “That’s why I saw that he’s hungry for the gold medal. He was going to go for it.”

Djokovic already owns a men’s-record 24 Grand Slam trophies and the most weeks spent atop in the rankings by any man or woman. He also already owned an Olympics medal, from 2008, but it was a

bronze — and he made it clear that simply wasn’t su cient. He kept talking over the past week, but also the past months, about what a priority the gold was for him — and Alcaraz said he kept hearing about it.

Until getting Paris bronze medalist Lorenzo Musetti of Italy on Friday, Djokovic was 0-3 in Olympic semi nals, losing to the gold winner each time: Rafael Nadal at Beijing in 2008, Andy Murray at London in 2012, and Alexander Zverev in Tokyo three years ago.

This time, Djokovic said, “I was ready.”

In Paris, wearing a gray sleeve over the right knee that required surgery for a torn meniscus two months ago, Djokovic faced Nadal in the second round and eliminated his longtime rival in straight sets.

The No. 1 seed Djokovic saved eight break points, No. 2 Alcaraz saved six. Pressure? Ha. What pressure?

“We both played at a very high level,” Djokovic said. “We really went toe-to-toe.”

In the second tiebreaker, after Djokovic laced a cross-court forehand winner on the run to cap a 10-shot point for a 3-2 lead, he waved his arms to encourage the folks standing and screaming. Soon, thanks to one last forehand winner, he had earned that prize he wanted, at long last.

When the Serbian national anthem nished ringing out, Djokovic reached for his gold and brought it to his lips for a kiss.

Was he worried that moment would never arrive?

“There are always doubts. Absolutely, I had doubts,” Djokovic said. “But the belief and the conviction that I can make it is stronger than my doubts. It always has been. I knew that it’s going to happen. It was just a matter of when it’s going to happen.”

Sche er gets the Olympic gold medal in a thriller

He shot 62 to become the second straight American to win men’s golf gold

By Doug Ferguson The Associated Press

SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-

YVELINES, France — Scottie

Sche er was a model of calm and greatness as he delivered the greatest closing round of his career. The nal two hours were about charges and collapses, pure theater that ended Sunday with the Olympic gold medal ttingly draped around the neck of golf’s No. 1 player.

It was only when Sche er stood on the top podium, when the nal few bars of the national anthem belted out across Le Golf National, that he lost control.

The medal dangling beneath his right hand xed across his chest, Sche er raised his left arm to cover the sobs.

Four shots behind to start the nal round, six shots behind early on the back nine, Sche er birdied ve of six holes down the stretch and matched the course record with a 9-under 62 for a one-shot victory over Tommy Fleetwood.

“It’s been a long week. It’s been a challenging week. I played some great golf today, and I’m proud to be going home with a medal,” Sche er said.

“These guys played tremendous golf, and I think we should all be proud of the golf that we played this week.”

There was the remarkable surge by Sche er, who shot 29 on the back nine, and the relentless play of Fleetwood (66) and Hideki Matsuyama.

And there was a stunning collapse by Jon Rahm, who saw a four-shot lead disappear in two holes and his hopes vanish with

a double bogey; by Rory McIlroy, one shot behind until hitting wedge into the water; and by Xander Schau ele, the PGA and British Open champion.

In the end, it was Sche er. Already a six-time winner on the PGA Tour this year, including his second Masters title, Sche er added Olympic gold to an astonishing season with a round that kept the sellout crowd on edge for a wild conclusion. He set an Olympic record for 72 holes at 19-under 265.

Sche er becomes the second straight American to win gold in men’s golf, following Schauf-

fele in the Tokyo Games. It was all such a blur that Sche er didn’t even know where he stood.

“I saw that Rahm had gotten to 20-under, and so I kind of changed a little bit mentally to just really try to do my best to move my way up the leaderboard, and at one point I didn’t even really know if I was in contention or not,” Sche er said.

“I just tried to do my best to make some birdies and start moving up and maybe get a medal or something like that just because Jon is such a great player.”

When he nally got a look at

a leaderboard, Sche er was in the fairway on the par-4 15th and hit wedge to a foot. That got him within one. Then came his tee shot to 8 feet for birdie on the par-3 17th. And the winner turned out to be an 8-iron he gouged out of the rough to 18 feet for a fourth straight birdie and his rst lead of the week.

“He’s been piling up trophies left and right and he keeps moving away from what is the pack of people chasing him in the world,” Schau ele said. “When I take my competitive hat o and put my USA patriot hat on, I’m very happy that we won another gold medal.”

GEORGE WALKER IV / AP PHOTO

Gold medalist Scottie Sche er, of the United States, cries as the national anthem is played during the medal ceremony for men’s golf at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

LOUISE DELMOTTE / AP PHOTO

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic shows his gold medal after defeating Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s singles tennis nal at Roland Garros during the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Olympic, faith leaders seek reset after opening ceremony outcry

By Giovanna Dell’Orto

The Associated Press

PARIS — Faith leaders gathered with Olympic o cials Sunday morning in front of Notre Dame Cathedral to celebrate how “faith and sport can complement each other,” in the words of International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach.

The 2024 Paris Games got o to a rocky start with many religious groups around the world, including the Vatican. They criticized a scene in the opening ceremony seen as mocking Christianity by evoking “The Last Supper” and featuring drag queens, though the performers and the ceremony’s artistic director denied being inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s painting.

“We wanted to show that the most important thing is peace,” Catholic Bishop Emmanuel Gobilliard said at the gathering. It was modeled after the rst such interfaith meeting, organized by modern Olympics founder Pierre de Coubertin in the 1924 Paris Games.

Far from the controversy, in an inconspicuous tent-like structure tucked away at the end of the athletes’ village in Paris, ordained and lay representatives from the ve major global religions have taken up that mantle, providing spiritual comfort to Olympians.

Representatives of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism worked for months to set up a shared hall where the more than 10,500 athletes and their sta can nd information about worship and speak with a chaplain.

For the rst half of the Games, many seem to have found their

way there to have a quiet moment away from the overwhelming pressure of competition.

“Some of the athletes who come to pray, I think they came to give up their pressure, to take some time to get out of their own heads,” said the Rev. Jason Nioka, a former judo champion who’s in charge of the largest contingent of Olympic chaplains, about 40 Catholic priests, nuns and lay faithful.

An athlete who lost a competition told chaplains that he would quit sports. After multiple days of visits, he said everything was ne and he’ll stick to it, said the Rev. Anton Gelyasov, archpriest of the Greek-Orthodox Metropolis of France, who’s leading more than two dozen Christian Orthodox chaplains for the Games.

Each religion got 538 square feet of the structure provided

by the Paris Games organizing committee, with instructions to comply with France’s secularism laws that strictly prescribe the role of religion in public spaces. What the faith leaders have done with the space is itself a wordless message of dialogue, tolerance and welcome — beginning with redistributing the size of the di erent rooms based on the expected number of faithful.

The door between the small Jewish room and the Muslim space, about twice its size but equally sparingly adorned, is often kept open.

“Here it’s very symbolic,” said Rabbi Moshe Lewin, vice president of the Conference of European Rabbis and one of the Jewish chaplains. “The conviviality, that’s the image that we should transmit.”

“People smile when they see an imam and a rabbi together,” added Najat Benali, president of the Coordination of Muslim Associations of Paris, who leads the Muslim chaplaincy. “We do ‘geo-fraternity,’ not geopolitics.”

The Hindu space also welcomes visitors with blessings by a small water fountain as chanting resounds from a volunteer’s cellphone. It’s the most exuberantly decorated space, with statues from India and a recreated temple structure in painted polyester foam.

In the middle is the Christian area, where Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox share an altar with a large Bible anked by a cross and icons. Next to it hangs a poster with a quote about faith by U.S. star gymnast Simone Biles.

Last week, three athletics competitors from Australia, Finland and Jamaica walked in to pray, and faith leaders asked if they could join them.

“It was like a little Pentecost,” said Anne Schweitzer, who’s coordinating about three dozen Protestant chaplains.

She discovered one of the three athletes, a silver medalist, is also quoted in the Gospel edition called “More Precious than Gold,” created for the Games and available to visitors there and at churches across Olympic host cities.

Some Catholics, as well as volunteers in the village, have gone next door to meditate in the Buddhist space, said Luc Charles, a Zen monk with the Buddhist Union of France.

“It’s the occasion to get to know each other better,” he added.

Medical supplies blocked in Sudan’s famine-hit Darfur

Doctors Without Borders says children are at risk of dying without the resources

By Samy Magdy

The Associated Press

CAIRO — Malnourished children in a famine-hit camp for war-displaced people in Sudan’s western Darfur region are at risk of dying, an aid group said Sunday, because it was forced to ration malnutrition treatment due to a blockade imposed by a notorious paramilitary group.

Doctors Without Borders said the Rapid Support Forces, which have besieged al-Fasher city as part of its war against the Sudanese military, have blocked three trucks carrying lifesav-

ing medical supplies, including therapeutic food, for the city and the nearby Zamzam camp where famine was con rmed last week.

Sudan plunged into chaos in April last year when simmering tensions between the military and the RSF developed into open ghting in the capital, Khartoum, before spreading across the northeastern African country. Darfur saw some of the worst and most devastating bouts of ghting in the war.

The con ict has killed thousands of people and pushed many into starvation. It created the world’s largest displacement crisis with more than 10 million people forced to ee their homes since April 2023, according to the U.N. migration agency. Over 2 million of those ed to neighboring countries.

International experts in the Famine Review Committee conrmed Thursday that starvation at Zamzam camp, where up to 600,000 people shelter, has grown into full famine. International experts use set criteria to con rm the existence of famines. A famine is declared in an area when one in ve people or households severely lack food and face starvation and destitution that would ultimately lead to critical levels of acute malnutrition and death.

In Zamzam camp, which has swelled with the arrival of new displaced people, many children are in critical condition, Doctors Without Borders said, adding that the malnutrition ward at its eld hospital in the camp is overcrowded with a 126% bed occupancy rate.

The group said RSF ghters have blocked the trucks in the town of Kabkabiya for over a month, adding that it was forced to limit the number of children receiving therapeutic food in the overcrowded camp as its stock of medicine covers only two weeks.

“Deliberately obstructing or delaying humanitarian cargo is putting the lives of thousands of children at-risk as they are cuto from receiving life-saving treatment,” it said on social media platform X.

The RSF has imposed a siege on el-Fasher in its monthslong attempt to take it from the military and its allied rebel groups.

The city, the provincial capital of North Darfur, is the last stronghold for the military in the wartorn Darfur region.

The U.N.’s Coordinator in Su-

dan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, on Friday called for a cease- re to enable safe and unimpeded humanitarian access across borders and battle lines as well as scaling up nancial support to prevent large-scale famine in Sudan.

About 25.6 million people — more than half of Sudan’s population — face acute hunger. This year’s $2.7 billion Humanitarian Response Plan for Sudan is less than a third funded, with $872 million received as of early August, according to the United Nations.

Nkweta-Salami said the humanitarian community has been scaling up the response in recent months, but the needs are immense.

“There isn’t a moment to waste,” she said.

REBECCA BLACKWELL / AP PHOTO

Muslim representative Najat Benali, left, Rabbi Moshe Lewin, center, and Orthodox Christian priest Anton Gelyasov chat in the Jewish area of the interreligious hall in the Olympic Village at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

obituaries

Lovella Vannett Hymes

March 18, 1953 –August 2, 2024

Lovella Vannett Hymes, 71, West End, NC passed away peacefully, on Friday, August 2nd,2024 at First Health Hospice House after her short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

She was born the youngest daughter to the late Earl and Murrine Lindbo Vannett, on March 18th,1953, and was raised with her nine other siblings in Minot, ND. She loved to tell people how she had to walk 4 miles in the snow to school with holes in her shoes. She graduated from Minot Senior High School in 1970 and moved to Elizabethtown, NC from ND in early 1971 with her rst husband and father of her girls, Larry Brisson. That is where the stories of walking in the snow ended. After a brief marriage, she moved to Southern Pines, NC and enrolled at Sandhills Community College and graduated in 1981 with her X-Ray Technician degree. Soon she found her love in Nuclear Medicine and decided to further her education and received her Nuclear Medicine degree from UNC Chapel Hill in 1990. She worked tirelessly and was very devoted to her eld in various places to include, First Health Moore Regional, Cape Fear Valley, and retired from Pinehurst Medical Clinic Cardiology.

Lovella was a funny, loving and caring friend, mother, grandmother, and wife (to many). She was a ectionately known by other names, such as Bella, Vella,

Lovie, and Lou. However, she said her favorite name would always be Maw Maw. She loved anything purple, hummingbirds, watering her plants, dancing, laughing and baking. Many people looked forward to the holidays because they knew they would get some of her fudge, sausage balls, or her infamous “Crack in a bag” (not actually crack, but addictive like it). She was loved by many, feared by few, and if you didn’t have an opinion, she had one for you.

After nally retiring in December of 2020, she married the love of her life, Ronald Hymes in July of 2021. She took her rst cruise, spoiled Ron and her two dogs, Coco and Abby, living part time in Reading, PA where there was always snow in the winter.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Hymes, brothers, David Thomas Vannett and Rev. Willard Earl Vannett; and sisters, Connie Rae Papay and Darlene Faye Kolobakken.

She is survived by her daughters, Kris Gruzeski (James), JoElla Hardee (John) stepsons, Ray Hunley (Kwinam), David Hunley (Ku), stepdaughter, Ashey Wilcox; three grandsons, Cyle Gruzeski, Conner Hardee, and Carson Hardee; sisters, Ruth Edna Fred, Pearl Marie Gri n, Marlene Olive Tiller, and her brothers Leroy Marvin Vannett and Bruce Arlo Vannett and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the numerous family, friends, those that helped in her care during her ght, especially, First Health Cancer Center, Moore Regional Hospital, Palliative Care, First Health Hospice House.

Friends and family are invited to join us in a Celebration of Life, Saturday, August 10th,2024 at 1:00pm at Middle Cross Baptist Church 440 Lucas Rd, West End, NC 27376. In lieu of owers memorial donations can be made to FirstHealth Hospice Foundation 150 Applecross Road Pinehurst, NC 28374. Service arrangements are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home.

Carol Van Zanten

January 17, 1934 –July 31, 2024

Carol Van Zanten, 90 of Pinehurst passed away from pulmonary heart complications on July 31, 2024. She was born in Philadelphia, PA on January 17, 1934, and grew up in Drexel Hill, PA. She graduated from The University of Pennsylvania Dental Hygiene School and served as a dental hygienist for many years. She was a wonderful homemaker and mother to her three children Scott, Gregg, and Stacey. Her husband of 69 years, Rudy Van Zanten, passed last September 22, 2023. Rudy and Carol moved to Pinehurst 42 years ago from Chadds Ford, PA. Carol had a very focused mission and goal to volunteer and serve her Pinehurst Community. She was very involved in the garden club, tennis association, pickleball program and lake association, and served on the Pinehurst Board Of Governors. Her favorite charity was Weymouth Center which she wonderfully served for 42 years. She was a member of Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church, Southern Pines. She is survived by her daughter Stacey Van Zanten, son, Scott and Lori Van Zanten, Granddaughters Brittany and Carly and great-grandchildren Harry, Claire, Simmons. Her sister and brother-in-law Barb and Fred Nuenigho of Pinehurst.

A celebration of life service will be announced at a future date. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst.

Frankie Hat eld

June 19, 1937 – July 30, 2024

Frankie Hat eld, 87, of Seven Lakes, passed suddenly at Wake Med Hospital in Raleigh on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Born in Ormond Beach, FL, on June 19, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Evrett and Dorothy Futch McNeil, Sr. Shortly after her high school graduation, Frankie married her high school sweetheart, Philip Hat eld in July of 1955. The couple moved to Sanford, FL where Philip continued his career in the U.S. Navy. His career with the Navy moved the couple from Florida to Lafayette, IN, to Point Mugu, CA, San Diego, CA to Virginia Beach, VA back to California in Monterey before settling outside of Annapolis, MD in 1972. After many years as a devoted mother and loving wife, Frankie started working for Westinghouse. She retired in 1991 when she and Philip relocated to Seven Lakes, NC in 1992. Frankie enjoyed her time on the golf course, but her real gift was expressing her creative side with her quilting and embroidery. One of her quilts had earned her Best in Show at the North Carolina State Fair.

Frankie was the loving wife of 69 years to Philip Hat eld. She was the mother of Skip Hat eld, wife Joan, Joanna Beaty, husband Robert and Carol Beck. She was the grandmother of Joni Robertson, husband Craig, Robert Hat eld, wife Bohpa Thai, Carisa Hat eld, Brooks Beaty, wife Kim, Jessica Brown, husband Steve, Lindsey Sherman, husband Mike and Casey Beck. Frankie is also survived by her ten great-grandchildren: Bryce, Jenna, Alyssa, Kai, Carson, Camden, Quinn, Blake, Mason and Skyler. She was the sister of Johnny McNeil, Irene Beckham, Emily Speaker and the late Everett McNeil and Merle Foster. A visitation will be held at the Boles Funeral Home, 221 MacDougall Dr. West End on Saturday, August 10, 2024, from 3-6 p.m.

Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Seven Lakes.

July 29, 2024

Ronald “Bud” Darragh, aged 80, of Seven Lakes, NC passed away on July 29, 2024.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents Ronald and Ruth and his infant daughter Stephanie. He is survived by Edith, his wife of 55 years, his daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Jason, and son Brian. Bud was originally from Pittsburgh, PA but has called Seven Lakes, NC his home for the past 16 years.

A memorial mass for Bud will be held at Our Lady of the Americas Roman Catholic Church at 11 a.m. on August 15, 2024.

In lieu of owers, the family asks that donations be made to the Kiwanis Club of Seven Lakes. Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Seven Lakes.

DEATH NOTICES

• Paul Joseph Hogan, 75, of Southern Pines, passed away on July 29, 2024, at his home.

• Francine Crumbaugh, 84, of Fox re Village passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at her daughter’s home in Raleigh.

Ronald “Bud” Darragh

STATE & NATION

More US schools are taking breaks for meditation

Teachers say it helps students’ mental health

By Sharon Johnson

The Associated Press

REX, Ga. — The third-grade students at Roberta T. Smith Elementary School had only a few days until summer vacation and an hour until lunch, but there was no struggle to focus as they led into the classroom. They were ready for one of their favorite parts of the day.

The children closed their eyes and traced their thumbs from their foreheads to their hearts as a pre-recorded voice led them through an exercise called the shark n, part of the classroom’s regular meditation routine.

“Listen to the chimes,” said the teacher, Kim Franklin. “Remember to breathe.”

Schools across the U.S. have been introducing yoga, meditation and mindfulness exercises to help students manage stress and emotions. As the depths of student struggles with mental health became clear in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pan-

demic, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last year endorsed schools’ use of the practices.

Research has found that school-based mindfulness programs can help, especially in low-income communities where

9/11 families group leader lauds death penalty option in prosecutions

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin rejected a plea deal for the architects of the terrorist attack

By Larry Neumeister

The Associated Press

THE HEAD OF A GROUP of family members of victims of the Sept. 11 terror attacks said Saturday that she’s hearing nearly unanimous praise of the U.S. defense secretary’s nulli cation of plea deals for the accused 9/11 mastermind and two others that would have removed the death penalty as a possibility.

The American Civil Liberties Union, meanwhile, said it plans to challenge the reversal in court, citing it in a statement Saturday as a “rash act” that “violates the law.”

Terry Strada, national chair of the group 9/11 Families United, said she was shocked by the announcement late Friday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was rejecting a plea deal reached just days ago and was restoring the death penalty as an option in the cases.

He wrote that authority in the matter ultimately rested with him.

“Nobody saw this coming,” Strada said.

But she quickly added that it was the right thing to do.

“These men deserve no mercy,” Strada said. “They certainly didn’t show any mercy to my husband or the other 2,976 who died in the attacks.”

She said dozens of individuals from her group who she has communicated with since Friday night have been unanimous.

“Everybody I’ve talked to wants them put to death because that’s the punishment that ts the crime and the message the United States needs to send to terrorists around the world: We will hold you accountable and exercise the death penalty,” Strada said.

And she said a large international prisoner swap that occurred Thursday was a reminder of the need to ensure that nobody behind the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks that turned hijacked planes into missiles that tore through 110-story twin World Trade Center towers and smashed into the Pentagon are ever set free.

Strada has said as recently as several days ago that some of the 10,000 family members of those killed in the attacks are divided over whether the death penalty is appropriate.

Austin’s action came two days after the military commission at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba,

students face high levels of stress or trauma.

The mindfulness program reached Smith Elementary through a contract with the school system, Clayton County Public Schools, where twothirds of the students are black.

GreenLight Fund Atlanta, a network that matches communities with local nonpro ts, helps Georgia school systems pay for the mindfulness program provided by Inner Explorer, an audio platform.

Joli Cooper, GreenLight Fund Atlanta’s executive director, said it was important to the group to support an organization that is accessible and relevant for communities of color in the Greater Atlanta area.

Children nationwide struggled with the e ects of isolation and remote learning as they returned from the pandemic school closures. The CDC in 2023 reported more than a third of students were a ected by feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness. The agency recommended schools use mindfulness practices to help students manage emotions.

“We know that our teenagers and adolescents have really strained in their mental health,”

CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen, former secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, told The Associated Press. “There are real skills that we can give our teens to make sure that they are coping with some big emotions.”

Approaches to mindfulness represent a form of social-emotional learning, which has become a political ashpoint with many conservatives who say schools use it to promote pro -

gressive ideas about race, gender and sexuality.

But advocates say the programming brings much-needed attention to students’ well-being.

“When you look at the numbers, unfortunately, in Georgia, the number of children of color with suicidal thoughts and success is quite high,” Cooper said. “When you look at the number of psychologists available for these children, there are not enough psychologists of color.”

Black youth have the fastest-growing suicide rate among racial groups, according to CDC statistics. Between 2007 and 2020, the suicide rate among black children and teens ages 10 to 17 increased by 144%.

“It’s a stigma with being able to say you’re not OK and needing help, and having the ability to ask for help,” said Tolana Griggs, Smith Elementary’s assistant principal. “With our diverse school community and wanting to be more aware of our students, how di erent cultures feel and how di erent cultures react to things, it’s important to be all-inclusive with everything we do.” Teachers and administrators say they have noticed a difference in their students since they’ve incorporated mindfulness into their routine. For Aniyah Woods, 9, the program has helped her “calm down” and “not stress anymore.”

“I love myself how I am, but Inner Explorer just helps me feel more like myself,” Aniyah said.

announced that the o cial appointed to oversee the war court had approved plea deals with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two accused accomplices, Walid bin Attash and Mustafa al-Hawsawi.

In a release Saturday, ACLU Executive Director Anthony Romero said the civil rights group plans to sue to win a reversal of Austin’s move.

He said any death penalty nding would not be upheld on appeal because of torture experienced by those who were captured after the 9/11 attacks and because military commissions are “inherently unjust.”

“After over 20 years, it’s time for our government to accept the defendants’ guilty pleas as the best solution in a terrible circumstance. The 9/11 families and the American people deserve closure and adherence to due process principles that are

“It’s stunning that Secretary Austin betrayed 9/11 family members seeking judicial nality while recklessly setting aside the judgment of his own prosecutors and the Convening Authority, who are actually steeped in the 9/11 case. Politics and command in uence should play no role in this legal proceeding,” Romero said.

the bedrock of our democracy,” Romero said.

Families of those killed in the al-Qaida attacks were told in letters that the plea agreement stipulated that the men would serve up to life sentences but would not face death.

Strada said family members feared that if they were placed in U.S. prisons, “any future administration could commute their sentence or use them in a possible prison swap.”

“I’m not a ghoul that I want them put to death,” Strada added. “I want them put them to death because I don’t want them to have a voice, ever.”

SHARON JOHNSON / AP PHOTO

Aniyah Woods meditates during a mindfulness session in her classroom at Roberta T. Smith Elementary School on May 14 in Rex, Georgia.

JANET HAMLIN / AP PHOTO

A 2008 courtroom drawing shows Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, center, and co-defendant Walid Bin Attash, left, attending a pretrial session at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba.