North State Journal Vol. 9, Issue 28

Canales readies for Panthers debut, B1

the BRIEF this week

Former aide to Hochul, Cuomo charged for ties to China

Washington, D.C.

A former New York state government official who worked for former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and current Gov. Kathy Hochul was charged Tuesday with acting as an undisclosed agent of the Chinese government, federal prosecutors revealed in a sprawling indictment. Linda Sun, who held numerous posts in New York state government before rising to the rank of deputy chief of staff for Hochul, was arrested Tuesday morning along with her husband, Chris Hu, at their $3.5 million home on Long Island. Prosecutors said Sun, at the request of Chinese officials, blocked representatives of the Taiwanese government from having access to highlevel officials in New York state, shaped New York governmental messaging to align with the priorities of the Chinese government and attempted to facilitate a trip to China for a highlevel politician in New York, the indictment said. Hu is charged with money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit bank fraud and misuse of means of identification. The couple then laundered the financial proceeds, using them to buy their property in Manhasset, a condominium in Hawaii for $1.9 million, and luxury cars including a 2024 Ferrari, the indictment says.

Russian strike in Ukraine kills at least 50, injures scores

Poltava, Ukraine

Two ballistic missiles blasted a military training facility and nearby hospital Tuesday in Ukraine, killing at least 50 people and wounding more than 200 others, Ukrainian officials said, in one of the deadliest Russian strikes since the war began. The strike hit the central-eastern city of Poltava, the capital of the region of the same name about 200 miles southeast of Kyiv, partially destroying a building used by the Poltava Military Institute of Communications, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. Poltava Gov. Filip Pronin announced the death toll on Telegram and said 219 people were wounded. Up to 18 people may be buried under the rubble, he said.

Playing the Heel

UNC defensive lineman Travis Shaw celebrates after a 19-17 win over Minnesota in the teams’ season opener last Thursday in Minneapolis. All but one North Carolina’s seven FBS teams won in Week 1, with Appalachian State, Duke, East Carolina, NC State and Wake Forest also picking up victories, while Charlotte lost its opener.

AG candidate Bishop campaigns on crime, safety

The Republican congressman is traveling the state for “listening sessions”

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

Report addresses unaccounted-for migrant children

The Greensboro Influx Care Facility is still empty, according to the Office of Refugee Resettlement

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — A report from the Office of the Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Homeland Secu-

rity said the U.S. can’t account for approximately 291,000 detained migrant children.

In its Aug. 19 report, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) states, “U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could not monitor the location and status of all unaccompanied migrant children (UCs) or initiate removal proceedings as needed.

“During our ongoing au-

See REPORT, page A3

RALEIGH — Republican Congressman Dan Bishop has been campaigning around the state, focusing on crime and safety in his attempt to become North Carolina’s next attorney general. Bishop’s has hit mainly larger urban areas in Gaston, Guilford, Henderson, and Wake counties, with his next stop in Brunswick County. At each stop, various law enforcement and elected officials, as well as families who have experienced violent crime, have joined Bishop, who represents North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District.

“These listening sessions are, frankly, to symbolize what I’m going to do in office, which is listen to the folks who are on the front lines,” Bishop told North State Journal.

Bishop added that an “overwhelming majority” of the

Vote keeps RFK Jr. on NC ballot; lawsuit filed

“I’m just going to be real blunt and say I think this whole episode has been a farce, and I feel bad for anyone who’s been deceived.”

Siobhan Millen, N.C. State Board of Elections member

The late removal was called “impractical” and would cost in the “six-figure” range

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The North Carolina State Board of Elections voted 3-2 down party lines at an emergency meeting last Thursday to keep Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on the November ballot after receiving a request to remove his name. Ryan Rabah, the attorney for We The People Party (WTP) issued the removal memo, dated Aug. 28. The request came after Kennedy suspended his campaign to endorse Donald Trump for president.

The board’s three Democrats, Board Chair Alan Hirsch and members Jeff Carmon and Siobhan Millen, all voted

against removal. The two Republicans, Stacy “Four” Eggers and Jeff Lewis, voted in favor. Before adjourning, the board also passed a motion that stated the reason the withdrawal was rejected was because it was “impractical.” That vote also passed 3-2 along party lines. Prior to receiving the removal request, NCSBE Communications Director Patrick Gannon told North State Journal that the board would “have to consider whether it is practical to remove his name from ballots and reprint ballots at that time.”

Late on Aug. 30, the day after the emergency meeting, WTP sued the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) over the decision.

The lawsuit draws from the second motion voted on at the end of the meeting, claiming the board “ignored controlling statutes and instead elected

to insert their own indeterminate, subjective ‘practicality’ standard in denying his request.”

The NCSBE referred North State Journal to the North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ) when asking for comment. The NCDOJ has not yet responded. Polling has varied on how third-party candidates could impact the race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

During the emergency meeting on Aug. 29, NCSBE Executive Director Karen Brinson Bell reminded

See RFK JR., page A2

state’s attorneys general and sheriffs have endorsed him.

Bishop recently received a big boost from the North Carolina Division of the Police Benevolent Association. During the Wake County tour stop, the association’s president, David Rose, announced his 17,000-member organization would be endorsing Bishop.

“The most critical race for cops in North Carolina is the race that you’re in,” Rose told Bishop. “This is the most important Council of State race. It’s the one that impacts cops’ lives more than any.”

Rose also said that after the 2020 riots, large numbers of police officers left the profession and most agency personnel rosters still have not recovered, with many still having a 30-40% vacancy rate.

“I am so looking forward to having an attorney general that is going to have their back,” Rose said.

Bishop told North State Journal some narratives that crime is dropping do not match the data.

“The crime is at a sustained

See BISHOP, page A3

ABBIE PARR / AP PHOTO

We stand corrected

To report an error or a suspected error, please email: corrections@ nsjonline.com with “Correction request” in the subject line.

One of the first things that I remember learning in Sunday school was Methuselah was the oldest man who ever lived. The Bible puts his age at nine hundred and sixty-nine years. I am not going to contradict the Bible, but I have come to believe that Methuselah was not the oldest man. Oh, yes, he was the oldest, so far as days and years go — but days and years are only one way of measuring the length of life. Measured thus, Methuselah’s life was exceedingly long.

Time is a rather uncertain standard for measuring a life. We must have another standard to tell the real length of a man’s life. The best standard I know by which to measure life is by what is accomplished in it. There is a great difference between existence and living. A man may do various things for a year and perhaps live only five days that matter. He has existed three hundred and sixty days and lived five days. In those five days he did something worthwhile — something worth putting in the records. The rest of the year was lived as an animal lives — to no purpose. That man, when his life is summed up, lived but five days that year. At the end of his life, we may find his life was short, after all.

We have reason to believe something of this sort was true of Methuselah. He was born, married, brought up a family and died. There was nothing else in his life worth putting into the record. Forty-six words in Genesis 5 tell the story of his life. When a man’s life can be told in 46 words it does not seem he has lived very long. In terms of accomplishment, as far as the record goes, Methuselah lived a rather short life.

Some men live a long time, in a little while.

Others live a little, in a long time.

The head of John the Baptist was cut off when he was less than thirty-five years old, yet John the Baptist had accomplished more than all the prophets before him.

Jesus Christ was crucified when he was not yet thirty-five, but what amazing things he accomplished in those few short years.

The value of life is not reckoned by length, but by accomplishments. There should be a purpose in every day of life — a purpose for the whole life, and a purpose for each day. A life without purpose can never be a full life. It is not living — it is existing.

We should put something of value into every day of our life. If we ourselves do not put something into our lives — they will contain nothing.

I once constructed a cistern so that I

might drink the water collected by it. Shortly after I finished, heavy rain fell but there was no water in the cistern. It had capacity, but no contents. Water had fallen on the roof to have filled it full, but there was no water in the cistern.

It is that way with many lives. There are many things that might enrich, beautify and make them worthwhile all around them. Yet, their lives are empty.

The cistern was empty because I built nothing to conduct the water to it. The rain could not go into the cistern without a gutter or other inlet. In the same way, there are many empty lives while opportunities for usefulness fall all around the person.

God never created a single human being to live a useless life. He has given everyone the capacity to accomplish things that really count. He does not expect us to be like a broken cistern that can hold no water or a cistern that has no inlet. We are expected to fill our lives with worthwhile endeavors. You can do whatever God wants you to do. You can be what God wants you to be. Your life can be a worthwhile life in your situation and in your circumstances.

Perhaps you are folding your hands and saying, “I can’t! I can’t!” That is the coward’s

plea. That is the voice of the unwilling and evidence of faithlessness and laziness. Perhaps we won’t be written about in the history books — but God will take note. If we put faithfulness, kindness, hope, and service to God into each day, every day will be worthwhile.

Methuselah lived nearly three times as long as Enoch, but Enoch “walked with God . . . three hundred years.” That is a record of real accomplishment.

If you will walk with God, you need not trouble yourself about doing great things or about getting a great name, for you will be doing the greatest of all things and getting a name more enduring than could come from any other accomplishment.

But live every day in God’s way — and every day will be a day of real life to you and a permanent addition to the record of your life.

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

State Board of Elections sued by NCGOP, RNC

The two lawsuits are over noncitizens on voter rolls and HAVA violations

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The North Carolina State Board of Elections was sued twice at the end of August over the state’s voter rolls and registrations.

The North Carolina Republican Party (NCGOP) and Republican National Committee (RNC) first filed a lawsuit against the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) over enforcement Section 44 of Session law 2023-140 which requires election officials to conduct voter list maintenance based on information about noncitizens who seek to be excused from jury duty.

“Only Americans should vote in American elections,” RNC Chair Michael Whatley said in a release. “If someone claims non-citizenship, they must be taken off the voter rolls — that’s the law. The NCSBE has chosen to blatantly ignore the law, undermine basic election safeguards, and neglect a fundamental principle of our election integrity. The RNC and NCGOP defended this law in court, and now we will make sure the NCSBE follows and enforces these

RFK JR. from page A1

the board that the state deadline to have absentee by mail ballots prepared is Sept. 6, adding, “This makes us first in the nation.”

Brinson Bell said the process of preparing ballots is complex, involving not just printing but also election coding for voting equipment. She said the primary vendor is working with 93 counties and that approximately 80 have “begun production of their absentee early voting and absentee day ballots.”

More than 1.7 million ballots have already been printed, ac-

critical safeguards in The Old North State.”

The lawsuit claims the NCSBE is refusing to implement Section 44 before the Nov. 5 election despite the law taking effect July 1. The RNC’s press release says the “NCSBE has made zero effort to implement the law before the November election.”

The complaint cites a February 2024 report estimating approximately 325,000 “unauthorized” immigrants in North Carolina out of 501,000 foreign-born noncitizens in the state.

The NCGOP and RNC’s complaint also alleges the NCSBE has violated public records law by failing to respond to requests.

“To date, other than the emails opening the two matters, Plaintiffs have received no communication, nor any production of documents, regarding the public records requests from the NCSBE,” the NCGOP and RNC lawsuit states.

The plaintiffs are asking the court to order the NCSBE to fully respond to their public records requests and develop and implement plans to comply with Section 44.

The NCGOP/RNC’s first lawsuit came after the U.S. Supreme Court’s unsigned 5-4 ruling a llowing an Arizona law to

cording to an NCSBE press release last Thursday. “As of Thursday morning, the State Board was aware that at least 1,730,000 ballots had already been printed,” according to the press release. “About 95 of the 100 counties have ballots approved for printing, and at least some ballots have been printed for more than 80 counties. Of these, nearly 70 counties will have their absentee ballots by the end of the day today, so they can prepare them for sending to voters who requested them on September 6.”

The release also noted there is “no deadline in state law for

“The NCSBE has once again failed in its mandate to keep non-citizens off the voter rolls, fueling distrust and jeopardizing our elections.”

Michael Whatley, RNC Chairman

implement proof of citizenship requirement in order to register to vote. The RNC had filed a brief in support of the Arizona law. The high court rejected a portion of an RNC request that would have required voters who registered using the standard federal form to provide proof of citizenship before voting for president, either in person or by mail.

The NCGOP and RNC filed a second lawsuit against the NCBSE on Aug. 26. That lawsuit alleges the NCSBE violated federal and state law by accepting more than 225,000 voter registration forms that did not collect required identification information (a driver’s license number or the last four digits of a Social Security number) as mandated by the Help America Vote Act (HAVA).

Per the Aug. 26 lawsuit, the NCSBE admitted to using noncompliant voter registration

when a party may withdraw its presidential nominee and have their name replaced or removed from the ballot.”

Brinson Bell said changes to the ballots at this point would be time-consuming and expensive, in the “high six-figure range,” and reprinting and distribution could be 12 to 13 days. There was discussion that reprinting and proofing could run up against a federal deadline of Sept. 21 for ballot transmission to voters. Discussion over the issue went back and forth between members and staff over statutory language to make the change.

forms but has refused to take corrective action to identify and remove potentially ineligible voters from the rolls.

“The NCSBE has once again failed in its mandate to keep non-citizens off the voter rolls, fueling distrust and jeopardizing our elections,” Whatley said in a press release. “We are committed to the basic principle — and commonsense law — that only Americans decide American elections. Deliberately failing to follow the law, right before our country’s most important election, is inexcusable. We will fight every day to ensure that NCSBE follows the law, cleans the voter rolls, and protects the vote for North Carolinians.”

“This State Board continually has problems ensuring voter rolls only have verified citizens,” said NCGOP Chairman Jason Simmons. “This lawsuit will remedy their ongoing refusal to collect the required information from those who want to take part in North Carolina elections. Accountability and fidelity to following the rule of law is long overdue for the most partisan Elections Board in state history.”

Per the lawsuit, the NCSBE admitted to using noncompliant voter registration forms but has refused to take corrective action to identify and re-

WTP was certified by the NCSBE in late June and the North Carolina Democratic Party then unsuccessfully sued to have WTP’s certification removed, which would have kept Kennedy off the ballot. Now it’s WTP and Kennedy who want his name removed.

Millen expressed frustration over the withdrawal request, claiming that existing statutes don’t directly address the current scenario but emphasizing that maintaining the timeline for mailing absentee ballots is crucial.

“It takes a lot of chutzpah,” Millen said of WTP’s request.

move potentially ineligible voters from the rolls.

The lawsuit seeks a writ of mandamus and an injunction ordering the NCSBE to implement practices ensuring compliance with HAVA and state law along with future compliance for voter registration and list maintenance. Additionally, the NCGOP and RNC requested the NCSBE identify and remove ineligible registrants from voter rolls by Friday. The lawsuit also wants the NCSBE to require provisional ballots from affected registrants if removal isn’t feasible.

The day after the second lawsuit was filed, the NCSBE issued a press release of eight reminders when registering to vote.

“Now is the time to use the State Board’s Voter Search tool to check your registration and make sure it’s up to date,” NCSBE Executive Director Karen Brinson Bell said in the press release. “If you’re eligible to vote but not registered, now is the time to submit an application and make your voice heard in 2024. It’s quick and easy.”

The release included a section on the requirements for registering to vote, stating, “To be eligible to register to vote, you must be a U.S. citizen; live in the county where you are registering for at least 30 days prior to Election Day; be at least 18 years old by the date of the general election; and not be serving a felony sentence, including any probation, post-release supervision, or parole.”

“The statutory deadline of Sept. 6 can’t be ignored just because of the capricious behavior of one party’s candidate.”

Millen later said, “I’m just going to be real blunt and say I think this whole episode has been a farce, and I feel bad for anyone who’s been deceived.”

Millen also clarified that other candidates nominated by WTP can still run even if the top candidate withdraws, but she also warned that if the party fails to receive 2% in the statewide race, it will lose recognition and need to petition for reinstatement.

PUBLIC DOMAIN

“Still Life with a Skull and a Writing Quill” by Pieter Claesz (1628) is a painting in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

From pandemic to primary: Catherine Truitt’s whirlwind term

The outgoing superintendent talked about the big accomplishments, things left undone and school choice

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

This is the second installment in a two-part series on the tenure of outgoing State Superintendent Catherine Truitt.

RALEIGH — Undoubtedly one of the biggest impacts of State Superintendent Catherine Truitt’s term in office has been legislation passed in April 2021 that implemented phonics-based learning through the Science of Reading.

By June of that year, training began using Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS), and through the end of last school year, 44,000 had completed the required courses.

Truitt’s office recently reported that elementary student reading improved for the third year in a row, with North Carolina students outperforming the national average at every grade level tested.

Doing the same thing in math is something Truitt had her eye on, however, those plans stalled when the legislature ended its short session.

“So we had a legislative asked for the short session, which was on track to be funded that would include expanding the early screener, which is DIBELS 8, to

REPORT from page A1

dit to assess ICE’s ability to monitor the location and status of UCs who were released or transferred from the custody of the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), we learned ICE transferred more than 448,000 UCs to HHS from fiscal years 2019 to 2023.

“However, ICE was not able to account for the location of all UCs who were released by HHS and did not appear as scheduled in immigration court. ICE reported more than 32,000 UCs failed to appear for their immigration court hearings from FYs 2019 to 2023.”

The report also says that as of May 2024, ICE had not served Notices to Appear for “more than 291,000″ unaccompanied children.

Communication might be an issue, with the OIG report stating, “ICE does not have an automated process for sharing information internally between the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) and ERO, and externally with stakeholders, such as HHS and the De -

BISHOP from page A1

10-year high, and you hear some media figures or media organizations and politicians anxious to say we’ve turned the corner and it’s receding, but it’s really not,” Bishop said. “If you look at the data from Charlotte and from Raleigh the first six months of this year, it’s even more shocking.”

Bishop said more juveniles being charged with violent offenses and “the chaotic border” are contributing to the rise in crime.

On July 9, 18-year-old Carlos Roberto-Diaz and an unnamed 16-year-old, went on a shooting spree across four locations in Charlotte over 30 minutes. The pair were arrested two days later.

“They went through the city randomly shooting people, killing one, injuring others in an MS-13 gang ritual,” Bishop said. Bishop also expressed concerns surrounding border security and the potential for acts of terror, referencing the arrest of eight individuals from Tajik-

make that mandatory for grades four and five because it so it’s such a great way for teachers to pinpoint where gaps are,” said Truitt. So that, plus the same company that does LETRS professional development has a 40hour professional development for middle school teachers. That was on our list of asks, but then session imploded.”

Even though she is leaving office after losing the Republican primary to Michele Morrow in March, Truitt wanted it to be “very clear” that LETRS is here to stay because it was already law through the Excellent Public Schools Act.

“So regardless of who comes in office, that work must continue because it’s in legislation,” said Truitt. “But that’s just the elementary, the legislation doesn’t contemplate middle and high school.”

Truitt has worked dozens of programs during her one term

partment of Justice (DOJ), regarding UCs who do not appear in immigration court.”

The OIG’s report also says these children are at a “higher risk” for being in a dangerous situation.

“Based on our audit work and according to ICE officials, UCs who do not appear for court are considered at higher risk for trafficking, exploitation, or forced labor,” states the report.

The OIG recommendations include ICE developing automated systems for information sharing and implementing formal processes to identify and track UCs who fail to appear for hearings.

Meanwhile, the Greensboro Influx Care Facility (ICF) is still not housing any migrant children, according to an Aug. 23 update by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), which is responsible for care and custody of UCs.

“On March 15, 2024, HHS operationalized the ICF Greensboro Children’s Center, in Greensboro, North Carolina, which will provide shelter for boys and girls, 13 to 17 years old. As of June 23, 2024, the Center ramped down its op -

including the creation of the Office of Learning Recovery and Acceleration, LETRS training, Operation Polaris, Portrait of a Graduate, workforce development and spearheading a law cracking down on teacher sexual misconduct.

Truitt said she has two signature accomplishments during her time in office.

“My signature, which solely came from the person sitting before you, is the realignment of K-12 education to workforce development,” said Truitt. “In other words, approaching public K-12 education from the standpoint of ‘the purpose of this is so that all students can be enlisted, employed or enrolled when they graduate.’ That was solely my team and me.”

She also mentioned reading and literacy as being a joint effort with the legislature.

“The thing that we’ve done with the reading, I think, will

erations to facility upkeep,” the Aug. 23 update reads. “No children have been in care at the Center since it became operational in March. It will continue to have no children in care but must be ready to resume operations and accept children eight weeks after being notified by ORR.”

This is nearly the same message ORR has posted for the Greensboro ICF since its March 15 announcement.

According to ORR data, there are supposed to be 3,610 UCs in North Carolina as of ORR’s Aug. 23 update. That’s an increase of 1,168 migrant children allegedly in North Carolina since mid-May. The same ORR data shows a total of 25,369 migrant children have been released to sponsors in North Carolina from fiscal year 2015 through March of fiscal year 2024.

The Greensboro ICF is the former American Hebrew Academy Campus, which has the capacity to house up to 800 if need be. The Biden-Harris administration’s Department of Health and Human Services entered into a five-year contract for nearly $50 million back on

istan in mid-June of this year who have alleged ties to the Islamic State terror group and were being tracked by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, according to The Associated Press.

“People feel afraid,” Bishop said. “The polling indicates that.”

have the single biggest impact on students and their trajectories,” Truitt said. “Because reading is the foundation of everything else. The work that will probably fall to the wayside when I leave office is the workforce development piece.”

Other pieces she’s proud of include computer science and career development plan legislation, and launching a toolkit with the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce to engage with local high schools.

Items she regrets were largely unfinished included math and reading at the middle and high school levels, revamping the A-F School Accountability Model, and being able to move the needle on the teacher Pathways to Excellence Program.

Truitt said the A-F model is “inadequate,” and surveys showed 90% agreed a single letter grade was not an accurate way to measure a school or student success. She said her office presented a viable model to the General Assembly, but lawmakers wanted to wait and “now that chance has expired.”

“We also have got to reimagine the teaching profession itself, which we had started to do with the Pathways to Excellence Program,” said Truitt. “We can’t continue to expect that a first-year teacher does the same job on day one as a veteran teacher. And we can’t continue to keep paying teachers the same way.” Truitt acknowledged they were “asking for huge changes” in those items and she “would have been lucky to get those things done by year three of a second term. “

“That’s a huge paradigm shift,

you know, the way we license and compensate teachers and the way we define the good quality school,” said Truitt. “Those are big, weighty issues that just needed more time to bake. And I get that. I get that.”

During her tenure, Truitt also pioneered the first parent advisory commission, which included public homeschool, charter and private school parents. She said the commission, along with charter schools and school choice in general, were a few points of friction between her and the state Board of Education.

Truitt has maintained support for school choice since she first campaigned for the post in 2020.

“That’s part of my core belief system; that is that the parent, not the state, is raising their child. So, that’s certainly not going to change,” she said. “I don’t see the school choice movement as being a criticism of public schools. I see the school choice movement as indicative of the fact that not all schools can be all things to all students. And that shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone.”

She compared it to switching pediatricians and pointed out she transferred as a college student because the first choice wasn’t “the right fit.”

“And I’ll also say, we don’t have this public-private fight with our university system,” said Truitt. “This is specific to K-12 public schools, and we have this fight because it’s political.

“Parents don’t care about the politics of school choice. Parents just want to be able to choose what’s best for their child.”

With her term ending in January 2025, Truitt said she’s had some offers but most are out of state and she isn’t interested in leaving North Carolina.

“So all I know is that whatever I’m doing come January, I want to find a way to continue to do the work that I’ve been doing, in whatever that looks like,” said Truitt. “In any job change situation, it’s hard to find the right fit.”

June 9, 2022. The contract expires in 2027 with an option to renew.

North State Journal attempted to find out when children would arrive by visiting the site in December 2023 but were turned away by security forces patrolling the site. Loan documentation associated with the American Hebrew Academy (AHA) has tracked back to companies and individuals with ties to China and its government.

lup’s 63% was nearly a 10-point jump from its 2021 survey.

“And this is not coincidental.

All of this is the product of policy,” Bishop said of rising crime.

“Defund police was the worst policy idea in the history of the country, and all of the things that came along with it have had the effect of inspiring more crime.

“I believe people need an attorney general who is going to turn the corner on that for real and make families feel safe in their communities. You can only do that one way as attorney general, and that is by tight collaboration with the folks who operate the criminal justice infrastructure across the state.”

A June 2024 Pew Research Poll found that 61% of registered voters think the U.S. criminal justice system is “not tough enough on criminals.” That’s slightly lower than a November 2023 Gallup poll that found 63% of Americans view crime as extremely or very serious. Gal-

Bishop criticized the current state of the justice system as a “constant and only focus on the privileges of those who are committing crimes” instead of weighing the balance of the interests of citizens, victims and survivors of crime.

“Some folks have concluded that the system is ineffective at stopping recidivists, even while their charges are pend-

Most recently, North State Journal uncovered that portions of the loan had changed hands, going to two offshore companies in the British Virgin Islands; Long Faith Limited and Long Wit Limited. Information on both companies is scarce, however, the loan documents — which cover $15 million of AHA’s original $26 million loan, were witnessed by an official in the U.S. Embassy in the People’s Republic of China on Jan. 12, 2023.

ing,” Bishop said of concerns he’s heard regarding repeat offenders.

Bishop said most people he has talked to are “almost resigned to the idea” that the government won’t help them because the justice system’s doors are so “rapidly revolving.”

During the Wake County stop on Aug. 22, Bishop tied policies like defunding the police and eliminating cash bail to his Democratic opponent, freshman Congressman Jeff Jackson (D-14).

“My opponent has marched with anti-police protesters in Charlotte, supports releasing dangerous criminal aliens as opposed to requiring sheriffs to work with ICE,” said Bishop. “He voted against making it a felony to assault a police officer, he voted against making it a felony to assault a teacher, and he supported in previous campaigns the George Floyd Justice and Policing Act that was designed to eliminate qualified immunity; that keeps cops able to function on the street and not be afraid of their own shadow.”

ERIC GAY / AP PHOTO

Immigrants seeking asylum walk at the ICE South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas, in August 2019.

BRYAN ANDERSON / AP PHOTO

Catherine Truitt, pictured in 2021, said she was proud of her accomplishments as state superintendent but couldn’t accomplish everything she wanted.

CHRIS CARLSON / AP PHOTO

Republican Congressman Dan Bishop, pictured at a March 2 campaign rally in Greensboro for former President Donald Trump, is running to become the state’s next attorney general.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

Call me Ishmael

Great works of literature and art have historically bound nations together based on common threads of universal values and principles.

“CALL ME ISHMAEL” is one of the most famous opening lines to any of the more than 150 million books ever published in recorded history.

I just read it for the first time in the book from which it became famous, “Moby Dick: The Whale” by Herman Melville.

It made me glad and sad at the same time ― glad that I finally tried to read such a classic before I am unable to read anymore but sad because it took me so long to get to it.

First, a full disclosure: I am not a novel reader with apologies to every English literature teacher I ever had. There has been something preternatural in my nature that has dismissed fiction as not being “real” and therefore not worth reading. Somehow and in some way, I convinced myself nonfiction and biographies are more “interesting” because they are “real.”

Maybe it is because they are not a figment of some random person’s vivid imagination and ability to string a lot of descriptive phrases together like some TikTok social media influencer nowadays.

The last great classic novel I completed was “Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo over a decade ago ― and that was only because a Sunday School teacher in Northern Virginia basically shamed me into reading it by offhandedly commenting one day that a person is not educated until they have read Hugo’s masterpiece. I made the mistake of reading the full 800page version that included more than 200 pages of detailed descriptions of the underground

water and sewer system of Paris which could have been avoided entirely had I looked more carefully for the abridged version. But I completed it and thought I was the better person for doing so ― just as my Sunday School teacher told me I would.

I have tried and tried to read voluminous works of fiction several times only to get to about page 100 in each and give up. This is at least my fifth time with “Moby Dick.” Everyone kept telling me I had to read Ayn Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged.” Each time I picked it up, I stopped around page 100 long before finding out who the heck John Galt was.

Aside from the spiritual, theological and humanitarian themes woven throughout his novel, Melville wrote in a clear style which hit my finally mature ear the right way. It didn’t hurt any that he wrote in short chapters ― depending on the edition, there are between 99 and 117 chapters of about three pages each that anyone can consume in small chunks of time.

In Chapter 14, Ishmael notices his new Polynesian friend Queequeg observing his spiritual observance, which, for lack of a better term, he called his “Ramadan.”

“As Queequeg’s Ramadan, or Fasting and Humiliation, was to continue all day, I did not choose to disturb him till towards nightfall; for I cherish the greatest respect towards everybody’s religious obligations, never mind how comical, and could not find it in my heart to undervalue even a congregation of ants worshipping a toad-stool; or those other creatures in certain parts of our earth, who with a degree of footmanism quite unprecedented in other planets, bow down before the torso of a deceased landed proprietor merely on account of the inordinate possessions yet owned and rented in his name.”

NC press focus on Walz’s milkshake order during Raleigh visit

For anyone curious, Walz had a mint chocolate chip milkshake.

UNTIL LAST THURSDAY, Vice President

Kamala Harris’ running mate, Minnesota

Gov. Tim Walz, had not sat down for a formal interview nor any other type of interview since she named him her VP pick in early August.

It was no doubt a calculated part of the media avoidance strategy put in place by Harris herself, who for a month and a half after Joe Biden bowed out of the presidential race campaigned across the country without taking questions from the media before she and Walz sat down Thursday for a pretaped interview with CNN.

After the interview wrapped up (and presumably the moratorium on answering questions from the media lifted), Walz headed to North Carolina, where he was set to visit a local campaign office to talk to volunteers and then give a speech at a fundraiser alongside Gov. Roy Cooper, who was once floated as a vice-presidential possibility for Harris as well.

Oddly, local media outlets focused heavily on the milkshake flavor preferences of the man who could be the next vice president of the United States, with stories and tweets fast and flowing of what went down at the Cook Out restaurant Walz visited alongside Cooper.

Among the headlines were:

News and Observer: Cook Out is Gov. Tim Walz’s first stop on his first trip to NC. What did he order?

WRAL: Can you guess Democratic vice-

presidential candidate Tim Walz’s Cook Out order in Raleigh?

WNCN: Tim Walz meets with campaign staffers in North Carolina; orders milkshake from Cook Out

WCNC: Can you guess what Tim Walz ordered at Cook Out?

For anyone curious, Walz had a mint chocolate chip milkshake. Cooper had his usual M&M milkshake, We know it’s his usual order thanks to all the other reports we’ve gotten about it from his past visits.

The coverage reminded me of another visit to a North Carolina Cook Out, the one thenDemocratic nominee for President Joe Biden made in October 2020.

Biden was employing the basement campaign strategy that year, ostensibly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so — as it has been with Walz — it was getting increasingly difficult to get the opportunity to ask him a substantive question.

And yet with just a few short weeks to go before Election Day 2020, the burning question of what type of milkshake he ordered was asked by one of the reporters traveling with his campaign.

I get that we sometimes need good “filler” stories when there are slow news periods during which there’s not much going on worth reporting.

But last I checked, we are not in one of those slow news periods and, in fact, are deserving

If that doesn’t embody the spirit of the American ideal of freedom of religion and expression which had only been enshrined in the U.S. Constitution a mere half-century before “Moby Dick” was released, then nothing will. What really saddened me was thinking about how great works of literature and art have historically bound nations together based on common threads of universal values and principles ― and comparing that to what is going on with TikTok where anyone with a camera and a warped sense of probity can influence a whole generation of young people into seeing the nation of Israel as the evil Captain Ahab and not as the only beacon of democracy and freedom in the Middle East.

The newly established School for Civic Life and Leadership (SCiLL) at UNC Chapel Hill offers hope that curious students who attend a large public university can receive the broad classical liberal education that can bind people together instead of indoctrination through identity politics, which has wreaked such enormous divisiveness upon our nation.

Maybe the next generation will be the one to heal our nation instead of being intent on tearing it apart at the seams.

Students may even find out the name “Ishmael” — which literally means “God Hears” from 4,000 years ago in the Old Testament — has something to do with the current strife in the Middle East and Gaza Strip.

I wish I could start my education all over again.

of more information on and about the guy who wants to be second in command in this country for four years.

That any time at all was spent on the visit to Cook Out, the milkshake purchase and the flavor choices is yet another negative mark against the press and provides us with the latest example of why so few people trust them and take them seriously anymore.

Harris no doubt will be visiting North Carolina in the coming weeks, this time as a presidential nominee rather than as the vice president stumping for Biden, which she did in mid-July during her last visit.

Let us hope that there’s much less focus on her food (and fashion) choices and more on policy when she makes those trips unless the questions revolve around why it’s so much more expensive to eat at Cook Out now than it was four years ago.

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

COLUMN

Forgiving

medical debt won’t reduce health care costs — here’s a better way

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau estimates that Americans carried $88 billion or more in medical debt in 2021.

FROM THE WHITE HOUSE to state capitals, politicians have recognized debt forgiveness as a powerful tool for swaying voters and rewarding preferred constituencies.

At the same time, federal regulators are working to remove medical debt from credit scores. Recently, Vice President Kamala Harris’s office commended North Carolina for its forgiveness of $4 billion in medical debt.

Anyone who is struggling with medical debt and sees that debt obligation removed would be relieved. But targeting medical debt without addressing the dynamics that created it is a recipe for disaster. If policymakers really want to restrain its growth, they should start by allowing for greater competition within the health care system to lower costs.

It’s clear Americans are increasingly struggling to cope with rising health care costs. A 2022 survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that “41 percent of adults currently have some debt caused by medical or dental bills.” The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau estimates Americans carried $88 billion or more in medical debt in 2021.

The hard reality is that despite politicians repeated promises to reduce health care costs, they continue to spiral upward. This is because government intervention often leads to increases, regardless of the intentions of the intervention. Forgiving debt without addressing the drivers of the rising costs treats the symptom, not the disease.

Increasing competition has proven to curb growing health care costs. Yet many states continue to artificially constrain the supply of health care through restrictive laws and regulations that crowd out competition.

Chief among these is the certificate of need (CON) which requires hospitals and health care providers to seek permission from state regulators before opening or expanding a facility, offering new services, or purchasing new technology or equipment. Ostensibly the laws are intended to ensure an “adequate supply” of health care services, but they only make health care less accessible and more expensive for both providers and patients. In many cases, state regulators allow existing market providers to approve or disapprove new applicants, making the CON process a “competitor’s veto” that distorts the marketplace in favor of incumbent providers.

Not every state burdens health care providers with CON laws. Forty percent of the nation lives in a state with only one or zero CON laws, making it easy to compare what happens when states like North Carolina restrict access to necessary health

COLUMN | NAN MILLER

He shines and stinks

“Brevity is the soul of wit.”

Shakespeare

DONALD TRUMP’S promise that, if reelected president, he’ll be a dictator on day one of his second term has me wishing I could be dictator for a day — now — because I know exactly how I would spend it. I would hold Trump captive at a secure location and drill baby drill him on the reasons he could lose the November election.

Before Trump could call me “Nasty Nan” for abducting him, I would tout my qualifications as campaign adviser. Having spent my entire career as the lone Republican in a hotbed of lefties, I know that nothing short of a lobotomy would cure Trump derangement syndrome. Amazingly, however, one former colleague has just confided that she will vote for Trump — on certain conditions — so I would spend my day as dictator recounting those conditions because I’m betting my friend speaks for a wide swath of swing voters. Like me, she likes to quote writers who express her sentiments exactly, and on the subject of former President Trump, she recited 19th-century Virginian John Randolph’s famous appraisal of Henry Clay: “He is a man of splendid abilities but utterly corrupt. He both shines and stinks, like a rotten mackerel by moonlight.”

With Trump’s pledge to reverse the regulations the Biden-Harris administration has imposed on my friend’s husband’s business, Trump “shines.” But she also says Trump’s pugnacious style “stinks,” and her vote is contingent upon his reversal of the claim, “I think I’m entitled to personal attacks.”

I share that concern and would have Trump follow Oscar Wilde’s rule to “Always forgive your enemies — nothing annoys them so much.” And I would do for Trump what Kamala Harris’ team has done for her. As one commentator has noted, the vice president’s handlers have “surgically removed her cackling cords,” and I would program Trump’s phone to emit a little shock whenever he forgets that calling Harris “an incompetent socialist lunatic” will repel

care facilities and services.

A recent study by health policy expert Matthew D. Mitchell details how CON laws end up limiting access, degrading quality and increasing costs for health care services.

“Given the anticompetitive features of the regulation, it may also give providers some degree of pricing power, insulate them from the incentive to contain costs, and encourage wasteful efforts to seek and maintaining the privilege,” Mitchell writes. “All these features suggest that CON is more likely to increase than decrease health care spending per service. And, in fact, that is just what the evidence shows.”

The study surveyed decades of academic literature, which overwhelmingly shows that CON laws lead to fewer health care providers, higher expenditures and reduced access to critical medical services. Mitchell concludes that repealing CON laws to unleash competition would benefit patients by allowing the market to provide more plentiful, and less costly, services.

Despite the evidence, legislatures are slow to repeal CON laws. To its credit, the General Assembly made a few reforms as part of the 2023 Medicaid expansion bill, but there’s more to do. North Carolina could have followed South Carolina’s lead. It scrapped the whole CON program for everything except nursing homes in 2023. Montana did the same in 2021 and this year, Oklahoma also repealed CON for everything except nursing homes.

Instead of enacting laws that will encourage competitive pricing, Gov. Roy Cooper’s decision to forgive $4 billion of medical debt won’t prevent people falling back into it. Future patients will continue incurring large levels of medical debt, creating pressure for further rounds of forgiveness. If Cooper truly wants to address health care costs and relieve pressure on consumers, he should work with the legislature to continue repealing the CON laws and unleashing greater competition.

Governance should be about solving problems, not promoting feel-good measures while problems fester. Wiping out health care debt in one go won’t tackle the underlying issue of why people are accumulating so much medical debt to begin with.

If policymakers want to help patients, they should focus on eliminating anticompetitive regulations like CON laws that are driving the explosive rise in health care costs.

Jaimie Cavanaugh is legal policy counsel at Pacific Legal Foundation, a public interest law firm that defends Americans’ liberty against government overreach and abuse.

Serving man while serving God

I FIRST HEARD of William Wilberforce in 1984 when the pastor of my church in Pittsburgh gave a sermon about him after reading “God’s Politician.” As I entered the master’s of arts and religion program at Trinity Seminary a few years later to focus on “public square theology,” Wilberforce and the Clapham community were a North Star and an aspiration. Rubber met the road when I oversaw the longshot challenger Congressional race of Rick Santorum in 1990, and after a surprise victory, came to Capitol Hill as his chief of staff to practice what I had been planning to preach.

Clapham Group’s first client, the film “Amazing Grace” (2007), tells the story of William Wilberforce and his fight to end slavery, the release of which coincided with the 200th anniversary of the British Parliament voting to end the slave trade. Eric Metaxas wrote a biography of Wilberforce, published concurrently with the film and bearing the same title.

Hannah More also played a unique and crucial role in the fight to end slavery. Karen Swallow Prior, a friend of The Clapham Group, wrote an important new biography of More aptly titled “Fierce Convictions” (2014).

We modern-day American Christians have a lot to learn from the causes they championed. Just as importantly, we should emulate the way they campaigned for these causes.

More, a force to be reckoned with in and of herself — despite being a single woman in Georgian England — had as much influence as Wilberforce when it came to fighting for the abolition of the slave trade and slavery itself in Great Britain and her colonies. The story of their lives needs to be told again and again in each generation so we do not forget both the end result of their contribution to liberty and true virtue, and also the way they went about achieving those ends.

More and Wilberforce worked closely together on Wilberforce’s two “great objects” for many years. Surrounding themselves with other like-minded co-belligerents such as Thomas Clarkson, Henry Thornton, John Newton, Granville Sharpe, Josiah Wedgwood, William Cowper and Henry Venn, they labored for many years to abolish slavery and reform the manners ― what we would call morals in today’s parlance ― of both the upper and lower classes.

Both of these worthy goals had deeply spiritual and religious undertones for More, Wilberforce and their cohort. They each underwent a deepening of their nominal Christian faith before undertaking these causes and continued to grow in their faith as they labored together for many years. Neither of them would have achieved as much as they did apart from each other nor apart from their faith in Christ.

More grew up one of five daughters of a school teacher father (hardly very noble beginnings). Having a father for a teacher did have one major advantage, though, especially because at the time British society did not consider education for girls and women, outside of being trained in the “domestic arts” (i.e. how to run a household), neither suitable nor worth pursuing. More’s father educated all of his daughters alongside his other pupils. The five sisters went on to start their own school for girls, which they ran successfully for more than 30 years. Perhaps because of this early exposure to a well-rounded education, More maintained a love of learning and, in particular, the written word (both reading and writing it herself) for the rest of her life.

swing voters, as will rambling speeches that breach Shakespeare’s rule: “Brevity is the soul of wit.”

A winning strategy would have Trump start each day replaying President Ronald Reagan’s 1984 reelection ad titled “Morning in America,” which reminded voters his first administration had rescued an ailing economy and made America strong again.

A winning strategy would have Trump swap his combative style for Reagan’s genial tone and let clips of Harris spewing nonsense and defending her (now former) hard-left positions speak for themselves — for now. The debate stage will afford Trump an opportunity to expose Harris’ flailing attempt to recast herself as a centrist — on fracking, unchecked inflation, border control and private health insurance — but even then Trump must remain unflappable and stick to hard facts.

Before I release him, I would propose one last way Trump could shine for the next 66 days. Before henchwoman Nancy Pelosi frog-marched President Joe Biden into the shadows, Trump could have chosen P. Diddy as his running mate and won reelection.

Before Biden exited the race on July 21, Trump’s choosing JD Vance as his running mate made sense, but a Donald TrumpNikki Haley ticket would have been a shooin against a Harris-Tim Walz ticket. It’s too late to swap Vance for Haley, but it’s not too late to enlist the dynamic Haley as Trump’s sparring partner during debate prep and to feature her appeal to women voters — even those who identify as childless cat ladies.

I would end my day as dictator assuring Trump that he has my vote plus additional donations if he recants the Trump rule: “I have to do it my way.”

Otherwise, I fear that Trump will end his career like Shakespeare’s Macbeth: “A poor player / That struts and frets his hour upon the stage, / And then is heard no more.” Nan Miller is professor emerita at Meredith College and lives in Raleigh.

Wilberforce’s father died when he was 9 years old. When his mother struggled to cope with the loss and raise her son by herself, Wilberforce was taken in and raised by his religiously devout aunt and uncle. Over time, as he grew up and attended various levels of schooling, he strayed from this early foundation in the Christian faith.

Wilberforce experienced a reawakening to a deeper spiritual conviction when he took a trip with a friend and tutor from Cambridge University who also happened to be a devout Christian. On their journey, they read Philip Doddridge’s “The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul.” The trip and the book renewed in Wilberforce the spiritual conviction of his childhood.

In 1785, Wilberforce sought the counsel of Newton in a secret meeting, during which Newton persuaded Wilberforce that he could stay in politics and serve God if only he could focus on a worthwhile aim — this focus became his two “great objects.”

More and Wilberforce met in Bath in the autumn of 1787. They would remain friends and labor together for important causes the rest of their lives, dying within mere weeks of each other, although More was 14 years his senior. Their religious faith sustained More, Wilberforce and their fellow laborers in their long efforts and provided a strength of a moral imagination that carried them through many years of long, hard fighting to finally achieve the abolition of the slave trade as well as abolishing slavery itself years later in 1833.

More and Wilberforce knew, as Percy Bysshe Shelley wrote in 1821, that, “the great instrument of moral good is the imagination.” Just as we at The Clapham Group know the importance of utilizing and harnessing the power of imagination — whether it be through films, music or graphic novels — the members of the Clapham Sect knew that creating and promoting good art, art that implicates the viewer and reader, can go a long way to achieving the noble ends to which you are striving.

Mark Rodgers is the founder of The Clapham Group in Springfield, Virginia.

Murphy to Manteo

Old North State-made

PIEDMONT

EAST

Free bike gear available from New Bern PD

end to this year’s festival is a bit more special because it will be a big anniversar y — it’s 125th Fayetteville-based company Michael’s Amusements is responsible Carolina Fair. Organizers note that inspectors look at parts from top to bottom making sure they are safe for fairgoers, and although the company travels from Ohio to Florida , some of the strictest fair ride inspections are here in North Carolina. A spokesman told loca l news outlets, “We are already planning for 2025. So what you are seeing now is all last year’s planning and changes and making t more userfriend ly for the families and the guests and the kids.”

NSJ

Craven County New Ber n Police are giving away free safet y gear to bicyclists until they run out With summer winding dow n and days getting shorter police said they are seeking to highlight the importance of proper lights and educational campaig n at the beginning of this month to raise awareness and promote safety The New Ber n Police Department’s citizen volunteer group have been giving away.

WCTI

ECU nurses honored among “Great 100” nurses in N.C. Pitt County Nineteen ECU Health nurses are being recognized across the state as par t of the Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina, according to a press release.

the health care profession a s a whole. I have seen a lot of amazing nurses win this award in the past who I felt were so deserving so just to be among them and win this award makes me feel really good to be recognized,” said Kathry n Jarvis, senior director of children services at ECU Health “I’m really appreciative of the person who thought enough of me

Gold Star families defend Trump’s Arlington Cemetery visit NATION & WORLD

The former president has been under fire for an incident at the national cemetery

By Bill Barrow The Associated Press

ATLANTA — Donald Trump’s campaign issued a statement Sunday from the Gold Star military families who invited him to Arlington National Cemetery as they defended the Republican presidential nominee and insisted that Vice President Kamala Harris is the candidate politicizing fallen U.S. service members.

It’s the latest volley in an extended back and forth as Trump tries to saddle Harris with the Biden administration’s handling of the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, including a suicide bombing that killed 13 U.S. service members.

Harris on Saturday accused Trump of staging a “political stunt” that “disrespected sacred ground” where many Afghanistan war dead are buried. Trump and the families of some of those killed in the bombing blame Harris, as they did President Joe Biden before he ended his reelection bid, for their loved ones’ deaths. The families say the former president was honoring their loved ones when he came to Arlington.

His campaign later distributed images of the visit despite the cemetery’s prohibition on partisan activity on the grounds.

“President Trump was invited by us, the Gold Star families, to attend the solemn ceremonies commemorating the three-year anniversary of our children’s deaths,” said the relatives’ joint statement. “He was there to honor their sacrifice, yet Vice President Harris has disgracefully twisted this sacred moment into a political ploy.”

Gold Star families have lost a loved one in military service. Trump laid wreaths last Monday in honor of Sgt. Nicole Gee, Staff Sgt. Darin Hoover and Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss. They were among 13 U.S. service members and more than 100 Afghans who died in an Aug. 26, 2021, bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport as U.S. forces with-

drew from Afghanistan.

Trump thanked the family members for their statement via social media. “Thank you for saying you wanted me to stand with you ... and take pictures, that it was your request, not mine,” he wrote.

Throughout the weekend, Trump has used his social media accounts to distribute video testimonials from some relatives who signed the statement. Christy Shamblin, Gee’s mother-in-law, said in a 90-second message that Trump and his aides were “respectful” and a “a comfort” to the families who gathered at Arlington. Then she directly addressed her remarks to Harris.

“Why won’t you return a call and explain how you call my daughter-in-law’s death a suc-

cess?” Shamblin said. “Why would you take a day where we celebrated the deaths of our loved ones and use it to disparage not only them, but us.”

Biden and first lady Jill Biden went to Dover Air Force Base in 2021 for the ceremony returning the service members’ remains to U.S. soil. The Bidens met privately with family members at Dover. The Bidens were joined at the ceremony by several top aides in the administration, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, then-chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Shamblin was among the several family members who also spoke at the Republican National Convention in July on Trump’s behalf. Several family members have joined Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, on a conference call with media.

Trump’s appearance ballooned into controversy after defense officials said his campaign was warned about not taking photographs and that there was an altercation between Trump aides and a cemetery employee. Officials have said since that an employee whom two Trump campaign staff members allegedly “verbally abused and pushed” aside has declined to press charges.

The Trump campaign has since lashed out at Pentagon officials, with a top campaign adviser, Chris LaCivita, referring to military spokespersons as “hacks.” Trump campaign officials say the campaign had permission to bring someone to take video.

Report: Columbia’s Jewish students faced hostile environment during protests

An investigation found school officials often ignored the concerns

By Carolyn Thompson The Associated Press

JEWS AND ISRAELIS at Columbia University were ostracized from student groups, humiliated in classrooms and subjected to verbal abuse as pro-Palestinian demonstrations shook the campus last year, and their complaints were often downplayed or ignored by school officials and faculty, the university’s task force on antisemitism said in a report released Friday.

Citing “serious and pervasive” problems uncovered through nearly 500 student testimonials, the faculty task force recommended revamped anti-bias training for students and staff and a revised system for reporting complaints about antisemitism.

It said student groups should stop issuing political statements unrelated to their missions, saying Jewish students felt pushed out of many clubs and organizations.

The task force also offered a definition of antisemitism that included discrimination or exclusion based on “real or perceived ties to Israel” and “certain double standards applied to Israel.” Such double standards, the report said, include the “calls for divestment solely from Israel” — something that has been a key demand of pro-Palestinian groups as the death toll in the latest war between Israel and Hamas soared.

The task force said its definition of antisemitism was intended for use in training and education, not for discipline or to limit speech.

“These recommendations

were devised to preserve the right to protest, to protect the rights to speak, teach, research, and learn, and to combat discrimination and harassment, including antisemitic harassment,” said Task Force on Antisemitism Co-Chairs Ester Fuchs, Nicholas Lemann and David M. Schizer. “Although our report focuses on antisemitism, we hope our recommendations will also bolster efforts to combat Islamophobia, anti-Arab racism, and other forms of bigotry.”

The task force issued its report four days before the scheduled start of classes for Columbia’s fall semester.

Interim President Katrina Armstrong said the university has already moved to expand training and streamline its handling of harassment complaints in line with the new report’s recommendations.

“This is an opportunity to acknowledge the harm that has been done and to pledge to make the changes necessary to do better and to rededicate ourselves, as university leaders, as individuals, and as a community, to our core mission of teaching and research,” Armstrong said in a statement.

In a bulletin posted online, a coalition of student groups that has been demanding the school divest from Israeli companies and sever academic ties with Israeli institutions said it would continue with its protests.

“There may be new students and new classes, but some things stay the same,” said the statement attributed to Columbia University Apartheid Divest. It cited what it said was the university’s “refusal to divest from their genocidal investments” and its “constant repression of pro-Palestinian protestors.”

The task force report comes two weeks after the resigna-

A new reports says Jewish and Israeli students at Columbia were subjected to verbal abuse and ostracized during proPalestinian protests on the campus last school year.

“This is an opportunity to acknowledge the harm that has been done and to pledge to make the changes necessary to do better and to rededicate ourselves.”

Katrina Armstrong, Columbia interim president

tion of Columbia University President Minouche Shafik, who faced heavy scrutiny for her handling of the protests and campus divisions over the Israel-Hamas war at the Ivy League school. Pro-Palestinian protesters first set up tent encampments on Columbia’s campus during Shafik’s congressional testimony in mid-April, where she denounced antisemitism but faced criticism for how she’d responded to faculty and student

Navy commander relieved of duty months after controversy

San Diego

The commander of a Navy destroyer has been relieved of duty about four months after he was seen in a photo firing a rifle with a scope mounted backward. The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that Cameron Yaste, commanding officer of the destroyer USS John McCain, was removed on Friday. The Navy said Yaste was relieved of duty “due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command the guided-missile destroyer.” In April, a photo posted on the Navy’s social media showed Yaste in a firing stance gripping the rifle with a backward scope.

Mountain lion euthanized after attack on child in Calif.

Malibu, Calif.

A mountain lion attacked a 5-year-old boy at a popular Southern California park over the holiday weekend and state rangers later euthanized the big cat, officials said Tuesday. The child was attacked Sunday afternoon while playing near his family’s picnic table at Malibu Creek State Park west of Los Angeles, according to officials. The child was airlifted to a hospital with injuries that were significant but not life-threatening, according to the statement. He was released Monday. The cougar climbed up and remained in a tree, and state parks rangers determined it was a threat to the public. The animal was euthanized with a firearm, officials said.

Ugandan opposition figure shot, wounded Kampala, Uganda Uganda’s leading opposition figure Bobi Wine was shot in the leg in a confrontation with police Tuesday just outside the capital, Kampala, and was “seriously injured,” his political party said. Video posted online showed Wine surrounded by followers who yelled that he had been shot before some supported him into a car. It was not immediately clear whether he was hit by a live bullet or a tear gas projectile. Street confrontations between Wine and the police have frequently descended into violence, but this is the first time he has been wounded in such a way. He was being treated at a local hospital.

complaints. The school sent in police to clear the tents the following day, only for the students to return and inspire a wave of similar protests at campuses across the country.

In its report, the task force cited incidents where Jewish students had been threatened, shoved or subjected to blatantly antisemitic symbols like swastikas.

But it also described a broader pattern of Jewish students feeling ostracized from classmates who had once been friends.

The task force said in many cases, Jewish students chose to leave groups because of an “uncomfortable” atmosphere, but in some cases, they were told to leave.

The report is the second to be issued by the task force in recent months. The first outlined rules for demonstrations. An upcoming report will focus on “academic issues related to exclusion in the classroom and bias in curriculum,” the university said.

12 migrants killed after boat sinks in English Channel Boulogne-sur-Mer, France A boat carrying migrants ripped apart in the English Channel as they attempted to reach Britain from northern France on Tuesday, plunging dozens into the treacherous waterway and leaving 12 dead, authorities said. Most of the victims were believed to be women, some under 18, and many of the passengers didn’t have life preservers, officials said, with one calling it the deadliest migrant accident in the channel this year. Rescuers pulled a total of 65 people from the English Channel on Tuesday in a search that lasted more than four hours.

ALEX BRANDON / AP PHOTO

Bill Barnett, left, and former President Donald Trump place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider in honor of Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, Barnett’s grandson, at Arlington National Cemetery last Monday.

YUKI IWAMURA / AP PHOTO

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 “new normal.” end of this month.

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

we begin to get back to normal

The 3 big questions

The comfort

How China will pay for this COVID-19 catastrophe

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

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

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

WALTER E. WILLIAMS

Cooper stated during don’t know yet” if the asked as to the vague ones like “we of this state who undetermined thousands of cases asked and then had questions about get asked, there is people to treat those can start getting back or are people who sick. levels become a bad society were supposed course, is my family. I’m worried I will. After the 2009 pandemic, all 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 They take advantage of every weakness pushing until they win or the event happens such as the Chernobyl believe that event, not the Star Wars to the dissolution of the Soviet Union Chernobyl. already talking about the possibility debt we owe them as one way to get they have caused the US. Don’t hold your “Jubilee” to happen but ask your elected accountable in tangible nancial ways for expected to operate as responsible citizens of nation.

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.

Sponsored by

business & economy

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.

Since when did questioning government at all levels become a

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.

Buffett sells another $1B of Bank of America stock

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.”

Not one little bit.

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.

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

OMAHA, Neb. — Investor Warren Buffett’s company unloaded more of its Bank of America stake, selling nearly 25 million shares worth almost $1 billion over the past 10 days.

Since July, Berkshire Hathaway has steadily sold 116 million Bank of America shares. However, it still controls nearly 12% of the stock in the bank based in Charlotte.

After the sale was disclosed, Berkshire’s Class A stock — already the most expensive on Wall Street — gained $7,184.62 last Wednesday to sell for $698,534.62.

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

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

That elevated the conglomerate based in Omaha, Nebraska, into the club of companies valued by the stock market at over $1 trillion. But that’s still a bit shy of market behemoths like Nvidia and Microsoft, which are now valued at over $3 trillion.

The Bank of America stake remains one of Berkshire’s biggest investments, behind its significant Apple stake and longtime American Express investment.

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.”

written under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah RedState and Legal Insurrection.

Buffett raised eyebrows earlier this month when he revealed he had halved the Apple investment and, in the process, built up a record $277 billion cash pile as of June 30. Berkshire’s cash has only grown since then with the Bank of America stock sales and all the earnings from the assortment of dozens of companies it owns, including BNSF railroad, Geico insurance, a collection of utilities and a bunch of retail and manufacturing businesses.

Buffett watchers say Berkshire’s recent stock sales are likely a sign that the revered investor thinks the stock market is overpriced. They suggest he may be trying to set himself up to take advantage of a downturn.

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

The $73 million first

By Lea Skene

“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 Associated Press

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.

BALTIMORE — Maryland transportation leaders approved a contract for rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge several months after the 1.6-mile steel span collapsed under the impact of a massive container ship that lost power and crashed into one of its supporting columns.

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.

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.”

Buffett never discusses why he buys and sells certain stocks while doing it, and he has yet to explain the Bank of America sales. He prefers to keep his moves close to his vest so other investors can’t copy him, but the Securities and Exchange Commission requires him to file updates on Berkshire’s Bank of America holdings because it owns more than 10% of the bank.

Buffett started selling off Berkshire’s Bank of America shares after it peaked with a new 52week high of $44.44 in July. The latest sales were all made at average prices of just under $40 a share. The stock was up slightly last Wednesday at $39.80. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

In the aftermath of the deadly March 26 collapse, officials quickly promised to rebuild the bridge — a longstanding Baltimore landmark and vital transportation infrastructure. They cited a 2028 completion date and estimated the project would cost $1.7 billion. They also said it would include sig-

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

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

We need transparency and honesty from our

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

Lenten and Easter seasons provide a message of

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

The state could become the first to set sweeping safety measures on large AI models

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

By Tran Nguyen The Associated Press

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

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

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

SACRAMENTO, Calif.

— California lawmakers approved several proposals this week to regulate the artificial intelligence industry, combat deep fakes and protect workers from exploitation by the rapidly evolving technology. The California Legislature, which Democrats control, is voting on hundreds of bills during its final week of the session to send to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk. Their deadline is Saturday. The Democratic governor has until Sept. 30 to sign the proposals, veto them or let them become law without his signature. Newsom signaled in July he would sign a proposal to crack down on election deepfakes but has yet to weigh in on other legislation. He warned earlier this summer that overregulation could

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

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

The result: a reduction in expected hospitalization According to the University of Washington Metrics and Evaluation model most oft Trump administration, the expected need peak outbreak was revised down by over ventilators by nearly 13,000 and the number

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

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

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

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

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.

A“THIS IS in it” (Psalm I know that working from be glad” as and dad, the have to be pandemic. For me, 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 In Concord, money to buy health care

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.

Since when did questioning government at all levels become a thing? That is what free citizens living in a free society were supposed

April 15,

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

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

Hill, senio

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

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

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.”

Md. awards rebuild contract for fallen Key Bridge

“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.

nificantly more pier protection to better defend against future wayward ships.

At a monthly meeting last Thursday morning, the Maryland Transportation Authority board awarded Kiewit Infrastructure a $73 million contract for the project’s first phase. Kiewit calls itself “one of North America’s largest and most respected engineering and construction organizations.”

“The

Gartner said the state has worked with Kiewit before and that the company has managed the construction of major water crossings with maritime activity similar to the Key Bridge.

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.”

contract award signifies a big step forward in the recovery and rebuild process.”

Bruce Gartner, Maryland Transportation Authority

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.

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.

Bruce Gartner, executive director of the Maryland Transportation Authority, said the contract award signifies a big step forward in the recovery and rebuild process.

fallen into place. I understand to take precautions, but questions about the data, normal are treated in some They’re treated as though question what the government process of returning back No. The government questions. And the longer country, and the stricter the more people, sitting when they can get back answers.

“We look forward to partnering with the Maryland Transportation Authority, many local subcontractors and suppliers, and our strong craft workforce to safely deliver and restore this vital transportation link in the city of Baltimore and the greater region,” the company said in a statement.

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

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.

idea of what the new bridge will look like.

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.

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

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

“This represents such an order of magnitude bigger than all our previous milestones,” he said in an interview Thursday. He said the agency hopes to release renderings of a preliminary design within the next few months, giving the public an

In announcing their recommendation to the board, state transportation officials said the company’s proposal was ranked first for its technical contents despite being somewhat more expensive than others.

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 health care workers out of his own home.

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

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.

Leaders at the local and can be with those answers with details that give their We should all continue ourselves, and our communities to ask questions about the measures are understandable, This is all new to Americans, shape, or form. So while the same time we shouldn’t normal.”

Officials said the project will advance in two phases. The first will focus on the design work and other necessary steps before construction begins, which could include demolishing the remaining bridge pieces. Phase one is expected to be completed within a year.

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

According to its website, Kiewit was founded in 1884 to provide masonry services in Omaha, Nebraska. Its notable past projects include the Fort McHenry Tunnel under Baltimore’s harbor, which opened in 1985. More drivers have been using the tunnel since the bridge collapse eliminated one of three water crossings that allowed them to bypass downtown Baltimore.

Calif. lawmakers approve deep fake ban, AI regulation legislation

hurt the homegrown industry.

In recent years, he often cited the state’s budget troubles when rejecting legislation he would otherwise support.

Here is a look at some of the AI bills lawmakers approved this year.

Combatting deep fakes

Citing concerns over how AI tools are increasingly being used to trick voters and generate deepfake pornography of minors, California lawmakers approved several bills this week to crack down on the practice.

Lawmakers approved legislation to ban deep fakes related to elections and require large social media platforms to remove the deceptive material 120 days before Election Day and 60 days thereafter. Campaigns would also be required to publicly disclose if they’re running ads with materials altered by AI.

A pair of proposals would make it illegal to use AI tools to create images and videos of child sexual abuse. Current law does not allow district attorneys to go after people who possess or distribute AI-generat-

A pair of proposals would make it illegal to use AI tools to create images and videos of child sexual abuse.

ed child sexual abuse images if they cannot prove the materials are depicting a real person. Tech companies and social media platforms would be required to provide AI detection tools to users under another proposal.

Setting safety guardrails

California could become the first state in the nation to set sweeping safety measures on large AI models. The legislation sent by lawmakers to the governor’s desk requires developers to start disclosing what data they use to train their models. The efforts aim to shed more light on how AI models work and prevent future catastrophic disasters. Another measure would require the state to set safety pro-

Not one little bit.

Stacey Matthews has also and is a regular contributor

Transportation officials said

tocols preventing risks and algorithmic discrimination before agencies could enter any contract involving AI models used to define decisions.

Protecting workers

Inspired by the monthslong Hollywood actors strike last year, lawmakers approved a proposal to protect workers, including voice actors and audiobook performers, from being replaced by their AI-generated clones. The measure mirrors language in the contract the SAG-AFTRA made with studios last December. Under one of the proposals, state and local agencies would be banned from using AI to replace workers at call centers. California may also create penalties for digitally cloning dead people without the consent of their estates.

Keeping up with technology

As corporations increasingly weave AI into Americans’ daily lives, state lawmakers passed several bills to increase AI literacy. One proposal would require a state working group to consider incorporating AI skills into math, science, history and social science curricula. Another would be to develop guidelines on how schools could use AI in the classroom.

phase was awarded to Kiewit Infrastructure

MIKE PESOLI / AP PHOTO

The Maryland Transportation Authority board awarded a $73 million contract to Kiewit Infrastructure for the first phase to rebuild the fallen Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.

See BRIDGE, page A10

Judge allows smoking to continue in Atlantic City casinos; workers protest

Anti-smoking workers vowed to continue pushing for smoke-free casinos

By Wayne Parry

The Associated Press

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — A judge on Friday allowed smoking to continue in Atlantic City’s casinos, giving some measure of relief to the city’s struggling casino industry while rebuffing workers who have long sought to be able to breathe clean air on the casino floor.

Superior Court Judge Patrick Bartels’ ruling was a major victory for the city’s nine casinos.

But it was a significant setback for workers who have been trying for four years to ban smoking in their workplaces, first by trying to get lawmakers to change the law and then by filing a lawsuit. A lawyer for the workers said she would ask the state Supreme Court to consider the case on an expedited basis.

The casinos had warned that thousands of jobs and millions in gambling revenue and taxes could be lost if smoking was banned.

“We are gratified by the court’s decision to dismiss the plaintiff’s complaint and deny its attempt to change the Smoke-Free Air Act outside of the legislative process,” said Mark Giannantonio, president of Resorts Casino and the Casino Association of New Jersey.

He said the industry, the city and the main casino workers union, Local 54 of Unite Here, “have taken significant steps over the years to create a healthier environment for employees and patrons, including limiting smoking to just a fraction of the floor space.”

Atlantic City casino workers fly an anti‑smoking flag during a rally in Trenton, New Jersey. A judge ruled last Friday smoking will continue to be allowed in Atlantic City casinos.

today’s outcome is disappointing, our determination remains unshaken.”

White said the ruling gives legislators “even more reason to uphold their responsibility to finally do the right thing and pass the bipartisan legislation that New Jerseyans overwhelmingly support,” he said. “It’s time to make things right for the thousands of us workers still working and living without the same protection afforded to every New Jerseyan.”

Nancy Erika Smith, who argued the case on behalf of the workers, decried the ruling and promised to appeal it.

“While the rest of the nation moves away from poisoning workers for profits, New Jersey shames itself,” she said in a written statement. “As long as the Governor, the Legislature, and the Courts allow the extremely rich casino industry to poison its workers, we will continue our fight.”

The lawsuit filed in April by the United Auto Workers, representing dealers at the Bally’s, Caesars and Tropicana casinos, sought to overturn New Jersey’s indoor smoking law, which bans it in virtually every workplace except casinos.

In a May 13 hearing before the judge in Trenton, Smith raised equal protection under the law and what she called a constitutional right to safety. The judge, however, said the workers’ “reliance on a constitutional right to safety is not well-settled law” and predicted they would not be likely to prevail with such a claim.

The state attorney general’s office emphasized the possibility that a smoking ban could reduce tax revenue that funds programs for New Jersey’s senior citizens and disabled residents.

Atlantic City implemented a smoking ban in 2008. Still, it quickly repealed it after the casinos experienced a revenue drop of nearly 20% in two weeks, according to Seth Ptasiewicz, an attorney for casino workers who want to keep the current smoking policy.

Smoking opponents dispute that the casinos would lose business, citing a study showing casinos that ended smoking did better financially without it.

Anti-smoking workers vowed to continue pushing for smokefree casinos.

“This fight is far from over,” said Lamont White, a Borgata dealer and a leader of the anti-smoking movement. “While

“We look forward to continuing to work with stakeholders towards a solution that addresses the health concerns of our employees while also protecting the collective interest and well-being of the entire Atlantic City workforce,” Giannantonio said.

X blockade makes Brazilians feel disconnected; divides politicians, citizens

The feud between Elon Musk and a high court judge is over free speech, far-right accounts and misinformation

By Gabriela Sá Pessoa

The Associated Press

SAO PAULO — The blocking of social media platform X in Brazil divided users and politicians over the legitimacy of the ban, and many Brazilians on Saturday had difficulty and doubts over navigating other social media in its absence.

The shutdown of Elon Musk’s platform started early Saturday, making it largely inaccessible on both the web and through mobile apps after the billionaire refused to name a legal representative to the country, missing a deadline imposed by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The blockade marks an escalation in a monthslong feud between Musk and de Moraes over free speech, far-right accounts and misinformation.

Brazil is one of the biggest markets for X, with tens of millions of users.

“I’ve got the feeling that I have no idea what’s happening in the world right now. Bizarre,” entertainment writer and heavy X user Chico Barney wrote on Threads. Threads is a text-based app developed by In-

BRIDGE from page A9

in a statement following the board meeting that Kiewit will have “exclusive negotiating rights” for the second phase. “If a guaranteed maximum price is not agreed upon, the MDTA will deliver the work under a separate contracting mechanism,” the statement read.

Officials have said the new bridge will be taller than the old one to accommodate ever-larger ships entering Baltimore’s

stagram that Barney was using as an alternative. “This Threads algorithm is like an all-youcan-eat restaurant where the waiter keeps serving things I would never order.”

Bluesky, a social media platform launched last year as an alternative to X, and other more established sites have seen a large influx of Brazilians in the past couple of days. Bluesky said last Friday that about 200,000 new users from Brazil signed up during that time, and the number “continues to grow by the minute.”

X is less prevalent in Brazil than Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or TikTok. However, it remains an important platform on which Brazilians engage in political debates and is highly influential among politicians, journalists and other opinion-makers.

De Moraes said X would stay suspended until it complied with his orders. He also set a daily fine of 50,000 reais ($8,900) for people or companies using virtual private networks, or VPNs, to access it. Some legal experts questioned the grounds for that decision and how it would be enforced. Others suggested the move was authoritarian.

The Brazilian Bar Association said last Friday in a statement that it would request the Supreme Court review the fines imposed on all citizens using

harbor. The original Key Bridge took five years to construct and opened in 1977.

The March bridge collapse killed six members of a road work crew who were filling potholes on the bridge when it came crashing down into the water below. Baltimore’s busy port was closed for months after the collapse, and increased traffic congestion in the region remains a problem for drivers.

The FBI is investigating the circumstances leading to the col-

Whether to ban smoking is one of the most controversial issues not only in Atlantic City casinos but also in other states where workers have expressed concern about secondhand smoke. They are waging similar campaigns in Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Kansas and Virginia.

Currently, smoking is allowed on 25% of the casino floor in Atlantic City. However, those areas are not contiguous, and the practical effect is that secondhand smoke is present in varying degrees throughout casinos.

After years of stalled efforts to get lawmakers to change the law, the anti-smoking workers brought the lawsuit. After a bill to end smoking advanced out of a state Senate committee, other lawmakers introduced a competing bill that would continue to allow smoking on 25% of the casino floor but reconfigure where it is permitted. Under the bill, no employee would be forced to work in a smoking area against their will.

VPNs or other means to access X without due process. Brazil’s bar association argued that sanctions should only be imposed summarily after ensuring an adversarial process and the right to full defense.

“I’ve used VPNs a lot in authoritarian countries like China to continue accessing news sites and social networks,” Maurício Santoro, a political science professor at the State University of Rio de Janeiro, said on the platform before its shutdown. “It never occurred to me that this tool would be banned in Brazil. It’s dystopian.” A search last Friday on X showed hundreds of Brazilian users inquiring about VPNs that could enable them to continue using the platform by making it appear they are logging on from outside the country.

“Tyrants want to turn Brazil into another commie dictatorship, but we won’t back down. I repeat: do not vote on those

lapse, including power outages experienced by the cargo ship Dali while it was docked in Baltimore.

The state transportation board also approved a proposal to remit the proceeds from a recent $350 million insurance payout to the federal government. Officials called the decision a show of good faith as discussions continue about whether the federal government will cover 100% of the cleanup and rebuilding costs. Chubb,

who don’t respect free speech. Orwell was right,” right-wing congressman Nikolas Ferreira, one of former President Jair Bolsonaro’s closest allies, published before X went off. Musk replied with an emoji suggesting agreement: 100.

Ferreira is a 28-year-old YouTuber who received the most votes of the 513 elected federal lawmakers in the 2022 election. De Moraes ordered the block of his social media accounts after a mob of Bolsonaro supporters attacked Brazil’s Congress, presidential palace and Supreme Court in January 2023, seeking to overturn the election.

Lawmaker Bia Kicis said, “The consequences of Alexandre de Moraes’ attacks on Elon Musk, X and Starlink will be regrettable for Brazilians.” She also urged Rodrigo Pacheco, the president of the country’s Senate, to act. Kicis has repeatedly urged Pacheco to open im-

the company that insured the bridge, paid the state $350 million this week. Ongoing litigation will ultimately determine other liability assignments in the bridge collapse, which could become one of U.S. history’s most expensive maritime disasters.

Impacted businesses have joined Baltimore’s mayor and city council in filing claims, arguing the owner and manager of the Dali should have to pay damages. Underwood Energy, a

peachment proceedings against the Supreme Court justice.

“We need to leave this state of apathy and stop the worst from happening,” the pro-Bolsonaro lawmaker, whose profiles were temporarily blocked by de Moraes in 2022, also said.

The former president said on Instagram that X’s departure from Brazil was “another blow to our freedom and legal security.”

Last Friday, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva backed de Moraes’ decision and criticized Musk for acting as though he was above the law during an interview with Radio MaisPB.

“Any citizen, from anywhere in the world, who has investments in Brazil, is subject to the Brazilian Constitution and laws. Therefore, if the Supreme Court has decided for citizens to comply with certain things, they either have to comply or take another course of action,” Lula said.

Baltimore-based company that transports hazardous materials, filed a new claim Thursday based on revenue losses associated with the bridge collapse. Hazmat trucks are not allowed in two tunnels under the Baltimore harbor, so those vehicles “now must make a 30-mile detour to cross the Patapsco River,” the complaint says. Officials said they expect federal taxpayers to eventually be made whole for replacing the bridge, but that may take a while.

ERALDO PERES / AP PHOTO Brazilian Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexandre de Moraes blocked X on Saturday.

WAYNE PARRY / AP PHOTO

As Beijing’s grip tightens, more Hong Kongers tune out news

Press freedom has narrowed since Beijing imposed a national security law in 2020

By Kanis Leung The Associated Press

HONG KONG — Hannah

Wong cried when the Hong Kong government forced Apple Daily and Stand News out of business three years ago. Among the last news outlets in the city willing to criticize the government openly, many saw their end as a sign that the old Hong Kong was gone for good.

Today, the 35-year-old makeup artist says she’s gone from reading the news daily to reducing her intake drastically to protect herself from despair.

Four years into a crackdown on dissent that’s swept up democracy-leaning journalists, activists and politicians in this autonomously governed Chinese city, many people are tuning out the news. It’s a striking sign of change in a city that used to pulse with talk, from morning conversations over newspapers in bustling dim sum restaurants to lively debates on social media throughout the day to evening discussions at dinner tables.

Wong says it’s too hard to read the headlines but avoiding them left her feeling more disconnected. “There’s a loss of the sense of belonging to this place.”

Press freedom has narrowed since Beijing imposed a national security law in 2020.

In 2021, Apple Daily and Stand News closed down after the arrests of their top management. Hong Kong was ranked 135 out of 180 territories in Re-

porters Without Borders’ latest World Press Freedom Index, down from 80 in 2021.

On Thursday, two former editors of Stand News were convicted in the first sedition case involving media since the former British colony returned to China’s rule in 1997. The judge said their outlet became a tool for smearing the Beijing and Hong Kong governments during the huge anti-government protests in 2019.

After the verdict, the Hong Kong government said that press freedom is not restricted when journalists base their reporting on facts.

Francis Lee, a journalism and communication professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said the city’s politics are one factor driving news avoidance.

In early 2023, a survey conducted by Lee’s team at the Center for Communication and Public Opinion Survey found that about 4 in 10 Canton-

ese-speaking adults in Hong Kong agreed or strongly agreed that they sometimes want to avoid news about the changing social or political environment in Hong Kong.

Lee said people who don’t trust the government are likelier to tune out the news, such as democracy supporters who tend to view the city’s recent changes negatively. When people perceive the outlets as unable to perform, they are more inclined to avoid the news.

Residents like Wong said the remaining media now largely echoes government narratives.

Chan Kim-ching, who conducts independent research on the city’s land and development issues at the Liber Research Community, said the organization’s work used to drive public conversations that could last two to three days when it made headlines. Chan would hear people talking about it in diner-like cha chaan teng restaurants. The government, facing

pressure, might respond. While the impact on his group is not severe, he said they feel their “efforts are twice as hard but only half as effective” when attempting to engage the public with some critical issues. He added that people still talked about their reports when they covered topics like animal rights.

Julian Ng said there was little room left to make a difference, and under the security law, he no longer dared share news reports or his comments online. He’s prioritized his personal goals after the challenging years of the COVID-19 pandemic. “It turns out this lifestyle is quite happy,” he said. But even as political discussion goes quiet, many said it shouldn’t be mistaken for apathy.

Wong noted the verdict in the Stand News sedition case, even though it made her feel that “there wasn’t even a 0.001% hope” as qualities that made her proud of Hong Kong were lost.

Others are still trying to keep them alive. In 2022, veteran journalist Catherine Chan co-founded The Witness, a news outlet that focuses on court reporting.

Chan said people might not want to read the news daily, but that doesn’t mean they don’t care. Chan’s team produces podcasts with weekly updates and summaries of long trials to cater to those readers.

She said there’s still demand for court news. The value of their reports is not just that they can be read now but also that they provide a comprehensive record of the cases for the future.

“If it’s worth doing, I’ll do it, even if only one person is reading it,” she said.

China-linked ‘Spamouflage’ network mimics Americans online to sway US political debate

Russia, China and Iran have all mounted online influence operations targeting U.S. voters

By David Klepper

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

When he first emerged on social media, the user known as Harlan claimed to be a New Yorker and an Army veteran who supported Donald Trump for president. Harlan said he was 29, and his profile picture showed a smiling, handsome young man.

A few months later, Harlan transformed. Now, he claimed to be 31 and from Florida.

New research into Chinese disinformation networks targeting American voters shows Harlan’s claims were as fictitious as his profile picture, which analysts think was created using artificial intelligence.

As voters prepare to cast their ballots this fall, China has been making its plans, cultivating networks of fake social media users designed to mimic Americans. Whoever or wherever he is, Harlan is a small part of a more considerable effort by U.S. adversaries to use social media to influence and upend America’s political debate.

Analysts at Graphika, a New York-based firm that tracks online networks, traced the account back to Spamouflage, a Chinese disinformation group. Spamouflage has been known to online researchers for several years and earned its moniker by spreading large amounts of seemingly unrelated content alongside disinformation.

“One of the world’s largest covert online influence operations — an operation run by Chinese state actors — has become more aggressive in its efforts to infiltrate and to sway U.S. political conversations ahead of the election,” Jack Stubbs, Graphika’s chief intelli-

gence officer said.

Intelligence and national security officials have said that Russia, China and Iran have all mounted online influence operations targeting U.S. voters ahead of the election. Russia remains the top threat, intelligence officials say, even as Iran has become more aggressive in recent months, covertly supporting U.S. protests against the war in Gaza and attempting to hack into the email systems of the two presidential candidates.

China, however, has taken a more cautious, nuanced approach. Intelligence analysts say Beijing has slight advantage in supporting one presidential candidate. Instead, China’s disinformation efforts focus on campaign issues particularly important to Beijing — such as American policy toward Taiwan — while seeking to undermine confidence in elections, voting and the U.S. in general.

Officials have said it’s a longer-term effort that will continue well past Election Day as China and other authoritarian nations try to use the internet to erode support for democracy.

A message left with the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., was not immediately returned.

“We’re going to see a widening of the playing field when it comes to influence operations, where it’s not just Russia, China and Iran, but you also see smaller actors getting involved.”

Max Lesser, Foundation for Defense of Democracies

Compared with armed conflict or economic sanctions, online influence operations can be a low-cost, low-risk means of flexing geopolitical power. Given the increasing reliance on digital communications, online disinformation and fake information networks are only likely to increase, said Max Lesser, senior analyst for emerging threats at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a national security think tank in Washington.

“We’re going to see a widening of the playing field when it comes to influence operations, where it’s not just Russia, China and Iran, but you also see smaller actors getting in-

HP won’t drop UK claim against tech mogul’s estate

London Hewlett Packard Enterprise says it won’t drop its U.K. claim for damages against the estate of British tech mogul Mike Lynch. Lynch was killed when his superyacht sank in a storm off Sicily last month. Britain’s High Court in 2022 ruled mostly in favor of HP, which accused Lynch and his former finance director of fraud over its $11 billion takeover of his software company Autonomy. HewlettPackard is seeking up to $4 billion in damages, and the judge is expected to decide on the final sum soon. Months before the sinking, Lynch was acquitted in a separate U.S. criminal trial of fraud and conspiracy charges.

Housekeeper

strikes start at top hotel chains

Hotel housekeepers have for years waged a fierce battle to restore automatic daily room cleaning that was scaled back at many properties during the coronavirus pandemic. Many hotels have scaled back housekeeping to conserve water and energy, cut labor costs and cope with worker shortages. The dispute has taken center stage during tense contract negotiations. Thousands of workers represented by the Unite Here union left their jobs on Sunday at 24 hotels in eight cities, including Honolulu, Boston, San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego and Seattle. The strikes could expand to other cities. The labor unrest is a reminder of the pandemic’s disproportionate toll on low-wage women who are overrepresented in frontfacing service jobs.

Japan wants hardworking citizens to try 4-day workweek

volved,” Lesser said. That list could include not only nations but also criminal organizations, domestic extremist groups and terrorist organizations, Lesser said. When analysts first noticed Spamouflage five years ago, the network tended to post generically pro-China, anti-American content. In recent years, the tone sharpened as Spamouflage expanded and began focusing on divisive political topics like gun control, crime, race relations and support for Israel during its war in Gaza. The network also began creating many fake accounts designed to mimic American users.

Spamouflage accounts don’t post much original content; instead, they use platforms like X or TikTok to recycle and repost content from far-right and far-left users. Some accounts seemed designed to appeal to Republicans, while others cater to Democrats.

While Harlan’s accounts succeeded in getting traction — one video mocking President Joe Biden was seen 1.5 million times — many of the accounts created by the Spamouflage campaign did not. This is a reminder that online influence operations are often a numbers game: the more accounts and content, the better the chance that one specific post goes viral.

Many of the accounts newly linked to Spamouflage took pains to pose as Americans, sometimes in obvious ways. “I am an American,” one of the accounts proclaimed. Some accounts gave themselves away by using stilted English or strange word choices. Some were clumsier than others: “Broken English, brilliant brain, I love Trump,” read the biographical section of one account.

Harlan’s profile picture, which Graphika researchers believe was created using AI, was identical to one used in an earlier account linked to Spamouflage. Messages sent to the person operating Harlan’s accounts were not returned.

Tokyo Japan is a hardworking nation whose language has a term for literally working oneself to death. Now the government is trying to address a problematic labor shortage by coaxing more people and companies to adopt four-day workweeks. The Japanese government first expressed support for a shorter working week in 2021. However, the concept could have been catching on faster. Hoping to produce more takers, especially among small and medium-sized businesses, the government launched a “work style reform” campaign promoting shorter hours and other flexible arrangements, overtime limits and paid annual leave. The labor ministry recently started offering free consulting, grants and a growing library of success stories as further motivation.

Beginning Cash

$2,347,738,438

Receipts (income)

$428,467,180

Disbursements

$178,072,714 Cash Balance

$2,598,132,909

KIN CHEUNG / AP PHOTO

Jimmy Lai, pictured in 2020 after his tabloid, The Apple Daily, was shut down for criticizing the Chinese government, remains in a Hong Kong prison.

ERIC RISBERG / AP PHOTO

As voters prepare to cast their ballots, China has been cultivating networks of fake social media users designed to mimic Americans.

how swede it is

SC-made Volvo EX90 impresses

By Jordan Golson North State Journal

NEWPORT BEACH, Ca-

lif. — “This is exactly what I thought it would be,” I thought to myself as I slipped behind the wheel of the 2025 Volvo EX90. After a yearlong delay, Volvo’s all-electric replacement for the venerable XC90 has finally arrived, and, at first glance, it’s been worth the wait.

My test drive took me from the swanky streets of Newport Beach to the twisty mountain roads outside Los Angeles, giving me a comprehensive feel for this Swedish-designed, South Carolina-built electric SUV. And let me tell you, it’s impressive. At first glance, the EX90 is unmistakably Volvo. The Thor’s Hammer headlights remain, but with a more pronounced, electrified swagger — they actually split open to reveal the headlights in an incredible maneuver that got me 2 million views on TikTok. The traditional grille is replaced by a smooth panel, a nod to its electric heart. It’s a design that stands out in a parking lot full of luxury SUVs without shouting for attention.

Inside, Volvo has embraced minimalism with open arms. The “flying bridge” center console creates an airy feel, with clever storage solutions underneath. A wireless phone charger is prominent on the console, perhaps a nod to the smartphone-based digital key that’s the primary way of starting the car. But it’s the massive vertical touchscreen that dominates the interior. Running Google’s Android Automotive OS, it’s responsive and intuitive, offering a suite of apps from Spotify to YouTube.

Perched atop the windshield is a Luminar LIDAR sensor, a key component in Volvo’s commitment to advanced driver assistance. While its full capabilities aren’t yet realized, it promises to enable future autonomous driving features (and a pair of not-yet-enabled buttons on the steering wheel hint

toward it as well). As I navigated through traffic, I could see the system accurately tracking surrounding vehicles on the driver display — a neat party trick for now but a glimpse into a self-driving future.

The infotainment system, powered by Google, is a standout feature. The navigation, using Google Maps, is crisp and easy to use. However, the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay at launch (promised via a future update) is a notable omission.

One quirky yet impressive feature is the air quality system. Not only does it filter cabin air, but it also provides detailed information about outdoor air

quality, including specific pollen types. It’s almost comically thorough — ah, pine tree pollen is out in force today! — but allergy sufferers will undoubtedly appreciate it. Under the sheet metal, the EX90 impresses. The twin-motor all-wheel-drive setup in the top-spec model delivers a punchy 517 horsepower and 671 lb-ft of torque. Despite weighing more than three tons, it hustles from 0-60 mph in about 4.7 seconds. On twisty mountain roads, the EX90 handled surprisingly well for its size. Thanks to the floor-mounted battery pack, the low center of gravity kept

body roll in check. It’s no sports car, but it can be entertaining on a backroad jaunt.

The adaptive air suspension provides a comfortable ride, soaking up bumps with aplomb. More impressive is the cabin’s quietness — at highway speeds, it’s whisper-quiet, letting you fully appreciate the optional 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system. With Dolby Atmos support, it transforms the cabin into a rolling concert hall.

Range anxiety? The EX90 aims to alleviate that with its 111 kWh battery pack, offering an EPA-estimated range of around 300 miles. It supports DC fast charging at up to

250 kW, allowing for a 10-80% charge in about 30 minutes under optimal conditions.

More importantly, Volvo promises compatibility with Tesla Superchargers via an adapter before the end of the year, significantly expanding owners’ charging options. I wouldn’t buy one until this support (and the necessary adapters) arrives.

The EX90 doesn’t forget its family-hauler roots. The second row features a built-in booster seat in the center position — a brilliantly thoughtful touch for parents. The third row, while not spacious, is usable for shorter trips. Cargo space is ample, especially with the third row folded.

Sustainability gets a nod with the option of wool seats, a comfortable and eco-friendly (and gorgeous) alternative to leather.

The EX90 isn’t cheap, starting at around $80,000 and climbing to about $90,000 fully loaded. However, it’s competitive with other luxury electric SUVs like the BMW iX and Rivian R1S, as well as its luxury internal combustion competitors. Leasing will be popular, as buyers can get a $7,500 federal tax credit even though the EX90 is above the price limit for cash buyers.

The Volvo EX90 successfully translates Volvo’s core values of safety, luxury and Scandinavian design into the electric age. It’s not without its quirks — some software bugs need ironing out, and the lack of physical climate controls might irk some. But these are minor gripes in an otherwise impressive package, and that LIDAR sensor portends important yet unrealized self-driving features, plus some of the most cutting-edge safety tech available in a car.

For Volvo loyalists looking to go electric or EV converts seeking Scandinavian luxury, the EX90 is a compelling option. It proves that Volvo isn’t just along for the electric ride — it’s positioning itself at the forefront of the movement. The EX90 is a thoroughly considered, well-executed entry into the luxury electric SUV market. And isn’t that what we’ve come to expect from Volvo?

PHOTOS

Swing coming to Raleigh, B3

Information flow: Dave Canales prepares for first game as head coach

MLS

Atlanta ends Charlotte unbeaten streak, 1-0

Charlotte Ajani Fortune scored his first MLS goal, Brad Guzan stopped six shots and Atlanta United beat Charlotte FC 1-0. The 21-year-old Fortune, on the counter-attack, took a pass played by Xande Silva and scored in the 55th minute. Kristijan Kahlina had five saves for Charlotte. Charlotte (10-9 -8) had its four-game unbeaten streak snapped and is winless in four straight. Charlotte had scored three goals in each of back-to-back wins over Atlanta.

NCAA BASKETBALL

Atlanta will host 2031 Final Four after COVID wiped out 2020 event

Atlanta The NCAA announced Atlanta will be site of the 2031 Final Four, its first time hosting since the 2013 bracket and the sixth time the city has been awarded the event. The city previously hosted the Final Four in 2007, 2002 and 1977. Atlanta was slated to host the 2020 Final Four, but the COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of March Madness two weeks before the tournament was set to start.

PGA

Scheffler caps record season with FedEx Cup title, $25 million bonus

Atlanta Scottie Scheffler polished off the best year in golf in nearly two decades with the biggest prize. He ran off three straight birdies at the Tour Championship to pull away from Collin Morikawa. That made Scheffler the FedEx Cup champion with its $25 million bonus. Scheffler won seven times on the PGA Tour and an Olympic gold medal. The eight victories are the most since Tiger Woods in 2006. His season earnings are just over $62.2 million.

A look at the process the Panthers went through to prepare for the opener

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

DAVE CANALES makes his head coaching debut on Sunday when his Carolina Panthers open the 2024 season in New Orleans against the Saints. While he has plenty of experience as a coordinator, this will be the first time Canales goes through the game week as the guy in charge.

“The beauty of it is we had those preseason games,” Canales said. “So I can get a feel for gathering information from my staff while also being available on the defensive side, in case there’s a timeout or something I need to be involved with.”

Information gathering ap-

pears to be one of the top concerns for Canales as the Panthers hit the regular season. At each step of the head coaching process — from creating the game plan to gameday X’s and O’s, he preached the importance of having the latest data to tell him how things are going.

Putting the plan together

Canales described a collaborative process with quarterback Bryce Young to come up with a gameplan for the Saints, one that will take the entire week to perfect.

“What it comes down to is getting the flow of the exchange of information,” he said. “So as we put together the first- and second-down plan, regrouping and talking about making sure the run game is right, especially talking about the passes, the ac-

“What it comes down to is getting the flow of the exchange of information.”

Dave Canales

tions, the shock plays, the empties — whatever those things might be where Bryce feels comfortable, there’s an important dialogue that happens.”

That early-down plan is unveiled on the practice field on Wednesday. Then the coaches turn their attention to the later downs.

“Thursday is a big third-down day,” Canales said. “It’s a huge day as we start to collect information about Bryce and about our skill group. It all starts with a

protection plan. But then we get to the concepts, it’s ‘Which ones does he feel confident about? Which ones does he just feel great about?’ That conversation happens on our recap on Thursday afternoon. Then Friday, we tie in the red zone.”

The starters, including Young, only played in one preseason game — the finale against Buffalo — and the preseason plan paled in comparison to the complexity of the regular season playcalls the Panthers’ coaches will draw up for New Orleans.

“Buffalo was kind of a snapshot of a gameplan week. This week, we’ll have a full game plan,” he said. “As we organize our call sheet, it all reflects where we feel most confident. It certainly takes into account Bryce’s feedback, really the whole

See PANTHERS , page B3

App State hoping to pull off upset in Death Valley

The Mountaineers will head down south to take on Clemson in a Week 2 matchup

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

AS HISTORY will tell you, the Appalachian State Mountaineers aren’t scared of big moments.

Time and time again, the Mountaineers have either upset or pushed to the edge top-end opponents, and they’re a team that’s always looking to disrupt someone’s schedule.

Their latest challenge, however, will be one of their toughest as they head on the road to face No. 14 Clemson.

“It’s going to be a tough challenge, one we look forward to,” said App State coach Shawn Clark. “I have a lot of respect for Coach (Dabo) Sweeney and what he does in his program. If you look at the years he’s been there, they’ve competed for championships year in and year out. We have a lot of respect for them and we’re going to have to play our absolute best to have a chance to win on Saturday.”

Last year, the Mountaineers

pushed another top ACC team in UNC to the edge in a backand-forth shootout before falling just short in double overtime, but the Tigers present a different challenge entirely.

“What impresses me is everything,” Clark said. “You look at the size, the speed they have.

There’s a reason why they’ve won national championships. There’s a reason why they’ve won ACC championships. It’s because they do the right things all the time.”

“We expect to win big games.”

Shawn Clark, Applachian State coach

Although

top of the college football world. Clemson is hoping to click with their new offensive scheme set up by a familiar face in offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, who was the running backs coach for App State back in 2019. While it may take some time for the Tigers to work things out with the skill positions, they have the benefit of having one of the top lines in the country.

“This week presents a huge challenge for us up front,” Clark said. “You watch the Georgia game this past Saturday when Clemson played Georgia, and their front four are some of the best we’ve played since I’ve been here as a position coach or head coach. They have four firstround draft picks, and they bring in the second unit and there’s not much drop-off. We have to get a lot of work done in a hurry.” App State kicked off their schedule last weekend against East Tennessee State on Saturday, cruising to a 38-10 win.

Senior quarterback Joey Aguilar had a strong showing, accounting for four of the Mountaineers’ five touchdowns.

GREG M. COOPER / AP PHOTO

Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales talks with officials during the preseason opener against the Patriots. Canales will be dealing with officials and all the rest of the gameday challenges for the first time as an NFL head coach on Sunday.

TRENDING

Kyle Manzardo:

The former Durham and second career home runs on Sunday. Manzardo was traded to Cleveland last year and became the 10th player in franchise history career home runs in the same game. The list includes Hall of Famer Lou Boudreau and All-Star Manny Ramirez.

GG Jackson:

The Memphis Grizzlies forward and former UNC commit will have surgery this week after breaking the in his right foot. Jackson, who played in college at South Carolina after reclassifying his graduation year, injured his foot while playing basketball outside of Dallas The 19-year-old was a second-round pick of Memphis in the 2023 draft. In 48 games, he averaged 14.6 points and 4.1 rebounds, earning second-team all-rookie honors.

Johnny Gaudreau:

The Columbus Blue Jackets player known as “Johnny Hockey” was killed after being hit by a car while riding a bicycle in his home state of New Jersey. He was 31 New Jersey State Gaudreau and brother Matthew were hit by a driver of a car not far from their home of Carneys Point. The driver was suspected to be of alcohol and faces two charges.

Beyond the box score

POTENT QUOTABLES

“You’re really, really good. Go win the game.”

UNC coach Mack Brown to backup quarterback Conner Harrell (pictured) after starter a season-ending injury in the opener.

“Our guys woke up a little bit and just started playing better.”

NC State coach Dave Doeren on the Wolfpack rallying from a 14-14 halftime tie to win its opener against Western Carolina.

NASCAR

Chase Briscoe went three-wide to pass Kyle Larson and Ross Chastain for the lead then outran two-time series champion Kyle Busch to win the Southern 500

Busch, who like Briscoe needed a victor y to reach the postseason.

NC State defensive player to wear the in-helmet radio communications system that debuted in this season. The redshir t senior linebacker was against Western Carolina Linebacker defensive communications person.

Patriots coach Jerod Mayo named Jacoby Brissett starting quarterback for New England’s season opener over Drake Maye Mayo said Maye, out of UNC, outplayed the ninth-year passer from NC State this preseason, but other factors, including experience, pointed to Brissett.

Tackles for loss by Duke in a seasonopening win over Elon, the most by the Blue Devils since 2007. Duke’s eight sacks were the second most since the school began tracking the stat.

Stephen Curr y signed a one-year extension with the G olden State Warr iors for 2026-27. The NBA’s all-time 3-point leader will earn nearly $63 million. Curr y is now guaranteed about $178 million for the nex t three seasons; $55.8 million for this season, $59.6 million for 2025-26 and $62.6 million — the most league rule — for 2026-27.

MICHAEL CONROY / AP PHOTO

NFL rosters feature 114 players with North Carolina connections

Every team except the Browns have at least one player from the state

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

W ITH THE NFL season

kicking off this week, football fans across the state can agree on one thing.

We hate Cleveland.

The Browns are the only NFL team without a North Carolina product on their roster. None of the players on the active roster played at a college in the state, nor grew up here. That makes Cleveland the only one of the 32 franchises without a local rooting interest here in the Old North State.

The Browns do have Wake Forest tight end Blake Whiteheart on the practice squad and NC State’s Nyheim Hines on injured reserve, but, for the purposes of our discussion, we’re focusing on the 53-man active roster for each team.

A total of 114 players have had their NFL journey go through North Carolina. Some, like Chiefs backup quarterback Carson Wentz, were born here (in Raleigh) and moved away at a very young age. Others, like Giants defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence, played here in high school and then left for an out-of-state college. Others, like Ikem Ekwonu, were raised here, went to college here (NC State) and now play for the hometown team — the Carolina Panthers.

The Falcons and Seahawks (seven each) have the most North Carolina products on their rosters. The Bills, Raiders and Giants have six each, followed by the Cowboys, Packers, Dolphins, Vikings and Buccaneers with five. The Panthers have three. Other than Cleveland, the Ravens, Jags and Eagles have the fewest, at one each. Offensive line is your best bet for making the league from this state. Of the 114 NFL players,

23 are offensive linemen, 17 play linebacker, matching defensive back and defensive line for next most. There are 15 receivers, eight quarterbacks, seven running backs, four punters, three tight ends, a pair of long snappers and a kicker. Twenty-two players were born/raised in the state but played college elsewhere: Wentz, Lawrence (Wake Forest), Jaleel McLaughlin, Broncos (Marshville), Jovaughn Gwyn, Falcons (Charlotte), Braxton Berrios, Dolphins (Raleigh), Keenan Allen, Bears (Greensboro), Bradley Pinion, Falcons (Concord), Jarran Reed, Seahawks (Goldsboro), Javon Hargrave, 49ers (Salisbury), Jonathan Bullard, Vikings (Shelby), DJ Reader, Lions (Greensboro), Carlos Watkins, Commanders (Forest City), Brock Hoffman, Cowboys (Statesville), Tyquan Lewis,

World’s largest racquet sports facility coming to Raleigh

Swing Racquet + Paddle broke ground on Aug. 14

By Asheebo Rojas North State Journal

FOR ANYONE who can’t get enough of racquet sports and those who have hopped on the recent pickleball wave, Raleigh will be the place to be pretty soon.

Swing Racquet + Paddle, a 44-acre racquet sport campus, officially broke ground Aug. 14 on its flagship facility, which will be located at 6121 M. Herman Rd. in Raleigh’s Brier Creek community.

Founded by local entrepreneur Rob Autry and business partner Jason DeGroff, the facility’s 28 tennis courts, 25 pickleball courts, 15 padel courts, 10 pingpong tables, four beach tennis and volleyball courts, and a food and beverage experience curated by celebrity chef Fabio Viviani are anticipated to be open in 2026.

Swing aims to deliver a “Sportstainment” experience in what

PANTHERS from page B1

quarterback room’s feedback.”

“The workload looks the same, but the dialogue kicks into another gear,” he said.

Putting into practice

Working with the quarterbacks will help come up with the gameplan, but then the coaches need to convey that to the rest of the team.

For that, Canales is leaning on some veteran help. Jim Cald-

will be the largest multiracquet sports facility in the world at the time of its completion.

“Racquet and paddle sports are thriving, and Swing is here to elevate the player experience for generations to come,” Autry said.

“Swing will offer much-needed court inventory while becoming a vital community hub where deeper connections and unforgettable memories are made.”

Earlier this year, Swing received a $10 million investment from the City of Raleigh to build its campus on city-owned land.

According to a press release from Swing in August, the facility is expected to drive $360 million of economic impact in its first three years and attract more than 1 million visitors to the Raleigh area annually.

It is expecting to create 300 jobs.

“We are excited to see the huge impact Swing creates in terms of jobs, tourism and special events that will bring amateurs and professionals to our region for competition,” Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin said.

“This partnership further en-

well and Dom Capers have a combined 98 years on the sideline and 240 games as NFL head coaches. Capers is a defensive mastermind, while Caldwell has an offensive background, making sure Canales has both sides of the ball covered by someone who has been around the block.

One of Caldwell and Capers’ biggest tasks in the early going has been getting Canales to delegate.

“We have a lot of conversations: ‘Do we need more information in meetings, or do we need to get them to posi-

Colts (Tarboro), Jaire Alexander, Packers (Charlotte), Harold Landry, Titans (Spring Lake), Shy Tuttle, Panthers (Winston-Salem), Rico Dowdle, Cowboys (Asheville), Landon Dickerson, Eagles (Hickory), Nick Leverett, Patriots (Salisbury), Divine Deablo, Raiders (Winston-Salem) and Nick Muse, Vikings (Belmont). The college-to-NFL pipeline starts at NC State, which sent 19 players to active rosters, more than any other school: Jacoby Brissett, Patriots; Payton Wilson and Russell Wilson, Steelers; BJ Hill and Germaine Pratt, Bengals; AJ Cole and Jakobi Meyers, Raiders; Joe Thuney, Chiefs; Ikem Ekwonu and Chandler Zavala, Panthers; James Smith-Williams and Kentavious Street, Falcons; Brayden Narveson, Packers; Alim McNeill, Lions; Gar-

rett Bradbury, Vikings; Drake Thomas, Seahawks; Justin jones, Cardinals; Marques Valdes-Scantling, Bills; and Nick McCloud, Giants. Next is UNC with 18: Mack Hollins and Mitchell Trubisky, Bills; British Brooks and MJ Stewart, Texans; Joshua Ezeudu and Jordon Riley, Giants; Storm Duck, Dolphins; Drake Maye, Patriots; Chazz Surratt, Jets; Devontez Walker, Ravens; Josh Downs, Colts; Dyami Brown, Commanders; Amani Gainer, Raiders; Javonte Williams, Broncos; Asim Richards, Cowboys; Ty Chandler, Vikings; Sam Howell, Seahawks; and Mike Hughes, Falcons. Duke took third with 14. Dewayne Carter, Bills; Michael Carter and Thomas Hennessey, Jets; Daniel Jones, Giants, Noah Gray, Chiefs; Jamison Crowder, Commanders; Josh Blackwell,

hances Raleigh’s commitment to a common connection centered on sustainability, social good and inclusion.”

Swing announced Wilson Sporting Goods as a leading sponsor in February 2023. As part of the partnership, the facility will have a Wilson stringing bar for tennis racquets, and the campus will act as a testing ground for Wilson’s new technology-driven consumer experiences, such as augmented reality, virtual reality and gamification. Wilson will make Swing the home of a satellite hub of Wilson Labs, the brand’s research and development branch for racquet sports innovation.

The facility will also offer a multiracquet sport Wilson store, showcasing the latest innovations in Wilson equipment and sportswear.

“Wilson is excited to embark

tion coaches quicker?’” Canales said. “I’d love to spend more time talking through things in a team meeting session because we’re still learning schemes. But Coach Capers encouraged me, ‘Get back to the football. Let the guys get to that so we can coach them up.’”

Gameday

He hasn’t gone through it live yet, but the last area for a new head coach to master is gameday on the sideline.

Bears; Lucas Patrick, Saints; Graham Barton, Evan Deckers, Bucs. Laken Tomlinson, Jake Bobo, Seahawks; Victor Dimukeje, Cardinals; and Jacob Monk, Packers. Wake Forest had 13: Ja’Sir Taylor, Chargers; Luke Masterson, Raiders; Justin Strnad, Broncos; Boogie Basham, Giants; Caelen Carson, Cowboys; AT Perry, Saints; Jessie Bates, Falcons; Zach Tom, Packers; Michael Jurgens, Vikings; Malik Mustapha, 49ers; Kobie Turner, Rams; Greg Dortch, Cardinals; and Kenneth Walker, Seahawks. Appalachian State rounds out the top five with eight players: Sam Martin, Bills; Kendall Lamm, Dolphins; Akeem Davis-Gaither, Bengals; Cooper Hodges, Jaguars; D’marco Jackson, Saints; Tyrek Funderburk, Bucs; Ryan Neuzil, Falcons; and Nick Hampton, Rams

Here’s a look at the rest of the schools:

• Charlotte: 5 — Grant Dubose, Dolphins; Alex Highsmith and Larry Ogunjobi, Steelers; Nate Davis, Bears; Markees Watts, Bucs

• East Carolina: 4 — Julius Wood, Titans; Ja’quan McMillian, Broncos; Linval Joseph, Cowboys; Gardner Minshew, Raiders

• Lenoir Rhyne: 2 — Kyle Dugger, Patriots; Dareke Young, Seahawks

ONE EACH

• Barton: Kameron Johnson, Bucs

• Campbell: Julian Hill, Dolphins

• Davidson: Zion Johnson, Chargers

• Elon: Oli Udoh, Saints

• Fayetteville State: Joshua Williams, Chiefs

• JC Smith: Emanuel Wilson, Packers

• NC A&T: Brandon Parker, 49ers

• NC Central: Brandon Codrington, Bills

• Wingate: Ethan Evans, Rams

the ball after it bounces off the wall.

For a breakdown of the various courts, the facility will host 10 outdoor red clay tennis courts, six outdoor hard tennis courts, six indoor hard tennis courts and six covered clay tennis courts. Per the construction rendering, the pickleball neighborhood will have 17 outdoor courts and eight additional courts in air-conditioned buildings. For padel, there will be two covered courts and 13 additional outdoor courts.

on this unique partnership with Swing, uniting tennis, pickleball and padel in a facility of unprecedented scale,” Joe Dudy, president and CEO of Wilson, said. “It’s unlike any kind of experience that athletes will ever have with the Wilson brand.”

According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s Topline Participation Report in February, pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United State for the third year in a row, having grown 51.8% from 2022 to 2023 and 223.5% in three years from 2020-23.

The campus will have three different neighborhoods each specifically for tennis, pickleball and padel. Padel, a sport of Mexican origin, is described as a mixture of squash and tennis in which the players must hit a ball over a net with a racquet in an enclosed court, but they can hit

“The biggest part is communicating with officials,” he said. “Gathering information about penalties, reviews.”

There’s also the feedback Canales and the team will be getting on the field as the gameplan either flies or comes crashing down. He’s making an adjustment to help process that information stream as well.

While many teams put their offensive and defensive coordinators upstairs in the box to get a bird’s-eye view of the field, Canales will have them

Swing partnered with Good to Great Tennis Academy, a Swedish-based tennis development program, to bring the teaching aspect to the facility.

“We knew we wanted to be sports first, and to do that, we needed somebody that was able to bring the academy component to Swing,” Cole Wilson from Swing’s growth and brand team said.

Swing also aims to create an environmentally sustainable space, utilizing a French heavy timber membrane structure over some of the courts called SMC2 to provide open air movement and shading. The facility will feature a grand lawn, an amphitheater, hiking trails and connections to existing greenways.

“We really want the design itself to feel like its completely present in the region and native to the region in a way that you couldn’t find anywhere else in the country,” JJ Kazynski, Swing’s director of design, said.

on the sideline with him.

“As we go through series — good and bad drives — they can collect information, troubleshoot things, and also, the players can feel the plan. They can feel the communication and the focus of their coach.

“Deep into the game, the second and fourth quarter, guys start to feel each other out. Those are the valuable lessons we’re going to learn about the group.”

The first day of school comes on Sunday.

ADAM HUNGER / AP PHOTO

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) take the field for a preseason game. The NFL teammates both played high school football in North Carolina, and Jones also stayed in the state for college.

COURTESY SWING NC

Swing has broken ground on what will be its flagship Raleigh facility in the Brier Creek area.

Charlotte football prepares for first matchup against UNC

32-yard pass that set up the winning 45-yard kick from Noah Burnette, who had four field goals in the game.

By Jesse Deal North State Journal

CHARLOTTE — With last weekend’s season-opening loss to James Madison in the rearview, the Charlotte 49ers football team is hoping to beat the odds as it heads to Chapel Hill for its first-ever matchup against UNC.

Kickoff for the matchup between the Niners (0-1) and Tar Heels (1-0) inside Kenan Stadium is set for 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. Charlotte is currently a 22.5-point underdog in the contest. For the Niners, this weekend’s contest marks the first of three games this season against in-state schools, joining Gardner-Webb (Sept. 14) and East Carolina (Oct. 5).

The 49ers are looking to rebound after a tough 30-7 home loss to the Dukes, while UNC is soldiering on after a 19-17 road win at Minnesota where starting quarterback Max Johnson suffered a season-ending broken leg in the third quarter.

On Monday, UNC coach Mack Brown confirmed the Tar Heels are moving forward with third-year sophomore quarterback Conner Harrell at the helm of their offense.

Harrell made an impact in his team’s two-point win over the Gophers, contributing a key

“He’s just got to get confidence and go,” Brown said. “It’s his. It’s his.”

Meanwhile, Charlotte is trying to duplicate the on-field effort it showed in the first half of its season opener, when redshirt sophomore quarterback Max Brown connected with wide receiver Isaiah Myers for a 26 -yard touchdown pass to give the Niners a brief 7-3 lead.

Everything changed when a 93-second stretch to end the second quarter and start the third led to a nine-point lead for JMU and a runaway 23-point victory for the road team.

After the game, second-year Charlotte coach Biff Poggi indicated that he saw positives in his team’s performance despite the lopsided results of the second half.

“It’s interesting because I’m not disappointed,” Poggi said.

“There were so many things they did so well that we didn’t see last year. Like I said to them at halftime, that was one of the worst halves of football you can play, and we’re down two points,”

“It’s hard to have three red-zone stops, and we had three in the first half. To get those, you gamble a little bit. The house always wins in gambling, when you have to go to the well too many times, you end up getting hurt.”

In his first regular-season game with the 49ers, Brown at-

What it was, was football

A weekly look at North Carolina college football

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

A TOTAL of 33 college and universities in North Carolina field a football team. Throughout the season, we’ll take a look at the best and the worst of the week that was and preview the week to come.

All 14 of North Carolina’s FBS and FCS teams opened their season in Week 1. While the majority of the Division II and III teams will open play this week, a handful got an early start to the year.

• North Carolina’s record: 11-12

Winners (ranked in order of impressiveness of the victory—a combination of opponent and performance):

1. Winston-Salem State: 34-3 over Bluefield State

2. John C. Smith: 21-13 over Tuskegee

3. Shaw: 17-13 over Elizabeth City State

4. Wingate: 17-12 over UNC Pembroke

5. NC Central: 31-24 over Alabama State

6. UNC: 19-17 over Minnesota

7. East Carolina: 42-3 over Norfolk State

8. Appalachian State: 38-10 over East Tennessee State

9. Wake Forest: 45-13 over NC A&T

10. Duke: 26-3 over Elon

11. NC State: 38-21 over Western Carolina

UPSET from page B1

Aguilar finished the evening with 326 yards and two touchdowns through the air while adding two touchdowns on five carries on the ground.

tempted 45 passes for Charlotte, completing 22 with two interceptions for 193 yards, while starting running back Terron Kellman had 76 yards on nine carries.

“I take a lot of the responsibility for that loss on myself,” Brown said. “I can’t turn the ball over. Usually when you lose the turnover margin, you lose the game. I have to understand the importance of taking care of the ball. It’s understanding what you can do better going into next week and taking advantage of the week in practice and watching film.”

Coming off back-to-back 3-9 seasons, the Niners’ faithful inside Richardson Stadium were crossing their fingers for a more promising start to the 2024 campaign than what they got.

“We were down two points going into the half, so even down two points going into the half — knowing that you played the way things shouldn’t have gone in the first half — it’s kind of promising,” Brown added. “You just have to be able to move past it and understand.”

Charlotte’s new quarterback did succeed in establishing a rapport with senior wideout Sean Brown, who notched a team-best 70 yards from six catches. While eight other players were targeted in the passing game, Brown was the only one to rack up over 45 receiving yards.

Facing the Tar Heels this weekend, Charlotte’s defense will be tasked with limiting UNC standout running back Omarion Hampton, who ran the ball 30 times for 129 total yards

against Minnesota. The Niners allowed 198 rushing yards on Saturday, averaging out to nearly 5 yards per carry for the Dukes.

Despite the familiar optics that the season opener presented, Poggi remains confident — at least rhetorically — that his Niners are on the up and up.

“If you sat in that stadium and you watched that game and you don’t think this is a significantly better team than last year, then you don’t know what the hell you’re talking about,” he said after the Week 1 game.

The validity of Poggi’s remarks will be tested in Chapel Hill this weekend, showcasing a rebuilt Charlotte team that is attempting to demonstrate a semblance of competitiveness on the field.

The top six teams all opened with teams from their own division, which automatically earned a ranking higher than a win, no matter how lopsided, over a lower-division foe. Wake, Duke and State all had sluggish starts and took a while to find their rhythm.

Losers (ranked in order of impressiveness, despite the result):

1. Western Carolina: 38-21 at NC State

2. Gardner Webb: 21-20 to Wofford

3. NC A&T: 45-13 at Wake Forest

4. Elon: 26-3 at Duke

5. Campbell: 41-24 at Liberty

6. UNC Pembroke: 17-12 to Wingate

7. Elizabeth City State: 17-13 to Shaw

8. Davidson: 46-24 to Georgetown

9. Charlotte: 30-7 to James Madison

10. Mars Hill: 47-16 to Delta State

11. Livingstone: 38-7 to Charleston

12. St. Andrews: 52-0 to Erskine

Name Game: NC Central’s win over Alabama State gave the Eagles the Orange Blossom Classic title. JC Smith won the Red Tail Classic at the history Cramton Bowl. There are more Name Games this week as Guilford and Greensboro College play for the Soup Bowl title, while UNC Pembroke and Fayetteville State clash in the Two Rivers Classic. NC State will play in the Duke’s Mayo Kickoff at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. State title: Also known as the Mack Brown trophy — we had five in-state skirmishes this week.

• Duke 1-0 • NC State 1-0 • Wake Forest 1-0 • Shaw 1-0 • Wingate 1-0

• Elon 0-1

• Western Carolina 0-1

• NC A&T 0-1

• Elizabeth City State 0-1

• UNC Pembroke 0-1

State title games this week:

• Campbell at Western Carolina

• Charlotte at UNC

• Catawba at Davidson

• Elon at NC Central

• Winston-Salem State at NC A&T

• Chowan at Elizabeth City State

• UNC Pembroke at Fayetteville State

• Guilford at Greensboro

Out of state battles for Week 2: Appalachian State heads to Death Valley to face Clemson. NC State faces Tennessee in Char-

Senior receiver Kaedin Robinson led the team in receiving yards with 103 on eight catches, and both senior tight end Eli Wilson and senior receiver Christian Horn hauled in touchdowns — Horn having had the longest play of the evening going 83 yards for his score. App State will need to keep that offense clicking if they want to have a chance against the Tigers in Death Valley. “We expect to win big games,” Clark said. “I guess the secret is out that we play well in big games, but you watch the tape, and they have a very good football team. They just happened to play one of the best in the country on Saturday. You look and it was 6-0 at halftime. The score is what it is, but they gave Georgia all they wanted for three quarters.”

lotte. Wake Forest hosts Virginia in its ACC conference opener. Duke travels to Northwestern for a Friday night game. Gardner-Webb travels to James Madison, who will be trying to knock off its second-straight N.C. opponent. Barton has a Friday game against West Virginia State, JC Smith travels to Morehouse. Lenoir-Rhyne faces Bowie State. Livingston gets Virginia University of Lynchburg. Shaw faces Albany State. Brevard gets Hampden Sydney. Methodist takes on Shenandoah. NC Wesleyan takes on Averett. St. Andrews heads to Anderson.

All-state performances for Week 1:

Top quarterback: App State’s Joey Aguilar threw for two touchdowns, ran for two and racked up 326 passing yards.

Top running backs: JC Smith’s Quavaris Crouch had 161 yards and a 75-yard touchdown. Central’s J’Mari Taylor had 128 yards, two rushing touchdowns and a touchdown catch.

Despite their impressive 40 -game home winning streak having been broken last year, Clemson still has one of the best home-field advantages in college football at Memorial Stadium.

NC Central quarterback Walker Harris (3) celebrates as running back J’Mari Taylor (4), center, pushes through the Alabama State defense for a touchdown during the Orange Blossom Classic.

Top receivers: Campbell’s Sincere Brown had five catches for 126 yards. NC State’s Kevin Concepcion had 121 yards and three touchdowns on nine catches.

Top special teamers: Wake Forest’s Taylor Morin had a 73yard punt return touchdown to go with his 100 receiving yards. UNC’s Noah Burnette had four field goals, including a 52-yarder and two other 40-plus kicks.

Top defensive lineman: Duke’s Vincent Anthony Jr. had two sacks, two TFLs and six stops. Wingate’s Kai Russell had five tackles, a TFL and half a sack.

Top linebacker: Duke’s Cameron Bergeron had a teamhigh eight tackles, 2.5 TFL and half a sack. Winston-Salem State’s Jamieson “Jupe” Alston had four tackles, 1.5 TFL, a sack and a pass breakup.

Top defensive backs: Winston-Salem State’s Justin Fleming had a 63-yard pick six. Elon’s Caleb Curtain had three pass breakups and an interception.

“This is a place you dream about playing,” Clark said. “It’s going to be a hostile environment, one of the best environments in all of college football, and they have a very passionate fan base like ours. We’ve been in these situations before, though. So the moment won’t be too big for our players.

“It’s a challenge we look forward to, and we just want to make sure we make App State proud this weekend.”

The Niners are coming off a 30-7 home loss to JMU

REBECCA BLACKWELL / AP PHOTO

NICK WASS / AP PHOTO

Charlotte coach Biff Poggi, shown here against Maryland last September, will lead the 49ers

into their first-ever game against UNC.

‘Deadpool’ remains on top, ‘Reagan’ beats expectations on sluggish

Just like in the movies, Deadpool can’t be killed

By Kaitlyn Huamani The Associated Press

FOR THE SECOND weekend

in a row, “Deadpool & Wolverine,” Marvel’s smash hit that has shattered records and become the best-selling R-rated movie of all time, topped the charts, with other holdovers from the summer following behind. After six weeks in theaters, the film made $15.2 million domestically Friday through Sunday, and it’s expected to cross the domestic $600 million mark following Monday’s Labor Day holiday. The Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman superhero flick will be one of only 16 titles to hit that milestone.

“Reagan,” a biopic starring Dennis Quaid as the 40th U.S. president, was the only new release competitive with holdover films that opened earlier this summer. Exceeding projections, the first full-length film about President Ronald Reagan earned $7.4 million over the three-day weekend, with an estimated cumulative total of $9.2 million.

Audiences have reacted to the movie positively, giving it an A CinemaScore and a 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have been less receptive, giving it a 19% rating and deem-

TAKE NOTICE

CUMBERLAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF JOHN LEE DOUGLAS Cumberland County Estate File No. 24 E 1387

Labor Day weekend

Dennis Quaid stars in “Reagan,” which earned $7.4 million over the three-day weekend.

ing it rotten on the popular ratings site. It ranked No. 4 on the charts.

The summer movie season, which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, was full of surprises, flops and overperformers. “Deadpool,” “Despicable Me 4,” “Inside Out 2,” and “Twisters” brought in impressive earnings and remained on the charts for several weeks after their releases, with all four titles claiming spots in the top 10 Labor Day weekend.

“If you were to write up a blue-

All persons, firms and corporations having claims against John Lee Douglas, deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are notified to present their claims to Davis W. Puryear, Administrator, at HUTCHENS LAW FIRM, LLP, 4317 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28312, on or before the 30th day of November, 2024 (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Administrator named above.

This the 21st day of August, 2024.

Davis W. Puryear Administrator of the Estate of John Lee Douglas

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

Run dates: August 29, September 5, September 12 and September 19, 2024

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF JUANITA CUNNINGHAM Cumberland County Estate File No. 24 E 1328

All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Juanita Cunningham, deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are notified to present their claims to Davis W. Puryear, Administrator, at 4317 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28311, on or before the 6th day of December, 2024 (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Administrator named above.

This the 28th day of August, 2024.

Davis W. Puryear Administrator of the Estate of Juanita Cunningham Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey

print of perhaps the most unpredictable summer ever, 2024 might be just that,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore. “May gave us a challenge, but June, July and the beginning of August delivered.”

The cumulative summer box office clocked in at more than $3.6 billion domestically — a dip of 10% from 2023’s $4 billion season that could likely be attributed to the “Barbenheimer” box office craze that drew crowds en masse to see “Barbie” and

“Oppenheimer” last summer. The close of the season brought what Dergarabedian described as a “stranglehold” of familiar summer hits on box office rankings, with “Alien: Romulus” and “It Ends With Us” rounding out the top three for the second weekend in a row. Six of the top 10 films of the weekend had been playing for three or more weeks.

“Alien: Romulus” placed second, earning $9.3 million from Friday through Sunday. The scifi horror film, directed by Fede Álvarez and starring Cailee Spaeny, Isabela Merced and David Jonsson, has earned $88.8 million domestically.

“It Ends With Us” ranked No. 3 for the third consecutive weekend, earning just over $7.4 million with a slight edge over “Reagan.” The Sony movie, starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, is projected to reach a domestic total of $136 million after the weekend.

In a surprise bump, “Twisters” rounded out the top five with $7.2 million in its seventh week in theaters. Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones star in the standalone sequel to the 1996 hit “Twister.”

“Afraid,” a horror-thriller with an AI villain, made $3.7 million in one of the weekend’s modest openings, with Sony projecting $4.5 million in earnings through Monday. It came in ninth place in the weekend rankings. The

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE NO. 24-E-268

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND

Notice

The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Mary Jones Carrington McNeill deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before 05 of December, 2024(which day is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 28 day of August ,2024

Robert H Carrington Jr Administrator/Executor 2118 Coinjock Cir Fayetteville NC 28304 Of the Estate of Mary Jones Carrington McNeill Deceased

NOTICE

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE # 24E1180 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND

Having qualified as the Executor of the Estate of Christine Burgess, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at 319 Carriage Lane,North Augusta, SC 29841, on or before December 5, 2024, or the notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. Dated this 5th day of September, 2024. Barbara Walker, Executor of the Estate of Christine Burgess 319 Carriage Lane North Augusta, SC 29841 803-257-6135

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF Donald J. Albin Cumberland County Estate File No. 24 E 351

All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Donald J. Albin, deceased, of Nassau County, New York, are notified to present their claims to Marion A. Albin, Administrator, at 6 Northfield Rd. Glen Cove, NY 11542, on or before the 23rd day of November, 2024 (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Administrator named above. This the 19th day of August, 2024.

Marion A. Albin Administrator of the Estate of Donald J. Albin

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

Run dates: August 22, August 29, September 5 and September 12, 2024

Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Constantine G. Patronis, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms, 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 November 29, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. Dated this 29th day of August, 2024.

Athanasia M. Patronis, Executor of the Estate of Constantine G. Patronis

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 EXECUTOR

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF BOBBIE PATRICIA GANN

Cumberland County

Estate File No. 24 E 1354

All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Bobbie Patricia Gann, deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are notified to present their claims to Donna Lee Landers, Executor, at 208 Faison Ave. Apt. A. Fayetteville, NC 28304, on or before the 30th day of November, 2024 (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Executor named above.

This the 20th day of August, 2024. Donna Lee Landers

Executor of the Estate of Bobbie Patricia Gann Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm

Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311

Run dates: August 29, September 5, September 12, and September 19, 2024

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF NOAH GROSSMAN

Cumberland County

Estate File No. 24 E 1258

All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Noah Grossman, deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are notified to present their claims to Sandy Barton, Administrator, at 2601 Adkins Hill Dr., Fayetteville, NC 28306, on or before the 16th day of November (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Executor/ Administrator named above.

This the 6th day of August, 2024.

Sandy Barton Administrator of the Estate of Noah Grossman Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm

Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311

Run dates: 8/15, 8/22, 8/29 and 9/5/2024

Blumhouse Productions and Colombia Pictures release follows John Cho and Katherine Waterston as a couple whose family is chosen to test a new AI assistant. Unsurprisingly, the technology spins out of control and threatens the lives of the family and those around them.

Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut “Blink Twice” landed softly the last weekend of August, bringing in $4.7 million in its second weekend. In another quiet opening, “1992,” which centers on a turbulent Los Angeles amid deadly riots during the titular year, made a meager $1.4 million Friday through Sunday. Distributor Lionsgate projects that the total will bump up to $1.6 million after Labor Day. The drama is the third sluggish opening Lionsgate has seen at the unofficial end of summer. Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Domestic figures were released on Monday.

1. “Deadpool & Wolverine,” $15.2 million

2. “Alien: Romulus,” $9.3 million

3. “It Ends With Us,” $7.4 million

4. “Reagan,” $7.4 million

5. “Twisters,” $7.2 million

6. “Blink Twice,” $4.7 million

7. “The Forge,” $4.6 million

8. “Despicable Me 4,” $4.1 million

9. “Afraid,” $3.7 million

10. “Inside Out 2,” $2.8 million

Administrator’s Notice IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE 24-E-229

State of North Carolina Cumberland County NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having qualified as the Administrator of the Estate of Else L. Kennedy, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms or corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned at 5337 Plateau Court, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28303, on

c/o Gilliam Law Firm, PLLC J. Duane Gilliam, Jr., Attorney PO Box 53555 Fayetteville, NC 28305 9/5/2024, 9/12/2024, 9/19/2024 and 9/26/2024

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA In The General Court of Justice COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND Superior Court Division Estate File# 2024E 001267 Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice The undersigned, having qualified as Patricia M Lowe of the Estate of James Frederick McKeithan, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before December 1, 2024 or the notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payments to the undersigned. This 19th day of August 2024 Patricia M Lowe Administrator/Executor Address: 406 Andrew Ave, Timberlake NC 27583 Of the Estate of James Frederick McKeithan Deceased

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA in the General Court of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court

RON BATZDORFF / SHOWBIZ DIRECT VIA AP

to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 29th day of August, 2024. Mamie Roseborough Humphrey Administrator 850 Johnson Farm Rd Fayetteville , NC 28311 Of the Estate Of Willie Catherine Roseborough , Deceased

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA County of Cumberland

In The General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Estate File#.2022 E. 002053 Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice

The undersigned, having Qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Tynicia D Walton, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 29rd day of November, 2024 (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 20th day of August, 2024

Ronald Edward Walton 4025 Hunting Path Drive Hope Mills, NC 28348 Of the Estate of Tynicia D Walton, Deceased 08/29,09/05,09/12,09/19/2024

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE 24-E-1169 State of North Carolina Cumberland County NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having qualified as the Executor of the Estate of Alton Earl Smith, Jr., late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms or corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned at 6735 Fire Department Road, Hope Mills, North Carolina 28348, on or before November 15, 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 15th day of August, 2024. Rose Smith Kennedy aka Lila Rose Kennedy Executor of the Estate of Alton Earl Smith, Jr., Deceased c/o Gilliam Law Firm, PLLC J. Duane Gilliam, Jr., Attorney PO Box 53555 Fayetteville, NC 28305 08/15/2024, 08/22/2024, 08/29/2024 and 09/05/2024

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION

ESTATE FILE NO. 23-E-1166

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND

Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Johnny Ray Vines, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms, 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 November 22, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. Dated this 22nd day of August, 2024. Amy Vines, Administrator of the Estate of Johnny Ray Vines 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

NOTICE

In The General Court of Justice Superior Court Division

Before the Clerk Estate File #24 E 1335

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE

The undersigned having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Henry Lee Pierce, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 2nd day of December, 2024, (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 21st day of August, 2024. Ida M. Pierce Administrator/Executor 6458 Ginger Cir Fayetteville, NC 28314 Of the Estate of Henry Lee Pierce, Deceased

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, JOSHUA C. BURT, having qualified as the Administrator of the Estate of ANTHONY S HARRIS, Deceased, hereby notifies all persons, firms or corporations having claims against the Decedent

RANDOLPH

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA 24 SP 108 RANDOLPH COUNTY

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Jeanette Covington, Colleen Covington and Waver Davis Covington to John R. Williamson, Trustee, which was dated March 26, 1999 and recorded on March 31, 1999 in Book 1601 at Page 1202, Randolph County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the Note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, NC R.E. Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of trust, and the holder of the Note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale, September 17, 2024 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder the following described property situated in Randolph County, North Carolina, to wit: LOT NOS. 37 AND 39 OF EASTOVER, A PLAT OF WHICH IS TO BE FOUND OF RECORD IN PLAT BOOK 1, PAGE 199, IN THE OFFICE 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 543 Woodlawn St., Asheboro, NC 27203

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

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. 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 prior encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owners of the property are Mary Frances Williams Covington and Jessee Harolds Williams.

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 parties in possession of the property, by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the Notice of Sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least ten (10) days, but not more than ninety (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 [N.C.G.S. §45-21.16A(B)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

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

NC R.E. Trustee, LLC,

Substitute Trustee

Aaron B. Anderson, Attorney Attorneys for NC R.E. Trustee, LLC 5710 Oleander Dr., Ste. 204 Wilmington, NC 28403

GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 23SP003315-910 NORTH CAROLINA WAKE COUNTY

AMENDED NOTICE OF SALE IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE UNDER THAT POWER OF SALE GRANTED IN THE DECLARATION OF COVENANTS AND PROVISIONS OF STONEBRIDGE HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., RECORDED AT BOOK 5942, PAGE 390 AND AS AMENDED, WAKE COUNTY REGISTRY, CONCERNING HARPER HOMES, LLC; JUSTIN R. WINSTEAD AND SPOUSE, IF ANY AND ASHLEY B. WINSTEAD AND SPOUSE, IF ANY

AMENDED NOTICE OF ASSOCIATION’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the Declaration of Covenants and Provisions of Stonebridge Homeowners’ Association, Inc., recorded at Book 5942 Page 390 and as amended; and because of default in the payment of the indebtedness secured by said Declaration and failure of performance of the stipulations and agreements therein contained, and pursuant to the Order entered in 23SP003315-910, Superior Court of Wake County, North Carolina, the undersigned Trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate located in Wake County, North Carolina: Legal Description: Being all of Lot 82, Stonebridge III Subdivision, as shown on a map recorded in Book of Maps 1983 Page 759, and re-recorded in Book of Maps 1985, Pages 2042 and 2043, Wake County Registry. Being also known as 2005 Countrywood North Road Raleigh, NC 27615 Present Record Owners: Harper Homes, LLC Prior Record Owners: Justin R. Winstead, and spouse, if any Ashley B. Winstead, and spouse, if any Property Address: 2005 Countrywood North, Raleigh, North Carolina 27615 A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, or Seven Hundred Fifty and 00/100 Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered at the time of the sale. Any successful bidder shall be required to tender the full balance of the purchase price so bid in cash or certified check at the time the Trustee tenders to him a deed for the property or attempts to tender such deed and should said successful bidder fail to pay the full balance purchase price so bid at that time, he shall remain liable on his bid. This sale will be held open ten (10) days for upset bids as required by law. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

If the Trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without knowledge of the Trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Trustee, in his sole discretion, if he believes the challenge to have merit, may request the Court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. The real estate will be sold subject to any and all superior liens, including taxes and special assessments, if any. Upon the conclusion of the sale an order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S.§45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of this Court. If you occupy the property pursuant to a rental agreement please note that any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving notice of said sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor (homeowner) has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of termination. The sale will be held open for ten (10) days for upset bids as required by law. THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE

CABARRUS

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 22 SP 144

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Gregory Garner and Laura Garner (PRESENT RECORD

OWNER(S): Gregory Garner and Laura Garner) to Michael Lyon, Trustee(s), dated November 20, 2015, and recorded in Book No. 11683, at Page 0229 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 Office of the Register of Deeds Cabarrus County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that

CUMBERLAND 23 SP 626

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 Billy E Curry Jr and Angela N Curry to David W. Allred, Trustee(s), which was dated April 20, 2006 and recorded on April 20, 2006 in Book 7211 at Page 004, 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

the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Concord, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on September 9, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Huntersville in the County of Cabarrus, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 87 of Fullerton Place Subdivision, Phase 3, Map 3, as same is shown on map thereof recorded in Plat Book 68, Pages 82 & 83, Cabarrus county, North Carolina Public Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 10335 Rutledge Ridge Drive, Huntersville, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%)

default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on September 11, 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 15 as shown on a plat entitled “PINE PARK, PROPERTY OF M.T. TAYLOR” duly recorded in Plat Book 19, Page 78, Cumberland County, North Carolina Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 226 Eunice Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28311. A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater,

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 24SP000594 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY LANDER J. WILLIAMS AND LANDER J. WILLIAMS, JR. DATED AUGUST 24, 2001 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 5546, AT PAGE 718 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 therein contained 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 Cumberland County courthouse at 1:30 PM on September 18, 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 by Lander J. Williams; Lander J. Williams, Jr., dated August 24, 2001 to secure the original principal amount of $61,215.00, and recorded in Book No. 5546, at Page 718 of the Cumberland County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 5 054 Belinda Lane, Parkton, NC 28371 Tax Parcel ID:

24 SP 92 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 Afra V McClanahan a/k/a Afra V. Mclanahan a/k/a Afra McClanahan to BB&T Collateral Service Corporation, Trustee(s), which was dated September 25, 2015 and recorded on October 16, 2015 in Book 09741 at Page 0277, 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 offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the

24 SP 28 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY

county courthouse for conducting the sale on September 18, 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: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in Pearce’s Mill Township, Cumberland County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at a stake in the eastern margin of a 50’ street called Averitt Street, at the intersection of the northern margin of a 25’ street called Thompson Street which point is located 1031.4 feet southwardly from the southern margin of the public road leading from Fayetteville to Cumberland Mills and running thence with the northern margin of Thompson Street north 76 degrees 45 minutes East 200 feet to a stake; thence North 13 degrees 15 minutes West 99.49 feet to a stake; thence South 76 degrees 45 minutes West 190.5 feet in the eastern margin of Averitte Street; thence with the eastern margin of Averitte Street South 8 degrees 20 minutes East 100 feet to the beginning.

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Simmie Carnes Maynard and Christine S. Maynard to CB Services Corp., Trustee(s), which was dated September 23, 2005 and recorded on September 29, 2005 in Book 7023 at Page 610, 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 offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on September 18, 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 NO. NINE (9), BLOCK A, IN A SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS CRYSTAL SPRINGS SECTION II, ACCORDING TO PLAT OF SAME DULY RECORDED IN BOOK OF PLATS 17, PAGE 42, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 2625 Horner Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28306. A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale.

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 542 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by William Shuman (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): William Shuman, Heirs of William Shuman: Carole Magana, Jack Shuman, Debra Kanter, Anita Shuman, Michael Shuman; Heirs of Michael Shuman: Marc Shuman, Steven Shuman, Michelle Lawrey) to Pamela S. Cox, Trustee(s), dated September 8, 2009, and recorded in Book No. 08243, at Page 0241 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 Office 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 offer 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 September 9, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot Number 193 in a subdivision known as TIFFANY PINES, SECTION FOUR and the same being duly recorded in Book of Plats 44, at page 60, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1530 Argon Avenue, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Parcel Identification No. 0520-51-1141 Property Address: 1530 Argon Ave, Fayetteville, NC 28311

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.

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

will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing.

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

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

9 493-56-5218

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Estate of Lander J. Williams c/o Carolyn Williams Eckert, administrator and Jacqueline D. Williams and Carolyn Williams Eckert and Christina R. Sweat and Jennifer D. Sweat and Barbara Packer Royal. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any

Subject to easements, restrictions, and covenants of record, if any. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 2693 Everitte St, Fayetteville, NC 28306. A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing.

THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or

Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current

belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Billy E Curry Jr and Angela N Curry. An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no

such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. 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

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

Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in 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,

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

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15

foreclosure sales, at 1:15

on September 11, 2024 and will

for

Belews

the County of Forsyth, North

and being more particularly described as follows: Being Known and designated as Lot 12, of Brinkley Estates, Section 1, as shown on the plat map of same recorded in Plat Book 29 at page 200 in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description thereof. The subject property is the same as that property described in Deed Book 1510, Page 815, Forsyth County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 5833 Poppyseed Drive, Belews Creek, 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

bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Troutman in the County of Iredell, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 57, ROCKY CREEK COVE SUBDIVISION, as shown on plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 29, Page 80, Iredell County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 144 Ridge Creek Drive, Troutman, 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).

“AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access,

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

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance

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

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

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).

Onslow County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on September 11, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Richlands in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 2 (0.457 acre) as shown on plat entitled “Plat of Subdivision and Boundary Survey of Cooper’s Farm, Richlands, Twp., Onslow County, NC” as surveyed by Dennis L. Manning Surveying, dated April 30, 1999 and recorded in Map Book 38, Page 22, Slide K-249, Onslow County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 132 Cooper Road, Richlands, North Carolina. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred

Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety

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

of

Onslow County Registry. Being the same parcel conveyed to Jeremy Andrew Sanchez, unmarried from Larry A. Bell and wife, Barbara A. Bell, by virtue of a Deed dated 6/30/2021, recorded 7/26/2021, in Deed Book 5525, Page 830, County of Onslow, State of North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 127 Mendover Drive, Jacksonville, 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

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY DIANE AHLBECK AND JOSEPH EDWIN AHLBECK

DATED AUGUST 12, 2021 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2300 AT PAGE 261 IN THE ROBESON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

FILE NUMBER: 23 SP 245

thence with the line of Kellwood Company, South 84 degrees 32 minutes 30 seconds East 125.00 feet to a new iron pipe, a corner with W.W. Teague: thence with the line of Teague South 02 degrees 51 minutes 32 seconds West 250.86 feet to the point and place of BEGINNING, containing 16,257 square feet, more or less. Together

expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Robeson County courthouse at 10:00AM on September 10, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Robeson County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Diane Ahlbeck and Joseph Edwin Ahlbeck, dated August 12, 2021 to secure the original principal amount of $161,029.00, and recorded in Book 2300 at Page 261 of the Robeson County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 3210 Mcqueen Road, Red Springs, NC 28377 Tax Parcel ID: 150301012 Present Record Owners: Joseph Edwin Ahlbeck and Diane Ahlbeck

The record owner(s) of the property,

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust executed by VIRGINIA P. FORD payable to EQUIPLUS, INC., lender, to JOAN H. ANDERSON, Trustee, dated March 13, 2002, and recorded in Book 1220, Page 0426 of the Robeson County Public Registry by Goddard & Peterson, PLLC, 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, Goddard & Peterson, PLLC, having been substituted as Successor Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Official Records of Robeson County, North Carolina, in Book 2418, Page 344, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Robeson County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on Thursday, September 19, 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): 051402004 ADDRESS: 633 BAILEY RD., FAIRMONT, NC 28340 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): UNKNOWN HEIRS OF VIRGINIA P. FORD THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF ROBESON, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 1220, PAGE 0426 AS FOLLOWS: BEING ALL OF LOT 1 AS SHOWN ON THAT CERTAIN MAP ENTITLED “SURVEY FOR B. WAYNE FLOYD,” PREPARED BY POWERS LAND SURVEYING, P.A., DATED JULY 11, 2000 AND RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 37, PAGE 141, ROBESON COUNTY REGISTRY, INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS,

of BLOCK “B”

nor the holder of the debt secured by such Deed of Trust, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Commissioner or the holder of the debt make any representation of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health, or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such conditions expressly are disclaimed.

with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 125 East Raleigh Avenue, Liberty, North Carolina. Being the same property conveyed to Corey Hamilton and spouse, Karen Hamilton, by Ernie Lackey and spouse, Cheryl Lackey, in General Warranty Deed dated 08/24/2021, recorded 09/13/2021, in Book 2771, Page 291, Instrument No. 20129552, in the County of Randolph, State of North Carolina. More commonly known as: 125 E Raleigh Avenue, Liberty, NC 27298 Parcel/Tax ID: 8736-15-1783 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any

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

The Commissioner shall convey title to the property by non-warranty deed, without any covenants or warranties, express or implied. An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 1-339.29 (c) in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the judge or clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property

physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five

Parkway, Suite 103 Greenville, South Carolina 29607 Phone: (470) 321-7112, Ext. 204 Fax: 1-919-800-3528 RAS File Number: [23-131783] ROBESON IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ROBESON COUNTY 24sp153

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

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

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.

For reference see Book 1049, Page 555, Stanly County Registry.

in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Stanly County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on September 11, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Albemarle in the County of Stanly, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at a stake in the South line of Lot No. 4 and the North line of Lot No. 5, as said lots are shown on plat of the Thomas Mills Estate as recorded in Plat Book 1, page 208, Stanly County Registry, said stake being located S. 83 E. 428.3 feet from the Southern corner of Lot No. 4, and runs thence with the South line of Lot No. 4, and the North line of Lot No. 5, S. 83 E. 150 feet to a stake, a new corner; thence a new line, N. 7 E. 295 feet to a stake, a new corner in the North line of Lot No. 4 and the South line of Lot No. 3, as said lots are shown on the above referred to plat; thence N. 83 W. 150 feet with the North line of Lot No. 4, and the South line of Lot No. 3 to a stake, a new corner; thence S. 7 W. 295 feet to a stake, the Beginning corner, and containing 1 acre, more or less, based on a survey made by James A. Howard, R.L.S., on March 6, 1958. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 46019 Whitman Road, Albemarle, North Carolina.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition

WAKE

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 22SP000547-910

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Robert Solomon George (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Robert Solomon George) to Harold Russell, Trustee(s), dated August 23, 2013, and recorded in Book No. 015417, at Page 01010 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modified by the following: A Loan Modification recorded on August 10, 2016, in Book No. 016487, at Page 00653 A Loan Modification recorded on January 22, 2018, in Book No. 017026, at Page 01228 , default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said

17 SP 3010

AMENDED 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 Jason Amen Hetep and Pamela Amen Hetep to Burke & Associates, Trustee(s), which was dated February 1, 2006 and recorded on February 2, 2006 in Book 11803 at Page 00716, 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 offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on September 11, 2024 at 10:00 AM, and

NUMBER: 24SP001302-910

OF

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: 7124 Lake Drive, Matthews, NC 28104 Tax Parcel ID: 07054041 Present Record Owners: The Heirs of Elizabeth A. Kortenhof The record owner(s) of the property,

indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on September 16, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Wake Forest in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Lying and being in the Town of Wake Forest, Wake Forest Township, Wake County, North Carolina and being more particularly described as follows:

Being all of Lot 31, as shown on the map(s) entitled “Traditions Southwest, Phase 1 - Subdivision, Easement and R/W Final Plat” recorded in Book of Maps 2012, Pages 1207-1214, inclusive, Wake County Registry, to which map(s) reference is made for a more particular description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 364 Springtime Fields Lane, Wake Forest, North Carolina. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion,

will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING ALL OF LOT 192, LANDINGS AT NEUSE CROSSINGS SUBDIVISION, PHASE 1, AS SHOWN AND RECORDED IN BOOK OF MAPS 2004, PAGES 2155 THROUGH 2158, WAKE COUNTY REGISTRY.

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

Said property is commonly known as 3245 Landing Falls Lane, Raleigh, NC 27616.

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

$280,000.00 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 16849 AT PAGE 266 IN THE WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA, by Anthony Maselli or Genevieve Johnson, either of whom may act, Substitute Trustee, default having been made in the terms of agreement set forth by the loan agreement secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anthony Maselli or Genevieve Johnson, either of whom may act, having been substituted as Successor Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Official Records of Wake County, North Carolina, in Book 019634, Page 01065, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on Friday, September 13, 2024 at 12:00pm, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 0784701157 ADDRESS: 1009 DEBOY ST., RALEIGH, NC 27606 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): ANDREW J DEBNAM THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF WAKE, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 16849, PAGE 266 AS FOLLOWS: ALL THAT PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED IN THE COUNTY OF WAKE, STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, BEING MORE FULLY DESCRIBED AS: BEING ALL OF LOT 10, SECTION 1, DRIFTWOOD ESTATES , AS DEPICTED IN MAP BOOK 1967, BEGINNING AT OR INCLUDING PAGE 364. TAX ID: 0784701157 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

24SP001307-910 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Christopher Douglas Stevens and Katie Ann Stevens (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Christopher Douglas Stevens) to Cynthia Porterfield, Trustee(s), dated November 25, 2020, and recorded in Book No. 018209, at Page 00520 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary

location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on September 11, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fuquay Varina in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 151, The Woods of Crooked Creek, Section B, Crooked Creek Subdivision, as shown on that certain plat Map recorded in Book of Maps 1996, Page 117, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 4700 Linaria Lane, Fuquay Varina, North Carolina. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

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

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

delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

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

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

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

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

offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole

recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of

pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

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

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

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.: 17-13302-FC01

remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to

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 Brookfield Parkway, Suite 103 Greenville, South Carolina 29607 Phone: (470) 321-7112, Ext. 204 Fax: 1-919-800-3528 RAS File Number: [24-196974]

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

24SP001373-910

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Jamal Yasin and Elizabeth Yasin (deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Elizabeth Yasin and Jamal Yasin) to Michael L. Riddle, Trustee(s), dated April 25, 2005, and recorded in Book No. 011342, at Page 01812 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake

and recorded in Book 14418 at Page 211 of the Wake County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 214 Wax Myrtle Ct, Cary, NC 27513 Tax Parcel ID: 169920

County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on September 11, 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: BEING ALL OF Lot 5, as shown on that map entitled “Recombination of Lots in Raven’s Point Subdivision” recorded in Book of Maps 1981, Page 78, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1208 Ravens Point Circle, Raleigh, North Carolina. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being

Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and th holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on September 16, 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: Being all of Lot 122, Phase Three, Crescent Ridge Subdivision as described in “Subdivision Plat, Crescent Ridge - Phase Three”, and recorded in Book of Maps 2004, Page 031034 and recombination map recorded in Book 2004, page 2403, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 4423 Sugarbend Way, Raleigh, North Carolina. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

sudoku solutions

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

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

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

Cash

Meeting the people

Gubernatorial candidate and Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (R) met with voters at Five Points Public House in Albemarle, his third campaign stop on Tuesday afternoon.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Mail ballots to start going out

It might feel like the presidential election is still a long way off. It’s not. Election Day on Nov. 5 is only about two months away, and major dates, events and political developments will make it fly by. North Carolina will begin sending mail ballots to all voters who request them, including military personnel and overseas voters, on Friday. N.C. in-person voting will start on Oct. 17 and run through 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Small plane lands on Greensboro highway

A small single-engine plane made an emergency landing on a highway near the Greensboro airport and was then hit by a vehicle, injuring one of the aircraft’s occupants. The single-engine plane experienced a mechanical failure and made a distress call to Piedmont Triad International Airport around 8 p.m. last Wednesday. It landed on I-840 near the I-73 junction. One of the two people on the plane was taken to a hospital with a minor injury, police said. The driver of the passenger vehicle was not hurt.

Teachers eligible for $300 expense deductions

The IRS reminds North Carolina educators that the maximum deduction for classroom expenses remains $300 for 2024. Eligible educators include teachers, counselors and aides working at least 900 hours yearly in elementary or secondary education. Deductible items include supplies, equipment and health safety measures. Items purchased for homeschooling are not eligible for deduction.

Oakboro enters contract negotiations with Stanly Sheriff’s Office

The town is facing a severe officer shortage in its police department

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

OAKBORO — At a special-called meeting at Oakboro Town Hall on Aug. 27, the Oakboro Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to enter contract negotiations with the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office for police protection inside the town.

The move signals an unknown future for the Oakboro Police Department, which has undergone notable resignations recently.

In April, five of the town’s officers — three part-time and two full-time — put in their two-week resignation notices. Former Oakboro Police Chief T.J. Smith then stepped down from his position in July, while others have since followed his lead.

That same month, the Oakboro Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 to move forward with the Oakboro Police Department, advertising a call to hire a police chief and other officers; Jason Eschert was named as the town’s interim police chief.

Latoya Jackson, Bud Smith, and Joey Carpenter voted in favor of keeping the department,

See OAKBORO, page A2

Uwharrie Music Fest coming to Albemarle

Five artists are scheduled to perform

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

ALBEMARLE — Next weekend, Uwharrie Vineyards and Winery will play host to the first Uwharrie Music Fest event. With tickets now available for $35, the venue has announced the inaugural event set for Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 28030 Austin Rd. in Albemarle.

“Come join us for the first ever Uwharrie Music Fest on Sept. 14, 2024 in Albemarle, NC,” the establishment wrote in a promotional advertisement. “Get ready for a day filled with awesome music, amazing local wine, beer, and more at Uwharrie Vineyards and Winery.”

The venue is also offering VIP tickets for $50 that include

exclusive access to the indoor wine room, lounge and outdoor patio area, as well as access to specialty wine slushies and wine cocktails.

“We’ve got a fantastic lineup of some top local bands, food trucks, and more,” Uwharrie Vineyards and Winery continued. “Whether you’re a music enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, this event is perfect for everyone. The theme this year is southern rock, and we hope that this will become a recurring yearly event.”

The festival’s lineup includes five different acts stretched across the day: the Charlotte-based outfit Chasing Phoenix (11 a.m.), southern rock band Low Down Dirty Heathens (1 p.m.), honky tonk act Love Bug Junkie (3 p.m.), local country rock group The Old North State (5 p.m.), and Statesville’s Dani Kerr & The Skeleton Krew (7 p.m.)

“On Sept. 14, we get back to Stanly County for the Uwhar-

“Get ready for a day filled with awesome music, amazing local wine, beer, and more.” Uwharrie Vineyards and Winery

rie Music Fest,” The Old North State wrote in a social media post. “Tons of great artists, great wine and beer! Get your tickets soon!” Admission is free for children 10 and under; tickets can be purchased at uwharriemusicfest.com.

“Officially announcing our very first festival we get the pleasure to headline,” added Dani Kerr, who is a former contestant and semifinalist on “America’s Got Talent.” “It’s also the first show I get to do with Bart Lattimore, and y’all know we’re gonna break that

banger of the ‘I Got You’ single out live for you.”

Along with dining options offered by various food trucks, attendees can purchase local wines provided directly by Uwharrie Vineyards and Winery, as well as local craft beer from Uwharrie Brewing, Cabarrus Brewing Company, and Stardust Cellars.

With a 14,000-square-foot facility and visitor’s center, a 4000-square-foot formal banquet hall, tasting bar and gift shop, the establishment features holiday events, musical performances and offers customer rentals as a wedding and reception venue.

THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

COURTESY TOWN OF OAKBORO

The Oakboro Police Department has seen its department decrease in size throughout 2024.

North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365)

Neal Robbins, Publisher

Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers

Cory Lavalette, Senior Editor

Jordan Golson, Local News Editor

Shawn Krest, Sports Editor

Dan Reeves, Features Editor Jesse Deal, Reporter P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer

BUSINESS

David Guy, Advertising Manager

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

Aug. 27

• Master G Mackey, 43, was arrested for misdemeanor larceny and attempted obtaining property by false pretenses.

• Richard Lee Scot Kuchenbrod, 38, was arrested for resisting a public officer.

• Peter Michael Lopez, 33, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, felony probation violation, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Aug. 30

• Nicholas Lane Morton, 44, was arrested for misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and communicating threats.

• Na’Gee Ali Gray, 27, was arrested for resisting a public officer, larceny of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a controlled substance in prison/jail, simple possession of Schedule VI controlled substance, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, and carrying a concealed gun.

Aug. 31

• Richard Lee Turner, 48, was arrested for domestic violence protection order violation.

6

Albemarle police make arrest after headquarters shooting investigation

early Sunday morning

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

ALBEMARLE — The Albemarle Police Department announced Tuesday afternoon that it has made an arrest after shots were fired at its headquarters building and an unmarked police vehicle on Sunday morning.

James Edgar Amaendus Kindell, 38, of Badin, was arrested in New London by the APD and the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office. Kindell is currently being held at the Stanly County Jail on the following charges: discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling; injury to real property; injury to personal property; and discharging

The Albemarle Police Department headquarters building at 155

firearm inside the city limits.

In 2020, Kindell was charged for firing shots targeting the former APD headquarters on Second Street; that case is still pending court proceedings.

On Monday, the department

Children’s book to blame for Burke County car fire

A small battery in a book is the suspect

The Associated Press

A CHILD’S CAR seat was set ablaze when a “button battery” in a children’s book caught fire after being left in the vehicle last week in Burke County, according to the George Hildebran Fire & Rescue Department. The family had left the car before the fire started, officials said. Destiny Williams and her daughter, Misty, had come home from church that day and went inside the house, Williams told WSOC. Then, she began to not-

from page A1

while Brett Barbee and Lanny Hathcock voted against it.

However, with just five officers left, three of the remaining officers put in their notice at the end of August, leaving just two left to serve the town.

“As you may be aware, at last night’s council meeting the board unanimously agreed to move forward with entering into contractual negotiations with the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement protection,” the Town of Oakboro wrote in an online statement on Aug. 28. “This comes

ice smoke from the car.

A neighbor eventually put the fire out with a garden hose, WSOC reported. After the fire was put out, the fire marshal’s office was called to the scene, authorities said.

“My initial thought about it is: ‘What if it did happen?’ Because I would be without a daughter and a wife if it did happen (with them in the car),” the girl’s father, Pressley Williams, told WBTV. One of the several books near the scorched car seat was suspected of having a lithium battery, which are susceptible to catching fire if they overheat, according to the Burke County Fire Marshal’s Office.

initially announced in a media release that its headquarters building at 155 W. South St. in Albemarle had been struck by a bullet during the previous morning at approximately 5:17 a.m. The APD confirmed that

there were no injuries and opened an investigation into the shooting with a person of interest identified in the case. More information regarding this case will be reported as the information becomes publicly available.

in response to the majority of the police officers submitting their letters of resignation. These officers have chosen to move forward with their careers, and the town fully supports those officers and their families.”

Because of the deficiencies in police coverage, Oakboro Town Administrator Georgia Harvey has now been asked to go into contract negotiations with the county sheriff’s office.

“We as town board members want you to know that our town is not going without law enforcement protection,” the town’s statement continued.

“Since May, the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office has been assisting with coverage, and they assure us they will continue to provide coverage until a contract can be reached. Moving forward, we as a town board will do our very best to keep you informed on this progress.”

With Oakboro’s law enforcement circumstances in flux, some of the town’s citizens are unhappy with how its elected leaders have handled the situation. Resident Andrew Mullis created a Change.org petition demanding the resignations of four city leaders: Mayor Chris Huneycutt, Town Administra-

tor Georgia Harvey, and Commissioners Lanny Hathcock and Brett Barbee.

“Their decision making, which starkly goes against the will of the Oakboro citizens, has led to the disintegration of the valued police department,” Mullis wrote in his petition. “In less than six months, we lost a police department, an institution crucial for our security and stability. The resignation of these officials would be the first step toward rectifying the injustices our town has endured.”

As of Tuesday, Sept. 3, the petition has 240 signatures.

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@stanlyjournal.com | Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

OAKBORO

The department’s building was struck by gunfire

COURTESY ALBEMARLE PD

W. South Street was hit by gunfire over the weekend

GEORGE HILDEBRAN FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT VIA AP A scorched car seat after it caught fire inside a vehicle.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Lots of tumult, little bounce this election year

The only other Republican nominated three times, but not consecutively, was Richard Nixon.

WHAT IF THEY HELD a tumultuous election, with an early one-sided debate, a candidate substitution and third-party withdrawal, and no voters changed their minds?

Well, that’s not exactly what has happened in America’s 60th presidential election year, but it’s not so far off, either.

The public has had a chance to watch the 43rd Republican National Convention nominate, for the first time in the party’s history, the same presidential candidate for the third time in a row. The only other Republican nominated three times, but not consecutively, was Richard Nixon.

Voters had a chance to watch the 49th Democratic National Convention nominate, for the fourth time in the party’s history, the incumbent vice president. The last one to win was Martin Van Buren in 1836.

None of this has caused many voters to change their minds. Looking at the RealClearPolitics average of recent polls, for example, from the day before the Biden-Trump debate to the Tuesday after the two conventions and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s withdrawal, the reader sees Vice President Kamala Harris running 3.1 points ahead of President Joe Biden, and former President Donald Trump running 0.3 points ahead of where he was on June 26.

That’s a pretty stark contrast with, say, the election cycle of 1988, a time of peace and prosperity when some wondered whether the 77-year-old incumbent president was a step or two slower than he used to be. At one point during that cycle, Democrat Michael Dukakis was leading Vice President George H.W. Bush by 27 points.

On Election Day, Bush won with 53.4%, more than any candidate has won since, and by a popular vote margin of 8 points. Evidently, a fifth to a quarter of voters switched from one candidate to another.

That doesn’t happen anymore. National conventions used to produce perceptible bounces for candidates. According to figures compiled by polling analyst Nate Silver and colleague Eli McKown-Dawson, the average post-convention bounce in election years 1976 to 2000, years when one candidate had clinched

Back to school

What happened last spring at campuses across America, where Jewish students were literally blocked from attending classes and subject to verbal abuse, is simply unacceptable.

“WELCOME TO MIT!” the flyers being handed out to incoming students announce, next to a drawing of Tim the Beaver, MIT’s mascot. The flyers go on to comment on the conflict in the Middle East and the State of Israel in particular, and they list more than 20 additional resources.

One of the “resources” they list is the Mapping Project, a blatantly antisemitic organization, which provides an interactive map of Jewish organizations, synagogues and nonprofits, complete with the names of their leaders. The purpose of listing these organizations is to “dismantle” them. The goal, as the Project itself states, is “to reveal the local entities and networks that enact devastation, so we can dismantle them. Every entity has an address, every network can be disrupted.”

As the Anti-Defamation League points out, “Many familiar antisemitic tropes are woven into this project, including:

“Myths of Jewish wealth, power and control through the project’s inordinate focus on revealing the identity of Jewish philanthropists, doctors, and media.

“Scapegoating the Jewish community by claiming that Jews are overwhelmingly responsible for a range of societal ills.

“Advocating the isolation and shunning of the entire Jewish community and those who

his party’s nomination and conventions became painstakingly scripted commercials, was 7.2 points.

In contrast, the convention bounces in election years 2004 to 2020 have averaged only 1.8 points. That seems to have resulted from increased partisan polarization and reduced convention viewership. With post-convention only starting to come in, McKown-Dawson sees a small bounce, with “the caveat here ... that Harris’ bounce might already have happened.”

Other caveats are apparent when one compares Trump’s numbers this year with those four and eight years ago. Harris’ RealClearPolitics lead is 1.5 points — far behind Biden’s 7.1 points at this point in 2020 and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s 6.0 points in 2016. In both those elections, Democrats’ numbers in late August polling came close to matching their popular vote percentages in November, while Trump’s late August percentages were 2.9 and 2.5 points lower than his final popular vote share. And, of course, Trump won in 2016 and came within 42,918 popular votes in three states of winning in 2020 because so many Democratic popular votes were piled up, without producing additional electoral votes, in carrying West and East Coast states by overwhelming margins. Silver estimates, plausibly, that there will be less of an Electoral College edge for Trump this year, if only because his increased support from Hispanic and black people will tend to reduce Democratic margins in those heavily Democratic states. And he points out, reasonably, that while polling may have understated Trump’s support in 2020 and 2016, there’s no guarantee it will this year.

It remains unclear whether the bulk of journalists will remain uncurious about Harris’ positions on issues and will continue to accept complacently and amplify anonymous campaign staffers’ tweets that she has abandoned the unpopular positions she took as a 2020 presidential candidate in 2019 — banning fracking, defunding the police and abolishing private health insurance.

Fracking is one issue we may hear more about.

interact with it, including through boycotts.”

“I believe the Mapping Project promotes antisemitism,” MIT President Sally Kornbluth wrote in a note to the MIT community. She went on to say that she had heard from students that the flyers made them feel that they were not welcome at MIT. “Do we really want to draw lines on Day One and risk making any of our newest students question whether they belong here?”

The answer, plainly, is that some students do want to make Jewish students question whether they belong here, and it is the university’s responsibility to make sure that they do feel welcome, not only by notes such as the one sent by Kornbluth (the only survivor of the infamous congressional hearing last December that led to the resignations of the presidents of Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania) but also by their actions.

What happened last spring at campuses across America, where Jewish students were literally blocked from attending classes and subject to verbal abuse, is simply unacceptable. The purpose of a university is to educate its students, and to do that it has to protect them from physical and verbal abuse.

“My daughter has to go back to UCLA and see what she has to endure this year,” the man ahead of me in line at the bookstore told me.

It had been a 2010s and 2020s boom industry in western and central Pennsylvania — Trump country once you get beyond gentrified and college-heavy parts of metro Pittsburgh. Harris carefully avoided mention of “climate change” in her convention speech, talking instead of “clean air,” something achieved in 1970s legislation, and she has never been asked to explain whether and why she abandoned her vehement fracking ban.

Furthermore, Harris lacks local advantages — the Scranton roots Biden boasted of in 2020 and the coattails Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-Pa.) might have provided had she picked him for vice president this year. Current RealClearPolitics polling shows Trump 0.2 points ahead now, while he was trailing Biden by 5.8 points and Clinton by 9.2 points at this point in August 2020 and 2016.

If you add Pennsylvania’s 19 electoral votes to the 235 in Trump 2020 states, then add the 16 in Georgia and 11 in Arizona he lost by 0.2 and 0.3 points, respectively, you have him with 281, well above the 270 needed to win — and the 269 that would throw the election into a probably Republican House. You can concoct similar scenarios for Harris, of course, and currently, Silver gives her a 52.5% chance to win against Trump’s 47%. Or, if you want another set of portents, look at this month’s Washington state all-party primary, which has been a pretty good predictor of general election results in most years since 1994.

This year, RealClearPolitics’ Sean Trende has taken a close look at those results and finds them “predicting Democrats running about two points behind Biden’s 2020 vote share” and “a pretty close vote outcome in the House that could go either way.” That’s the closest to a clear prediction you can get from a man who, back in 2013, predicted the Republican swing among noncollege white people — or from me. Lots of tumult, little change.

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

Last spring, she was blocked from attending classes and taunted with cries of “go back to Poland,” where, now generations ago, her relatives who did not get out perished.

The high-profile protests that some feared could taint the Democratic National Convention didn’t happen. Palestine was not given a speaking part. The sky didn’t fall. They had a chance to protest outside, in a designated zone, and not interfere with the convention.

It’s a model for what should happen on campuses this fall. UCLA is under an injunction to protect its students. The UC system has adopted new rules prohibiting encampments and masks used to conceal identities. Harvard is requiring students to get permission before setting up tents, art exhibits or chalking on the sidewalk in public spaces.

I’m a civil libertarian. I believe in free speech. But reasonable time, place and manner restrictions need to be imposed lest the universities fail again, as so many did last spring, to educate and protect their students.

University presidents have every reason to take this mandate seriously. The high-profile resignations at Harvard and Penn, followed by the recent resignation of Columbia’s president citing student strife on campus, underscore the fact that mishandling this issue is a careerender. It’s also the right thing to do.

Susan Estrich is a lawyer, professor, author and political commentator.

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH

STATE & NATION

Polio vaccination campaign starts in Gaza

The war-ravaged region had its first case in 25 years

By Wafaa Shurafa and Samy Magdy

The Associated Press

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Palestinian health authorities and United Nations agencies on Sunday began a large-scale campaign of vaccinations against polio in the Gaza Strip, hoping to prevent an outbreak in the territory that has been ravaged by the Israel-Hamas war.

Authorities plan to vaccinate children in central Gaza until Wednesday before moving on to the more devastated northern and southern parts of the strip. The campaign began with a small number of vaccinations on Saturday and aims to reach about 640,000 children.

Gaza’s Health Ministry said more than 72,600 children received vaccines Sunday.

If the paralysis affects breathing muscles, the disease can be fatal.

The vaccination campaign faces challenges, from ongoing fighting to devastated roads and hospitals shut down by the war. Around 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million people have been displaced within the besieged territory, with hundreds of thousands crammed into squalid tent camps.

Health officials have expressed alarm about disease outbreaks as uncollected garbage has piled up and the bombing of critical infrastructure has sent putrid water flowing through the streets. Polio is spread through fecal matter. Widespread hunger has left people even more vulnerable to illness.

truce in designated areas to enable families to reach health facilities.

“This is a first step,” he told The Associated Press. “But there is no alternative to a cease-fire because it’s not only polio that threatens children in Gaza, but also other factors, including malnutrition and the inhuman conditions they are living in.”

The vaccinations will be administered at roughly 160 sites across the territory, including medical centers and schools.

The World Health Organization has said Israel agreed to limited pauses in the fighting to facilitate the campaign. There were initial reports of Israeli strikes in central Gaza early Sunday, but it was not immediately known if anyone was killed or wounded. The pause ended Sunday afternoon, according to a schedule released by Israel. Israel has said the vaccination program will continue through Sept. 9 and last eight hours a day.

lyzed in a leg. The World Health Organization said the presence of a paralysis case indicates there could be hundreds more who have been infected but aren’t showing symptoms.

Gaza recently reported its first polio case in 25 years — a 10-month-old boy, now para-

Most people who have polio do not experience symptoms, and those who do usually recover in a week or so. But there is no cure, and when polio causes paralysis, it is usually permanent.

“We escaped death with our children and fled from place to place for the sake of our children, and now we have these diseases,” said Wafaa Obaid, who brought her three children to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah to get the vaccinations.

Ammar Ammar, a spokesperson for the U.N. children’s agency, said it hopes both parties adhere to a temporary

Children under 10 will receive two drops of oral polio vaccine in two rounds, the second to be administered four weeks after the first. Israel allowed around 1.3 million doses to be brought into the territory last month, which are now being held in refrigerated storage in a warehouse in Deir al-Balah. Another shipment of 400,000 doses is set to be delivered to Gaza soon.

The polio virus that triggered this latest outbreak is a mutated virus from an oral polio vaccine. The oral polio vaccine contains weakened live virus and, in very rare cases, that virus is shed by those who are vaccinated and can evolve into a new form capable of starting new epidemics.

German far-right party wins first state election

Alternative for Germany is the first far-right party to win in the nation since after World War II

By Geir Moulson

The Associated Press

BERLIN — A far-right party won a state election for the first time in post-World War II Germany in the country’s east on Sunday.

A new party founded by a prominent leftist also made a strong impact, while the parties in Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s unpopular national government obtained extremely weak results.

The far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, won 32.8% of the vote in Thuringia — well ahead of the center-right Christian Democratic Union, the main national opposition party, with 23.6%.

“An openly right-wing extremist party has become the strongest force in a state parliament for the first time since 1949, and that causes many people very deep concern and fear,” said Omid Nouripour, a leader of the Greens, one of the national governing parties.

Other parties say they won’t put AfD in power by joining it in a coalition. Even so, its strength is likely to make it extremely difficult to form new state governments, forcing other parties into exotic new coalitions. The new Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance, or

BSW, took 15.8% of the vote in Thuringia and nearly 12% in Saxony, adding another level of complication.

“This is a historic success for us,” Alice Weidel, a national co-leader of AfD, told ARD. She described the result as a “requiem” for Scholz’s coalition.

The CDU’s national general secretary, Carsten Linnemann, said that “voters in both states knew that we wouldn’t form a coalition with AfD, and it will stay that way — we are very, very clear on this.”

Weidel denounced that as “pure ignorance” and said that “ voters want AfD to participate in a government.”

Deep discontent with a national government notorious for infighting, anti-immigration sentiment and skepticism toward German military aid for Ukraine are among the factors that have contributed to support for populist parties in the region, which is less prosperous than western Germany.

AfD is at its strongest in the formerly communist east, and the domestic intelligence agency has the party’s branches in both Saxony and Thuringia under official surveillance as “proven right-wing extremist” groups. Its leader in Thuringia, Björn Höcke, has been convicted of knowingly using a

Nazi slogan at political events but is appealing. Höcke bristled when an ARD interviewer mentioned the intelligence agency’s assessment, responding: “Please stop stigmatizing me. We are the No. 1 party in Thuringia.

You don’t want to classify onethird of the voters in Thuringia as right-wing extremist.”

He said he felt “a great, great deal of pride” in Sunday’s result for his 11-year-old party and “the old parties should show humility.”

Scholz’s center-left Social Democrats at least stayed in the two state legislatures with single-digit support, but

“This is a historic success for us.”

Alice Weidel, co-leader of AfD

the environmentalist Greens lost their seats in Thuringia. The two parties were the junior coalition partners in both outgoing state governments. The third party in the national government, the pro-business Free Democrats, also lost its seats in Thuringia. It already h ad no representation in Saxony.

A third state election follows Sept. 22 in another eastern state, Brandenburg, currently led by Scholz’s party. Germany’s next national election is due in a little over a year.

AfD has tapped into high anti-immigration sentiment in the region. The Aug. 23 knife attack in the western city of Solingen in which a suspected extremist from Syria is accused of killing three people helped push the issue back to the top of Germany’s political a genda and prompted Scholz’s government to announce new restrictions on knives and new measures to ease deportations. Wagenknecht’s BSW combines left-wing economic policy with an immigration-skeptic agenda. The CDU has also stepped up pressure on the national government for a tougher stance on immigration.

ABDEL KAREEM HANA / AP PHOTO

A health worker administers a polio vaccine to a child at a hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on Sunday.

MICHAEL KAPPELER / DPA VIA AP

Bjorn Hecke of the Alternative for Germany party led the far-right group to its first election win.

STANLY SPORTS

Former North Stanly pitcher Rhett Lowder makes MLB debut

Lowder allowed only one run in his four-inning appearance

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

ALBEMARLE — Only four years removed from tossing pitches as a North Stanly Comet in New London, Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitcher Rhett Lowder made his MLB debut over the weekend at the Great American Ball Park.

The 22-year-old Albemarle native and former Wake Forest star took the mound in Game 2 of a Friday home doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers, allowing just one run on a pair of hits with six strikeouts and four walks in four innings.

While the Reds went on to lose 14-0 and he was credited with the loss, Lowder looked the part as the Reds’ No. 2 prospect and the league’s No. 34 overall prospect. His six strikeouts tied for the most ever by a Wake pitcher in his MLB debut, matching a record set 69 years ago by Rip Coleman of the New York Yankees. As the seventh overall selection in the 2023 MLB Draft, Lowder had been called up after just one start at Triple-A Louisville and 22 minor league starts in total. He became the eighth player from last year’s draft to reach the big leagues — the most in the following season since 1990.

“It was awesome and a dream come true — everything you can imagine,” Lowder said after the game. “Obviously, there’s still some stuff I need to clean up. It’s good to get the first one out of the way so now I can start working. I was getting behind a lot and a little bit more walks than usual, but I just dug deep and got into that competitive mode. I think it helped with some sticky situations.”

With the Reds’ pitching

Cincinnati

pitcher

during the second inning of the second game of a baseball doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, in Cincinnati.

depth in a tough spot after several injuries, Lowder’s pitching display on the big stage Friday night indicated that he will likely get the start every fifth day for Cincinnati’s remaining 26-game schedule for the 2024 season.

“He’s got a really great approach to his job already and he just got here,” Reds manager David Bell said. “It’s going to be fun having him on the team and watching him get better.

“Of course, first major league season, first professional season, we’ll keep close tabs on him. As far as innings, we think he’s good to go to finish the year. Not only that will be good for his experience this year, but it’ll be great going into next season.”

Lowder’s professional debut started on a bit of a rocky note as he walked a few Brewers pitchers in the first inning. However, he soon got into a steady rhythm that allowed him to challenge the batters he was facing, averaging over one strikeout per inning pitched.

“I wasn’t really that worried about it,” Lowder said of his first inning. “I felt like I was making good pitches. I didn’t really feel like I was getting sped up. (Reds pitching coach Derek Johnson) came out and kind of said the same thing. I pitched around it. He said keep doing what I’m doing, and it will come back my way. It was huge getting out of that first inning and getting on with the game.”

Lowder utilized all four of his pitch types, using four-seam fastballs and sinkers the most, followed by sliders and changeups. He struck out six batters, tying the Wake Forest record for most K’s by a pitcher in his MLB debut. That was set 69 years ago by Rip Coleman, who did it in a start for the Yankees that also, like Lowder, came in the second game of a doubleheader. Looking ahead to his second pro start, he is currently in line to start for the Reds in a Thursday (Sept. 5) road matchup against the Houston Astros.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Addi Barbee

West Stanly, volleyball

Addi Barbee is a senior on the West Stanly volleyball team. The Colts are 7-0 on the season and 2-0 in the Rocky River conference. Barbee leads the team in kills and is third on the Colts in blocks.

In a win over Central Academy last week, Barbee had 14 of West Stanly’s 37 kills, with a kill rate over 50%. She currently ranks third in the conference in kills.

Briscoe holds off Busch in Southern 500

win gave Stewart-Haas

By Pete Iacobelli The Associated Press

DARLINGTON, S.C. — Chase Briscoe went three-wide to pass Kyle Larson and Ross Chastain for the lead, then outran two-time series champion Kyle Busch to win the Southern 500 on Sunday night and make the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Briscoe pulled away on a final restart with 17 laps in the regular-season finale at Darlington Raceway and held off Busch, who like Briscoe needed a victory to reach the postseason.

“We just won the Southern

500!” an emotional Briscoe said on the car radio.

Briscoe’s Stewart-Haas Team announced its closure earlier this season. Briscoe gave the proud program something to fight for over the final 10 weeks of the season.

“Yeah, this group, the day we found out that the team wasn’t going to exist anymore, we went over to the shop board, looked at each other and said, ‘We’re in this to the end,’” Briscoe said. “I was saying all week, ‘We’ve got one bullet left in the chamber.’

That bullet hit.”

Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Ty Gibbs and Martin Truex Jr. got the final two postseason spots on points, while Bubba Wallace and Chastain, both within 27 points of the cutoff line when the race began, came up short.

Briscoe’s dramatic move spoiled another dominant Darlington run by Kyle Larson, who led 263 laps but was not the same after getting passed by the winner. Larson was trying to overtake Tyler Reddick for the regular-season points title — and the 15 bonus points the leader receives — but came up a point short. Christopher Bell was third, followed by Larson, Chastain, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, Corey LaJoie and Reddick.

Truex, racing his last season before retirement, just needed a solid, problem-free run at the track “Too Tough To Tame” to advance. Instead, he left his fate in others’ hands when he crashed out on Lap 3 as his car slid up and hit defending Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney.

But following Larson’s victory in the second stage — he also won the first stage — NASCAR announced that Truex had wrapped up a spot in the 16-driver playoff field. Wallace entered the weekend as the first-man out of the playoffs and got a boost when he won his first Darlington pole Saturday. But with 23XI co-owner Michael Jordan in his pit box to watch, Wallace got caught up in a six-car wreck 24 laps from the finish.

Jordan, wearing a headset and watching intently, threw his hands up and bowed his head when he saw Wallace involved in the wreck.

“Wasn’t good enough for 16th this year, hate that,” Wallace said. “Stinks saying that, but wasn’t for a lack of effort.”

Busch came up short a second straight week.

“Hate it for our guys,” said Busch, who won titles in 2015 and 2019. “Something to build on and get better for. We just missed a lot early in the year, the middle part of the year to be in this spot, on the outside looking in.”

Reddick won the regular-season title, with Larson in second. The rest of the playoff field is: Chase Elliott, Christopher Bell, William Byron, Blaney, Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Austin Cindric, Daniel Suarez, Alex Bowman, Briscoe, Gibbs and Truex. The first round starts in Atlanta, then goes to Watkins Glen and Bristol before the field is cut to 12.

SCOTT PELKEY FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

AP PHOTO / CAROLYN KASTER

Reds starting

Rhett Lowder throws

The

a spot in the Cup playoffs

MATT KELLEY / AP PHOTO

Chase Briscoe does a burnout after winning Sunday’s Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.

Curry cherishes winning Olympic gold after tough Warriors finish

The Team USA star is back home hosting a golf tournament and enjoying time with family

By Janie McCauley

The Associated Press

STANFORD, Calif. — For Stephen Curry, winning an Olympic gold medal has certainly taken some of the sting away from such a disappointing end to his season with the Golden State Warriors when they missed the playoffs.

Back from his scoring flurry in a triumphant Paris Games for the United States and on regular family duty before the new NBA season begins, Curry can reflect on the highs and lows of his year — with one notable joy being the addition of his fourth child with wife Ayesha, baby boy Caius Chai born May 11.

He has a new contract in hand, too, after receiving a $62.6 million, one-year extension on his current deal that now keeps him with Golden State through the 2026-27 season.

“Everything happens for a reason, and the journey gives you all type of different ex-

periences along the way,” the 36-year- old Curry said before hosting a charity golf tournament benefiting the couple’s Eat.Learn.Play. Foundation devoted to Oakland schools. “But this summer’s been amazing, just coming off a tough NBA year to experience what we did and get a win in the Olympics and some of the things I look forward to every year especially around our foundation and the work that we’re doing here in Oakland. ... It puts everything into perspective of what basketball has done for me and the doors that it’s opened and trying to take full advantage of it.”

Now Curry can catch his breath and clear his mind from basketball at least for a little while.

A kids’ size golf club in hand, Curry lined up to hit his shot on an upward slope toward the green while reminding elementary school students LeAni Wade and Terrell Covington about the importance of keeping their eyes on the plastic neon yellow ball to make solid contact.

And, the superstar instructed, no reason to be concerned about taking a chunk out of the grass in the process.

Those children from Burck-

halter Elementary School in Oakland were thrilled to have such a special field trip to Stanford Golf Course. These students have been part of a pilot tutoring program through the Currys’ foundation that is again expanding its reach in Oakland Unified School District after efforts last year included the revitalization of six schoolyards.

“It’s the same way I appreciate all the things I get to do on and off the court where it’s all connected,” Curry said. “Me having fun going and winning a gold medal raised the platform to then be able to talk about stuff that matters even more. Being able to share those experiences with my family, the (foundation) team, they know especially while they were working tirelessly every day to make sure a day like today is executed and make sure our plan is locked in, I’m representing everybody out there on the court doing what I do.”

Five years into their foundation work, the Currys announced a commitment to raise and invest $25 million over the next five years devoted to literacy programs that will provide one-on-one tutoring for children who are at least two grade levels behind in reading.

“What’s interesting is it’s never been a one and done and we’ve always slow rolled things out because we love to build a model that kind of proves itself and can stand on its own,”

Once teammates, wrestler Goldberg, Sanders reunite at Colorado through Goldberg’s son

Gage Goldberg is a freshman linebacker for the Buffaloes

By Pat Graham The Associated Press

BOULDER, Colo. — Hall of Fame pro wrestler Bill Goldberg isn’t just another celebrity that coach Deion Sanders has walking along the Colorado sideline. He’s not just another big name brought in to deliver motivational speeches.

Goldberg’s got a vested interest in the program with his son, Gage, a freshman walk-on linebacker for the Buffaloes. Gage Goldberg, a two-sport standout in high school, could’ve gone just about anywhere, but the family picked Boulder in part due to his father’s relationship with Sanders. Because three decades ago, Sanders took Bill Goldberg, a young and hungry defensive lineman trying to earn a spot with the Atlanta Falcons, under his wing.

It’s something Goldberg has never forgotten.

“I’m greatly appreciative for it,” Goldberg said. “I couldn’t be happier for Deion, for my son and the team.”

From Saban to Sanders

Coming out of Champion High School in Boerne, Texas, Gage Goldberg flew under the radar. He wasn’t a high-profile recruit simply because he split

his time between football and baseball.

The 6-foot, 210-pound linebacker ultimately wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father.

Gage Goldberg was set to go to Alabama and try to make Nick Saban’s squad. But that changed when Saban announced his retirement. The family reached out to Georgia and Colorado.

Within minutes, the Buffaloes called back and had a walk-on spot for him.

“As a father, you obviously want your son to go to a place where he fits in, where he can prosper, where he can learn, where he can get a great education and just learn how to be a good person,” Bill Goldberg said. “So all of that pointed to picking up the phone and calling Deion.”

Bill Goldberg flexes before Colorado’s opening game against North Dakota State last Thursday. The wrestling legend is a former teammate of coach Deion Sanders, and his son is a walkon for the Buffaloes.

Ayesha Curry said, acknowledging she observes her own children’s learning styles and how much she wants to support those without the same resources.

with the Falcons. In a 2016 NFL Network interview, Sanders told Goldberg: “You were one of my favorite teammates ever.”

That’s because Goldberg was Sanders’ personal protector. He once drew a $10,000 fine for charging over and smashing an opponent who hit Sanders out of bounds on a kickoff return.

“Anybody that challenged Deion? I was his guy,” Goldberg said. “He’s a brother of mine.” Goldberg remembers being hunched over the steering wheel of his car once after a two-a-day practice session with Atlanta when Glanville approached.

“He comes up to the door and says, ‘You all right?‘” Goldberg recalled. “I’m like: ‘Yeah, Coach, it’s just another day. I’m just trying not to get cut.’

“He says, ‘If I had 22 of you, I’d win the Super Bowl every year because I know that you’d run through a wall for me, for yourself and for your teammates.’”

Motivational talk

Recently, Goldberg was invited to speak to Colorado’s defensive unit. Goldberg’s message that day was prepare to take advantage of any opportunity.

And no, this wasn’t a special favor for an old friend.

“My son will earn his spot on his own,” Bill Goldberg said. “I can guarantee you that since he’s been there, he’s shown that to everybody.”

Friendship between Sanders, Goldberg

Sanders and Goldberg were teammates for a few seasons

It’s a message he also preaches to his son, Gage. Bill Goldberg forecasts big things from his son the more he works under watchful eye of Sanders and the Buffaloes staff.

“I see him as an All-American, as the best linebacker in college football,” Goldberg said. “That’s an extremely high ceiling to shoot for, but if you don’t shoot for being the best, then why do it?”

JACK DEMPSEY / AP PHOTO

JANIE MCCAULEY / AP PHOTO

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry plays golf with LeAni Wade, 8, a third grader at Oakland’s Burckhalter Elementary School, at Stanford Golf Course.

Barbara Jean (Taylor) Drye

Mr. Theodore (Ted) Clinton

April 17, 1936 ~ January 14, 2023

Nov. 12, 1945 – Aug. 31, 2024

Barbara Jean Taylor Drye, 86, of Oakboro, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2023 at her home.

Barbara was born April 17, 1936 in North Carolina to the late Robert Lee Taylor and the late Eva Belle Watts Taylor. She was also preceded in death by husband of 61 years, Keith Furr Drye, and brothers, Robert Lee Taylor, Jr. and George Kenneth Taylor.

Survivors include children, Debbie (Mike) Williams of Albemarle, Teresa (Tom) Curry of Oakboro, Douglas (Tammy) Drye of Oakboro; grandchildren, Melissa (Don) Parrish of Albemarle, Samantha (Destiny) Smith of Oakboro, Bradley Smith of Oakboro, Jonathan Stover of Peachland, and Jessie Stover of Lylesville; sisterin-law, Beatrice Goodman; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved cats, Bo and Garfield.

Tony Carson Buiwe, 78, of Norwood passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. A memorial service is scheduled for 12 p.m. Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Hillside Baptist Church officiated by Pastor Mike Rinehardt. The family will receive friends from 11 – 11:45 a.m. prior to the hour of service at the church.

Tony was born November 12, 1945, in Cabarrus County, NC. Tony is lovingly survived by his wife, Juanita Buiwe of 58 years. Those left to cherish his memory are daughters, Tamara Mauldin and her husband Rod of Albemarle and Tonya Buiwe of Badin. Grandchildren, Alexandra Mauldin Jimenez and her husband Tony of Albemarle and Noah Mauldin of Boiling Springs, SC. Great grandchild, Naomi. He is also survived by his brother, Mickey Stamper.

Dwight Farmer

January 24, 1939 ~ January 15, 2023

Joel Matthew Morton Jr.

April 5, 1956 – Aug. 31, 2024

Dwight Britten Farmer Sr., 83, of Norwood died Sunday morning, January 15, 2023 at Forrest Oakes.

Joel Matthew Morton Jr, 68, went to his heavenly home on Saturday, August 31st, 2024.

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.

The visitation will be held at South Albemarle Baptist Church on Tuesday, September 3, at 1 p.m.

He was a member of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church where he had served as church treasurer and choir member. He began his career with the Stanly County Sheriff’s Department moving to the Norwood Police Department and retiring as Chief of Police with the Town of Norwood after many years of service.

Dwight was an avid gardener, bird watcher and Carolina fan.

The funeral service will be held at South Albemarle Baptist Church on Tuesday September 3 at 2 p.m., with Reverend Danny Laws officiating. Interment to follow at Dunn’s Grove Baptist Church. Joel is preceded in death by his father Joel Matthew Morton Sr., his mother Lillian Modene Morton, and his brother Jeffrey Eudy Morton.

Sturgeon

James Roseboro

John B. Kluttz

“Skip” Springer

June 23, 1967 ~ January 10, 2023

March 13, 1950 –Aug. 30, 2024

James Arthur Roseboro, 55, of Albemarle, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at Anson Health and Rehab.

Mr. Roseboro was born on June 23, 1967 to the late Robert and Delena Shipp Roseboro. He graduated from South Stanly High School and was employed by Triangle Brick. He enjoyed watching football and basketball, especially the Carolina TarHeels and Miami.

Sturgeon Skippy “Skip” Springer, 74, of Albemarle passed away on Friday, August 30, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. Funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, September 2, 2024, at Union Grove Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Lee Church. Burial will follow in the Union Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. He will lie in state 1 hour prior to the hour of service.

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.

Luis Alberto Flores Mendez

March 23, 1935 - January 9, 2023

April 19, 2001 – Aug. 28, 2024

Gregory Ray Barringer

October 11, 1944 - January 10, 2023

Jan. 25, 1965 – Aug. 26, 2024

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.

Gregory Ray Barringer, 59, of Albemarle passed away on Monday, August 26, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. A memorial service is scheduled at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at the Stanly Funeral Home Chapel. The Family will receive friends from 12-1:30 p.m. prior to the service at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle.

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.

Tony was predeceased by his mother, Pauline Johns Buiwe.

Tony served his country well, having retired from the US Army. He loved all things outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, and was an expert marksman. He and Juanita were faithful members of Hillside Baptist Church for over 60 years and have remained active while health permitted. He loved his family and loved to put a smile on your face.

The family would like to say a special thank you to the staff at Tillery Compassionate Care.

Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care is serving the Buiwe family.

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.

Joel is survived by his loving wife of 49 years Jo Ann Morton. He is lovingly remembered by his children Jennifer (Antonio) Smith and Melissa (Casey) Whitley and his six grandchildren Brittany Ridenhour, Caitlyn Morton, Faith Whitley, River Whitley, Jazmine Smith and Layla Whitley. Joel is also remembered by his sister Tanya (Danny) Hatley and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

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.

Joel was born on April 5th, 1956, in Albemarle, NC. He graduated from North Stanly High School in 1975. He worked the majority of his working years at Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools as an HVAC technician.

Joel loved spending time with his family, working in his old truck, hunting, gardening and most of all taking his wife fishing at the Topsail Island Pier.

Flowers may be sent to: Stanly Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1835 Badin Road, Albemarle NC, 28001.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com

Born March 13, 1950, in Elk City, Oklahoma to the late Wilton and Mary Springer. Skip is lovingly survived by his wife, Mary Ann Springer. Those left to cherish his memory are children, Randy Springer of Albemarle; Felicia Springer of Albemarle, Joshua Springer and his wife Lisa of Badin; Stephanie Watson and her husband Brian of Kernersville; grandchildren, Angel, Chase, Dillon, Adam, Chassidy, Ben, Andy, Lucas and Wyatt; great-grandchildren, Demitri, Forrest, Danny and Axel. He is also survived by numerous siblings.

He is preceded in death by a sister, Carolyn Simpson.

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.

Skip loved to entertain his family by the pool, where lasting memories were made. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed all things outdoors, including fishing and hunting. Most importantly he loved to travel with his wife.

Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is serving the Springer family.

Darrick Baldwin

January 7, 1973 ~ January 8, 2023

Darrick Vashon Baldwin, age 50, entered eternal rest, Sunday, January 8, 2023, Albemarle, North Carolina. Born January 7, 1973, in Stanly County, North Carolina, Darrick was the son of Eddie James Baldwin Sr. and the late Phyllis Blue Baldwin. Darrick enjoyed life, always kept things lively and enjoyed making others smile. His presence is no longer in our midst, but his memory will forever live in our hearts.

He was educated in the Stanly County public schools and attended Albemarle Senior High School, Albemarle.

He was a great conversationalist and loved meeting people. Darrick never met a stranger and always showed love and compassion for his fellowman. He also loved his dog, Rocky.

He is survived by his father, Eddie J. Baldwin Sr.; sisters: Crystal (Eric) Jackson, LaFondra (Stoney) Medley, and Morgan Baldwin; brothers: Eddie Baldwin Jr., Anton Baldwin, and Lamont Baldwin; a host of other relatives and friends. A limb has fallen from our family tree. We will not grieve Darrick’s death; we will celebrate his life. We give thanksgiving for the many shared memories.

Luis Alberto Flores Mendez, 23, of Monroe passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. His funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at Davis Chapel. Burial will follow in Lakeland Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Monday evening at Davis Chapel, Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Monroe from 7 until 9 p.m. Born April 19, 2001, in Union County, NC, he was the son of Jose Luis Flores Contreras and Guadalupe Mendez Montiel. Luis was employed as a utility pipelayer. He enjoyed going to the shooting range with his brothers and enjoyed video games and he loved to work.

When John purchased his first Model A Ford at the age of 17, he said that he took the car to the community mechanic when he had a small problem.The mechanic told him that if he was going to keep the car, he needed to learn to work on it. This is when John’s passion for Model A Fords began and how he spent his happiest days with his best friends from around the globe for the rest of his life!

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his girlfriend Jazmin Sandoval, and seven siblings: Luly Mendez, Erika Rodriguez, Karina Rodriguez, Freddy Mendez, Suriami Mendez, Valeria Flores and Alexander Flores. He also is survived by his cat, Peanut. Davis Chapel - Stanly Funeral & Cremation Care of Monroe is caring for the Flores Mendez family.

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.

Doris Elaine Jones Coleman, 78, went home into God’s presence on January 10 after a sudden illness and a valiant week-long fight in ICU. Doris was born on October 11, 1944, in the mountains of Marion, NC while her father was away fighting in the US Navy during World War II. Raymond Jones was so proud to return after the war and meet his little girl! Doris grew up in Durham, NC and graduated from Durham High School. She furthered her studies at Watts Hospital School of Nursing in Durham and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1966.

Mr. Barringer was born on January 25, 1965, in Stanly County to the late Ray and Vernell Barringer. He is lovingly survived by his wife, Barbara Barringer. Those left to cherish his memory are daughters, Britni Clodfelter and husband Travis of Richfield; Bailey Barringer of Albemarle; stepchildren, Danielle Newton and husband John of Albemarle; Anthony Hanning of Nelsonville, OH; and Robert Hanning of Nelsonville, OH, grandchildren; Emma Clodfelter, Mia Clodfelter, James Frederick, Grayson Hanning and Erin Newton, brother, Chip Barringer and wife Cindy of Huntersville and best friend, Wayne Buck. Greg was affectionately known as a family man and jokester who loved to put a smile on your face. He was a huge NASCAR fan which fueled his passion for hot rods. He was also a Pittsburgh Steelers Fan. Greg was always the voice of reason, full of encouragement and would give you the shirt off his back.

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.

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.

Luis Alberto Flores Méndez, de 23 años, de Monroe, falleció el miércoles 28 de agosto de 2024. El servicio fúnebre se llevará a cabo a las 2 PM del martes 3 de septiembre de 2024 en la Capilla Davis. El entierro seguirá en el Parque Memorial Lakeland. La familia recibirá a los amigos el lunes por la noche en la Capilla Davis, Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care de Monroe, de 7 a 9 p.m. Nacido el 19 de abril de 2001 en el condado de Union, NC, era hijo de José Luis Flores Contreras y Guadalupe Méndez Montiel. Luis trabajaba como colocador de tuberías. Le gustaba ir al campo de tiro con sus hermanos, disfrutar de los videojuegos y le encantaba trabajar.

Además de sus padres, le sobreviven su novia Jazmín Sandoval, 7 hermanos: Luly Méndez, Erika Rodríguez, Karina Rodríguez, Freddy Méndez, Suriami Méndez, Valeria Flores y Alexander Flores. También le sobrevive su gato, Peanut.

This is what John’s Model A Community had to say upon learning of his death: He was an active member of Wesley Chapel Methodist Church where he loved serving as greeter on Sunday mornings. He also belonged to the United Methodist Men. John is survived by his wife Julie Ussery Kluttz, for 66 years of the home. He is also survived by a son John David Kluttz (Kim) of Oakboro, NC; two daughters, Sally Simerson of Denver, CO and Betsy Tusa (John) of Lafayette, CO; three grandchildren, Bonnie Kluttz Sammons (Ben) of Richfield, NC John Alexander McKinnon (Sarah) of Asheville, NC and Seth William McKinnon (Amanda) of Germany; five great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Meredith, Grant, Victoria and Ronan. John is also preceded in death by his parents, J.S. Kluttz and Mary Wyatt Clayton Kluttz; a large and loving group of brothers and sisters, Jack Methias Kluttz, Annie Lou Kluttz Honeycutt, Jake Nelson Kluttz, Julius Kluttz, Mary Patricia Phillips and a grandson, Kevin Fowler Kluttz.

The family would like to send a sincere thank you to the staff at Atrium Stanly, Pam and the rest of the staff at Tillery Compassionate Care.

Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is serving the Barringer family.

Doris was a gentle and sweet spirit and loved her Lord. She never met a stranger, and she always left you feeling uplifted after talking with her. She would often claim that she had “adopted” friends into her immediate family, and honestly, she never made a distinction between the two. Positivity radiated from her like sunlight. She was selfless, funny, smart, and sentimental. During her lifetime she was an active member of First Baptist Church of Durham, First Baptist Church of Augusta, Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Augusta, and Palestine United Methodist Church in Albemarle. She especially loved helping at church with older adults, youth, and children.

She was especially talented at sewing from a young age and made gifts for friends, Christmas ornaments, Halloween Costumes, doll clothes, pageant dresses, prom dresses, coats, tote bags, scarves, outfits for Amy and Laura, and Christening gowns for each of her grandchildren.

Doris was preceded in death by her father Arthur Raymond Jones, her mother Mary Ellen Cameron Jones, and her sister Maryanne Jones Brantley. Survivors include her two precious daughters: Amy Cameron Coleman (partner Dr. Edward Neal Chernault) of Albemarle, NC, and Laura Lindahl Coleman Oliverio (husband David) of Cincinnati, Ohio; seven grandchildren: Cameron David Oliverio, Stephanie Jae Dejak, Luca Beatty Oliverio, Coleman John Dejak, Carson Joseph Oliverio, Ryan Nicholas Dejak, and Jadon Richard Oliverio; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.

Doris Jones Coleman

Oregon law makes drug possession crime again

The state reversed a 2020 measure that made possession of illegal drugs only ticketable

By Claire Rush The Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon’s first-in-the-nation experiment with drug decriminalization came to an end Sunday when possessing small amounts of hard drugs again became a crime.

The Democratic-controlled Legislature passed the recriminalization law in March, overhauling a measure approved by 58% of voters in 2020 that made possessing illicit drugs like heroin punishable by a ticket and a maximum $100 fine. The measure directed hundreds of millions of dollars in cannabis tax revenue toward addiction services, but the money was slow to get out the door at a time when the fentanyl crisis was causing a spike in deadly overdoses and health officials — grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic — were struggling to stand up the new treatment system, state auditors found.

The new law, which passed

with the support of Republican lawmakers who had long opposed decriminalization, makes so-called personal use possession a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail. It aims to make it easier for police to crack down on drug use in public and introduced harsher penalties for selling drugs near places such as parks.

Supporters of decriminalization say treatment is more effective than jail in helping people overcome addiction and that the decades-long approach of arresting people for possessing and using drugs hasn’t worked.

The new law establishes ways for treatment alternatives to criminal penalties. But it only encouraged, rather than mandated, counties to create programs that divert people from the criminal justice system and toward addiction and mental health services. Backers of the law say this allows counties to develop programs based on their resources, while opponents say it may create a confusing and inequitable patchwork of policy.

So far, 28 of the state’s 36 counties have applied for grants to fund deflection programs, according to the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. The com-

mission is set to disburse more than $20 million in such grants roughly over the next year.

Oregon House Republican Minority Leader Jeff Helfrich voted for the law but said he was concerned that counties didn’t have enough time to set up their programs.

“Unfortunately, I think we’re kind of setting people up for failure,” he said.

Multnomah County, the state’s most populous and home to Portland, plans to open a temporary center in October where police can drop off people who weren’t committing any other crime but drug possession. There, nurses and outreach workers will assess people and refer them for treatment. Until then, county mental health workers will respond to law enforcement in the field to help connect people with services, but people could still go to jail due to a variety of factors, including if those workers take longer than half an hour to respond, officials said.

“The criteria is very narrow to meet deflection: no other charges, no warrants, no violent behavior, medically stable,” said Portland Police Chief Bob Day.

In other counties, howev-

“I have optimism and I have hope. I’m also realistic that we have a lot of work ahead of us.”

Oregon state Rep. Jason Kropf

er, people with drugs who are also suspected of low-level public order offenses such as trespass will be eligible for deflection. Many counties plan to hold off on filing drug possession charges while people are completing programs.

The differences in deflection programs from county to county are a concern, said Kellen Russoniello, the director of public health at the Drug Policy Alliance.

“It’s going to be this very complicated system, where essentially people who use drugs won’t know their rights and what to expect because it’s different in every single county,” he said. “Whether or not you are connected to services or you are just churned through the system will depend very heavily on where you happen to be in the state.”

He also said a potential influx of new drug cases could further strain Oregon’s legal system, which is already struggling with a critical public defender shortage, and that he thinks the focus should be on ramping up treatment capacity.

“We really need to focus on having the services available for folks if any of these deflection programs are going to be successful,” he said.

One of the law’s key drafters, Democratic state Rep. Jason Kropf, said each county has unique challenges and resources and that lawmakers will be monitoring “what’s working in different parts of the state.”

“I have optimism and I have hope,” he said. “I’m also realistic that we have a lot of work ahead of us.”

Over the past four years, Oregon lawmakers have invested more than $1.5 billion to expand treatment capacity, according to a recent report from the Oregon Health Authority. While that has funded more than 350 new beds that are set to come online next year, the report found that the state still needs up to 3,700 beds to close gaps and meet future demand.

Mexican drug lord released from a US prison may be deported

Osiel Cárdenas Guillén was extradited to the U.S. in 2007

By Maria Verza The Associated Press

MEXICO CITY — Osiel

Cárdenas Guillén, one of Mexico’s most-feared drug lords, has been released from a U.S. prison after serving more than half of a 25-year prison sentence, authorities confirmed Friday.

A U.S. Bureau of Prisons official said Cárdenas Guillén had been released from prison and was placed in the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. That would normally suggest he would be deported back to Mexico.

A Mexican official who was not authorized to be quoted by name said Cárdenas Guillén faces two arrest warrants in Mexico, making it likely he would be detained upon arrival.

The former head of the Gulf cartel was known for his brutality. He created the most bloodthirsty gang of hitmen Mexico has ever known, the Zetas,

people.

and

of millions of dollars. It was not clear why he did not serve his full sentence, but he had been extradited to the U.S. in January 2007.

The 57-year-old native of the border city of Matamoros, Mexico, moved tons of cocaine and made millions of dollars through the Gulf cartel, based in the border cities of Reynosa and Matamoros.

He created the Zetas, a gang of former Mexican special forces soldiers he recruited to become his private army and hit squad. They committed acts of terror that regularly involved slaughtering dozens of people, decapitating them or dumping heaps of hacked-up bodies on roadways.

The Zetas lived on long after Cárdenas Guillén was captured in 2003. By 2010, the Zetas had formed their own cartel, spreading terror-style attacks across Mexico as far south as Tabasco until their top leaders were killed or arrested in 2012 -13.

A n offshoot of the Zetas, the Northeast cartel, continues to control the border city of Nue -

vo Laredo, across from Laredo, Texas.

But Cárdenas Guillén’s gang, the Gulf cartel, has become hopelessly splintered after more than a decade of bloody infighting between factions with names like The Metros, The Cyclones, The Reds and The Scorpions.

Cárdenas Guillén’s nickname was “El Mata Amigos,” or “The one who kills his friends.”

Cárdenas Guillén’s most brazen act was when he surrounded and stopped a vehicle carrying two U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents and one of their informants in 1999 in the border city of Matamoros, across from Brownsville, Texas. His gunmen pointed their weapons at the agents and demanded they hand over the informant, who would almost certainly be tortured and killed. The agents toughed it out and refused, reminding him it would be a bad decision to kill employees of the DEA.

Cárdenas Guillén eventually called off his gunmen, but not before reportedly saying, “You gringos, this is my territory.”

which routinely slaughtered migrants

innocent

Cárdenas Guillén was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2010 and ordered to forfeit tens

CLAIRE RUSH / AP PHOTO

Oregon ended decriminalization of drugs Sunday, reversing its efforts with a new law that puts more choices in the hands of the state’s counties.

PAT SULLIVAN / AP PHOTO

Osiel Cardenas-Guillen leaves the federal courthouse in Houston in 2007. He has been released from a U.S. prison after being arrested and imprisoned 17 years ago.

Titanomachy

West Forsyth senior Abiel Lopez celebrates with

on Tuesday.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Mail ballots to start going out

It might feel like the presidential election is still a long way off. It’s not. Election Day on Nov. 5 is only about two months away, and major dates, events and political developments will make it fly by. North Carolina will begin sending mail ballots to all voters who request them, including military personnel and overseas voters, on Friday. N.C. in-person voting will start on Oct. 17 and run through 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Small plane lands on Greensboro highway

A small single-engine plane made an emergency landing on a highway near the Greensboro airport and was then hit by a vehicle, injuring one of the aircraft’s occupants. The single-engine plane experienced a mechanical failure and made a distress call to Piedmont Triad International Airport around 8 p.m. last Wednesday. It landed on I-840 near the I-73 junction. One of the two people on the plane was taken to a hospital with a minor injury, police said. The driver of the passenger vehicle was not hurt.

Teachers eligible for $300 expense deductions

The IRS reminds North Carolina educators that the maximum deduction for classroom expenses remains $300 for 2024. Eligible educators include teachers, counselors and aides working at least 900 hours yearly in elementary or secondary education. Deductible items include supplies, equipment and health safety measures. Items purchased for homeschooling are not eligible for deduction.

Winston-Salem offers incentive package in hopes of enticing interested company

Foster USA, a fresh produce distributor, is looking to grow its business and WinstonSalem is in the running.

By Ryan Henkel Twin City Herald

WINSTON-SALEM — The Winston-Salem City Council has cast its line in hopes of landing some new capital investment.

At its Sept. 3 regular business meeting, the council approved a resolution authorizing economic development assistance in the amount of $86,550 for Foster USA.

“They are a fresh produce distributor founded in 1902

that provides full-service supply chain solutions linking growers with restaurants, schools, institutions and other customers,” said Economic Development Director Ken Millett. “Company growth has led to the need for additional ripening rooms, repackaging areas and cold-storage capacity.”

Foster USA is considering Winston-Salem as well as other areas in both North and South Carolina and plans to have a capital investment of around $6.25 million over the first three years.

Per the company, if Winston-Salem is chosen, it will mean the relocation of 140 positions plus the addition of 165 new jobs with an average wage of $55,452.

The economic development

incentive package is 50% of the net, new property taxes from the project’s first five years.

The council also approved a resolution to authorize the forgiveness of just under $157,000 in remaining Housing Finance Fund Loan at 207 North Spring St., a building containing five apartment units: two studios and three one-bedroom.

“On July 6, 2001, the Housing Partnership of Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County was provided with a Housing Finance Loan in the amount of $426,000 for the property,” said Assistant Neighborhoods Services Director Samuel Hunter. “Currently, there’s a remaining balance of $156,000. … There’s a request from the Spring Street Co-op LLC to forgive the balance of the loan in exchange for

a fully renovated property that is made affordable for a 30-year period to individuals whose income is between 30% and 50% of the area median income.”

The council did attach a few conditions to the approval, namely that the purchase of the property and obtaining of the clear title must go through within 12 months of the approval and that the repairs necessary to be made in order to attain a certificate of occupancy must be made within 24 months of the purchase.

“I think the property in its current condition has no value,” said board member Robert Clark. “We have a lein on it and the property hasn’t been lived in for seven years — it’s housed

See COUNCIL, page A2

An appeals court found his actions didn’t interrupt court proceedings

By Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press

RALEIGH — A North Carolina judge wrongly found a potential juror in criminal contempt for refusing to wear a mask in 2022 due to COVID-19, a state appeals court ruled Tuesday. The three-judge Court of Appeals panel agreed unanimously to reverse the order against Gregory Hahn, saying in part that his actions didn’t interrupt court proceedings. Hahn had received a 24-hour jail sentence from Superior Court Judge Winston Gilchrist in October 2022. He asked that the

state’s intermediate-level court hear his case.

The judge in 2022 declared that Hahn had been ordered three times to wear a mask. Gilchrist’s order also found that Hahn “willfully behaved in a contemptuous manner” and his conduct harmed the respect that the court’s authority was due.

According to Tuesday’s opinion, the Harnett County Courthouse at the time was under a mask directive — signed in part by Gilchrist — that said masks were optional in common areas and meeting rooms, but judges had discretion to require masks inside their courtrooms.

Hahn reported for jury duty and was directed to a jury assembly room. When a courthouse worker asked him there to wear a mask, he declined.

He was removed from the room and taken to a courtroom where Gilchrist told him about the mask requirement in his courtroom where he’d be a potential juror and in the jury assembly room. Hahn responded that “with all due respect, I will not be wearing a mask, sir.” He was found in contempt after Gilchrist warned him about the potential punishments.

Writing the prevailing opinion, Court of Appeals Judge Michael Stading said the elements of criminal contempt weren’t present in this case. Hahn did not disrupt court, Stading wrote, pointing out that he was not a participant in ongoing proceedings in a courtroom and was respectful to Gilchrist.

The masking directive was also invalid because it came several months after state Su-

preme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby issued a statewide order revoking all pandemic emergency directives, including those giving discretion to local courts, according to Stading. Even so, there is nothing sufficient to support findings that Hahn “could have known his discussion with the courthouse employee in the jury assembly room might directly interrupt proceedings or interfere with the court’s order or business,” Stading wrote. Judge April Wood agreed with Stading’s opinion. Judge Jefferson Griffin agreed with the outcome but wrote a separate opinion. The state Supreme Court could now hear the cause if there are further appeals, but the justices aren’t required to do so.

his teammates after scoring in the second half of the Titans 6-1 victory against the Blue Comets in Asheboro

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BUSINESS

After diversity pushback, some UNC faculty feel left in dark

New policies commit to free speech and academic freedom

By Makiya Seminera The Associated Press

RALEIGH — Keely Muscatell always told prospective students they could study anything they dreamed of at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Now, with many diversity programs across the state’s public university system at risk of elimination, she isn’t so sure.

“We’ve had some really, really sad and difficult conversations within my lab,” the UNC psychology professor said. “Can we, in good conscience, continue to try to recruit and advocate that people go to graduate school here? Especially people of color?”

Send address changes

1201 Edwards Mill Rd.

COUNCIL from page A1

some racoons and some homeless people – but has had no water or electricity for the last seven years. I wish you folks the best and I mean that very sincerely.”

The council also approved the demolition and removal of structures at 1818 North Dunleith St.

In addition, the Historic Recognition Committee of the Forsyth County Historic Resources Commission is seeking applications for Heritage Neighborhood designations.

“This new program was established to recognize and honor historic neighborhoods throughout the city,” said City Manager William Pate. “This will give neighborhoods that don’t qualify for national historic recognition an opportunity to still be recognized on a local level.”

According to Pate, the deadline to apply is March 1, 2025, and neighborhoods that receive the designation will be announced in June of that year and will also receive custom street sign toppers.

The Winston-Salem City Council will next meet Sept. 16.

The UNC Board of Governors took the major step in May of revoking a diversity policy spanning its 17 institutions — meaning roles will be reassessed and possibly eliminated. Republican General Assembly leaders encouraged and then applauded the move. House Speaker Tim Moore previously decried DEI efforts as wasteful spending and “wokeness” to indoctrinate students. “At the end of the day, let the students have the free exchange, but don’t allow coercion of ideas and don’t allow folks to be marginalized,” he said in April.

The new policy commits the schools to free speech, academic freedom and institutional neutrality — values

UNC System President Peter Hans calls necessary to prevent institutions from taking political stances.

It’s part of what Muscatell describes, however, as a “structural effort” to squelch diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and the overhaul of how public universities handle DEI work plays a large role in her dissatisfaction. Earlier, mounting pressure to dismantle DEI programs were part of the reason Muscatell left her role as the psychology and neuroscience department’s diversity initiatives director in May.

The policy and its aftermath

The Associated Press spoke with several UNC Chapel Hill faculty members who reported feeling uninformed on the sweeping policy’s implementation. Many, like Muscatell, say the lack of campuswide guidance raises concerns about what’s next.

North Carolina is not alone in DEI rollbacks. Conservative-led pushback notably gained traction at the University of Florida and the University of Texas, which cut diversity offices and jobs, while other universities in Kentucky and Nebraska are eyeing changes.

UNC Chapel Hill declined to comment on campus changes before Sept. 1 but added that “targeted initiatives that welcome and support underserved students” can continue if they abide by nondiscrimination and neutrality rules.

In June, Leah Cox, the university’s chief diversity officer, accepted an additional oneyear appointment as the university’s executive vice provost, according to emails and contracts obtained by The Associated Press. Cox’s responsibilities include reorganizing certain diversity initiatives within the provost’s office, her contract said.

ed faculty members seeking a foothold at the university. VITAE stopped accepting applications this month and a new initiative launched last week will support hiring faculty that contribute to “academic, curricular, and intellectual diversity goals” of the university, said Provost Christopher Clemens in an internal email obtained by AP. Officials said funds already committed through VITAE will be honored.

Kurt Ribisl, the health behavior department chair, recalled hiring talented faculty through VITAE and said discontinuing it would be a major loss. About half of tenured or tenure-track underrepresented faculty members were VITAE participants as of 2020, records show.

based scholarships, fellowships and awards.

In Muscatell’s final year as director of diversity initiatives, she felt the impact: Small tasks passed through several levels of approval and she said her ideas were often questioned. When Muscatell asked about DEI programming, she said others told her to do whatever invited less scrutiny.

Muscatell’s colleague Margaret Sheridan said it felt like administration was “looking over our shoulder.”

Some faculty wait “for the bad news”

Before fall classes began, Ariana Vigil said a few incoming students asked about her well-being and if they could still major in women’s and gender studies, the department Vigil chairs.

Generally, Vigil said she feels supported and her department hasn’t faced explicit administrative opposition.

She also sees increasing diversity in her classes. From 2016 to 2023, black student enrollment increased by less than a percentage point to 8.6% of the student population while Hispanic and Asian student populations reached 9.1% and 12.9%.

However, the fear of what’s next remains, Vigil said, calling the change to campus diversity policies “demoralizing.”

“It’s more just, like, sitting around waiting for the bad news,” she said.

Ahead of an April UNC Faculty Assembly meeting to discuss the policy, UNC Chapel Hill’s faculty chair Beth Moracco said she was flooded with enough faculty feedback to fill 13 single-spaced pages — some in support and the rest “overwhelmingly of concern.”

Moracco said she’s been reassured policy changes shouldn’t affect research — a major worry for some health researchers whose federal funding commits them to addressing inequities.

The new policy states research is protected under academic freedom.

Sheridan is less troubled about her research — how structural inequality shapes children’s brain development — and more about the general research environment. She noted a “less diverse and less open” workplace could prompt some faculty to leave, draining talent and innovation.

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UNC System campuses were required to submit documents by Sept. 1 outlining eliminated and realigned positions, program changes and funding reallocations under the new policy.

UNC did not comment on whether Cox’s new appointment was a result of the policy. But administrators did say the policy change, coupled with the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2023 decision to ban affirmative action in college admissions, played a role in the recent discontinuation of a program aimed at diversifying the university’s workforce.

The program VITAE — Valuing Inclusion to Attain Excellence Hiring Program — provided substantial funding for salaries of underrepresent-

“You want to have a faculty who represents the sort of composition of our state, and students want to see people in the classroom teaching them who look like they do,” Ribisl said.

“Looking over our shoulder”

Several faculty members said major changes in 2023 set the stage for the policy shift. First, the UNC system adopted a compelled speech ban that bars soliciting candidates’ diversity statements or political belief declarations in job decisions. And the Supreme Court affirmative action ban prompted drastic changes for race-

“More of us will go, and I honestly feel like we’re not the obvious targets, our own research is not specifically threatened,” Sheridan said. “But if the larger goal was supported at the university, I think it would make it a climate where we wanted to stay.”

Muscatell says that’s a factor in her looking elsewhere. Despite her love of UNC, she said finding a faculty position at a university without a “hostile climate toward diversity and equity work” is a priority for her.

“It definitely feels to me like, we’re just kind of, yeah, I don’t know, that we are replaceable,” she said.

Children’s book to blame for Burke County car fire

A small battery in a book is the suspect

The Associated Press A CHILD’S CAR seat was set ablaze when a “button battery” in a children’s book caught fire after being left in the vehicle last week in Burke County, according to the George Hildebran Fire & Rescue Department. The family had left the car before the fire started, officials said.

Destiny Williams and her daughter, Misty, had come home from church that day and went inside the house, Williams told WSOC. Then, she began to notice smoke from the car.

A neighbor eventually put the fire out with a garden hose, WSOC reported. After the fire was put out, the fire marshal’s office was called to the scene, authorities said.

“My initial thought about it is: ‘What if it did happen?’ Because I would be without a daughter and a wife if it did happen (with them in the car),” the girl’s father, Pressley Williams, told WBTV. One of the several books near the scorched car seat was suspected of having a lithium battery, which are susceptible to catching fire if they overheat, according to the Burke County Fire Marshal’s Office.

BEN MCKEOWN / AP PHOTO

Professors Keely Muscatell, left, and Margaret Sheridan, right, on the UNC campus in late August.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Don’t believe your lying eyes

The job of the media is to shed light so the people can find their way.

WE’VE ALL HEARD a lot about the mainstream media and how it has been infiltrated by corruption. The media has not only picked sides, in the political realm, they are no doubt the Most Valuable Player.

We heard testimony last week from Mark Zuckerberg, who finally admitted that the Biden administration had pressured social media outlets to censor some COVID-19 content during the pandemic. Zuckerberg said, “I believe the government pressure was wrong, and I regret that we were not more outspoken about it. … We’re ready to push back if something like this happens again.” Can we believe him?

The job of the media is to shed light so the people can find their way. In other words, just give us facts, true facts, and let us make our own decisions. Instead, we usually get propaganda and only what they want us to hear.

There’s very little trust left in most media. That’s sad because we need honest journalists to do their job so that people can hold government accountable. Journalists need to ask questions of government officials and then give us unfiltered answers. Not to mention the many other issues, outside government, that we need to be informed about. We need facts and truth to influence the culture that we live in.

A few years ago, before I became a senator, I did a lot of traveling and speaking at various rallies. At a rally in South Carolina, I got a dose of how easily some in the media can be misled.

This is a true story, nobody could make this stuff up.

A media outlet, in order to prove that people at the freedom rallies were racist, sent a reporter from a prominent African American publication.

At the rally, someone asked my friend Henry, “What do you say when people accuse you of being racist?” Henry said, “I tell them I can’t be racist ’cause I’m black.” Well, Henry is not black, he’s whiter than most. Everyone laughed and pointed out that he wasn’t black. Henry pounced on them and shot back, “Who are you to tell me I’m not black? What right do you have to determine whether I’m black.” Laughter subsided after a while and the meeting continued.

When Henry was leaving the event with his friend, the reporter

Back to school

What happened last spring at campuses across America, where Jewish students were literally blocked from attending classes and subject to verbal abuse, is simply unacceptable.

“WELCOME TO MIT!” the flyers being handed out to incoming students announce, next to a drawing of Tim the Beaver, MIT’s mascot. The flyers go on to comment on the conflict in the Middle East and the State of Israel in particular, and they list more than 20 additional resources.

One of the “resources” they list is the Mapping Project, a blatantly antisemitic organization, which provides an interactive map of Jewish organizations, synagogues and nonprofits, complete with the names of their leaders. The purpose of listing these organizations is to “dismantle” them. The goal, as the Project itself states, is “to reveal the local entities and networks that enact devastation, so we can dismantle them. Every entity has an address, every network can be disrupted.”

As the Anti-Defamation League points out, “Many familiar antisemitic tropes are woven into this project, including:

“Myths of Jewish wealth, power and control through the project’s inordinate focus on revealing the identity of Jewish philanthropists, doctors, and media.

“Scapegoating the Jewish community by claiming that Jews are overwhelmingly responsible for a range of societal ills.

“Advocating the isolation and shunning of the entire Jewish community and those who interact with it, including through boycotts.”

“I believe the Mapping Project promotes antisemitism,”

MIT President Sally Kornbluth wrote in a note to the MIT community. She went on to say that she had heard from students that the flyers made them feel that they were not welcome at MIT. “Do we really want to draw lines on Day One and risk making any of our newest students question whether they belong here?”

The answer, plainly, is that some students do want to make Jewish students question whether they belong here, and it is the university’s responsibility to make sure that they do feel welcome, not only by notes such as the one sent by Kornbluth (the only survivor of the infamous congressional hearing last December that led to the resignations of the presidents of

from the magazine came up to him, put her arm around him and said, “Honey, don’t you let them make you feel bad about being black. You keep standing up for yourself and don’t you let anyone tell you that you’re not black.” Henry’s mouth fell open as she walked away. His friend said, “She thought you were serious.”

The point of this story is if the media can’t even bother to find out a simple truth, how can we ever expect that we can get accurate reporting? We can’t.

We’ve recently seen the need to change language to fit an agenda. We can identify ourselves as male or female and nobody is supposed to question our self-identity. We use whatever pronouns we like regardless of science or history or any other logical reasoning. What happens when more and more people decide to identify as something other than what they are? If I identify as a man, that’s my right. Perhaps, I may want to identify as black, Hispanic, or Asian.

I told you before about the people that are self-identifying as animals. They don’t consider themselves human. I understand there are two main groups: otherkin (people who identify as mythical characters) and therians (people who identify as earthly animals.) Oops, I called them people. My bad, I mean individuals. You might assume these folks are mentally unstable. Clinical psychology professor Dr. Marc Feldman explained to The Daily Dot that it isn’t true. He said, “People in advantaged countries like to think of themselves as especially complex, colorful and special. The otherkin phenomenon certainly reflects this first-world preoccupation. But it isn’t illegal, doesn’t victimize other people and isn’t a form of mental illness (unless people become delusional about it), so I don’t see a particular need for ‘treatment.’”

A serious media would be calling this stuff out, don’t you think?

I’ve decided to identify as a 30-year-old wealthy woman who looks like Marilyn Monroe. Don’t you dare try to tell me differently. And that stupid bank better not be bouncing my checks.

Sen. Joyce Krawiec has represented Forsyth County and the 31st District in the North Carolina Senate since 2014. She lives in Kernersville.

Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania) but also by their actions.

What happened last spring at campuses across America, where Jewish students were literally blocked from attending classes and subject to verbal abuse, is simply unacceptable. The purpose of a university is to educate its students, and to do that it has to protect them from physical and verbal abuse.

“My daughter has to go back to UCLA and see what she has to endure this year,” the man ahead of me in line at the bookstore told me. Last spring, she was blocked from attending classes and taunted with cries of “go back to Poland,” where, now generations ago, her relatives who did not get out perished.

The high-profile protests that some feared could taint the Democratic National Convention didn’t happen. Palestine was not given a speaking part. The sky didn’t fall. They had a chance to protest outside, in a designated zone, and not interfere with the convention.

It’s a model for what should happen on campuses this fall. UCLA is under an injunction to protect its students. The UC system has adopted new rules prohibiting encampments and masks used to conceal identities. Harvard is requiring students to get permission before setting up tents, art exhibits or chalking on the sidewalk in public spaces.

I’m a civil libertarian. I believe in free speech. But reasonable time, place and manner restrictions need to be imposed lest the universities fail again, as so many did last spring, to educate and protect their students.

University presidents have every reason to take this mandate seriously. The high-profile resignations at Harvard and Penn, followed by the recent resignation of Columbia’s president citing student strife on campus, underscore the fact that mishandling this issue is a career-ender. It’s also the right thing to do.

Susan Estrich is a lawyer, professor, author and political commentator.

TRIAD STRAIGHT TALK | SEN. JOYCE KRAWEIC

COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH

STATE & NATION

Polio vaccination campaign begins in Gaza

The war-ravaged region had its first case in 25 years

By Wafaa Shurafa and Samy Magdy

The Associated Press

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Palestinian health authorities and United Nations agencies on Sunday began a large-scale campaign of vaccinations against polio in the Gaza Strip, hoping to prevent an outbreak in the territory that has been ravaged by the Israel-Hamas war.

Authorities plan to vaccinate children in central Gaza until Wednesday before moving on to the more devastated northern and southern parts of the strip. The campaign began with a small number of vaccinations on Saturday and aims to reach about 640,000 children.

Gaza’s Health Ministry said more than 72,600 children received vaccines Sunday.

If the paralysis affects breathing muscles, the disease can be fatal.

The vaccination campaign faces challenges, from ongoing fighting to devastated roads and hospitals shut down by the war. Around 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million people have been displaced within the besieged territory, with hundreds of thousands crammed into squalid tent camps.

Health officials have expressed alarm about disease outbreaks as uncollected garbage has piled up and the bombing of critical infrastructure has sent putrid water flowing through the streets. Polio is spread through fecal matter. Widespread hunger has left people even more vulnerable to illness.

truce in designated areas to enable families to reach health facilities.

“This is a first step,” he told The Associated Press. “But there is no alternative to a cease-fire because it’s not only polio that threatens children in Gaza, but also other factors, including malnutrition and the inhuman conditions they are living in.”

The vaccinations will be administered at roughly 160 sites across the territory, including medical centers and schools.

The World Health Organization has said Israel agreed to limited pauses in the fighting to facilitate the campaign. There were initial reports of Israeli strikes in central Gaza early Sunday, but it was not immediately known if anyone was killed or wounded. The pause ended Sunday afternoon, according to a schedule released by Israel. Israel has said the vaccination program will continue through Sept. 9 and last eight hours a day.

lyzed in a leg. The World Health Organization said the presence of a paralysis case indicates there could be hundreds more who have been infected but aren’t showing symptoms.

Gaza recently reported its first polio case in 25 years — a 10-month-old boy, now para-

Most people who have polio do not experience symptoms, and those who do usually recover in a week or so. But there is no cure, and when polio causes paralysis, it is usually permanent.

“We escaped death with our children and fled from place to place for the sake of our children, and now we have these diseases,” said Wafaa Obaid, who brought her three children to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah to get the vaccinations.

Ammar Ammar, a spokesperson for the U.N. children’s agency, said it hopes both parties adhere to a temporary

Children under 10 will receive two drops of oral polio vaccine in two rounds, the second to be administered four weeks after the first. Israel allowed around 1.3 million doses to be brought into the territory last month, which are now being held in refrigerated storage in a warehouse in Deir al-Balah. Another shipment of 400,000 doses is set to be delivered to Gaza soon.

The polio virus that triggered this latest outbreak is a mutated virus from an oral polio vaccine. The oral polio vaccine contains weakened live virus and, in very rare cases, that virus is shed by those who are vaccinated and can evolve into a new form capable of starting new epidemics.

German far-right party wins first state election

Alternative for Germany is the first far-right party to win in the nation since after World War II

By Geir Moulson

The Associated Press

BERLIN — A far-right party won a state election for the first time in post-World War II Germany in the country’s east on Sunday.

A new party founded by a prominent leftist also made a strong impact, while the parties in Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s unpopular national government obtained extremely weak results.

The far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, won 32.8% of the vote in Thuringia — well ahead of the center-right Christian Democratic Union, the main national opposition party, with 23.6%.

“An openly right-wing extremist party has become the strongest force in a state parliament for the first time since 1949, and that causes many people very deep concern and fear,” said Omid Nouripour, a leader of the Greens, one of the national governing parties.

Other parties say they won’t put AfD in power by joining it in a coalition. Even so, its strength is likely to make it extremely difficult to form new state governments, forcing other parties into exotic new coalitions. The new Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance, or

BSW, took 15.8% of the vote in Thuringia and nearly 12% in Saxony, adding another level of complication.

“This is a historic success for us,” Alice Weidel, a national co-leader of AfD, told ARD. She described the result as a “requiem” for Scholz’s coalition.

The CDU’s national general secretary, Carsten Linnemann, said that “voters in both states knew that we wouldn’t form a coalition with AfD, and it will stay that way — we are very, very clear on this.”

Weidel denounced that as “pure ignorance” and said that “ voters want AfD to participate in a government.”

Deep discontent with a national government notorious for infighting, anti-immigration sentiment and skepticism toward German military aid for Ukraine are among the factors that have contributed to support for populist parties in the region, which is less prosperous than western Germany.

AfD is at its strongest in the formerly communist east, and the domestic intelligence agency has the party’s branches in both Saxony and Thuringia under official surveillance as “proven right-wing extremist” groups. Its leader in Thuringia, Björn Höcke, has been convicted of knowingly using a

Nazi slogan at political events but is appealing. Höcke bristled when an ARD interviewer mentioned the intelligence agency’s assessment, responding: “Please stop stigmatizing me. We are the No. 1 party in Thuringia.

You don’t want to classify onethird of the voters in Thuringia as right-wing extremist.”

He said he felt “a great, great deal of pride” in Sunday’s result for his 11-year-old party and “the old parties should show humility.”

Scholz’s center-left Social Democrats at least stayed in the two state legislatures with single-digit support, but

“This is a historic success for us.”

Alice Weidel, co-leader of AfD

the environmentalist Greens lost their seats in Thuringia. The two parties were the junior coalition partners in both outgoing state governments. The third party in the national government, the pro-business Free Democrats, also lost its seats in Thuringia. It already h ad no representation in Saxony.

A third state election follows Sept. 22 in another eastern state, Brandenburg, currently led by Scholz’s party. Germany’s next national election is due in a little over a year.

AfD has tapped into high anti-immigration sentiment in the region. The Aug. 23 knife attack in the western city of Solingen in which a suspected extremist from Syria is accused of killing three people helped push the issue back to the top of Germany’s political a genda and prompted Scholz’s government to announce new restrictions on knives and new measures to ease deportations.

Wagenknecht’s BSW combines left-wing economic policy with an immigration-skeptic agenda. The CDU has also stepped up pressure on the national government for a tougher stance on immigration.

ABDEL KAREEM HANA / AP PHOTO

A health worker administers a polio vaccine to a child at a hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on Sunday.

MICHAEL KAPPELER / DPA VIA AP

Bjorn Hecke of the Alternative for Germany party led the far-right group to its first election win.

Forsyth SPORTS

Curry cherishes winning Olympic gold after tough Warriors finish

The Team USA star is back home hosting a golf tournament and enjoying time with family

By Janie McCauley

Associated Press

The

STANFORD, Calif. — For Stephen Curry, winning an Olympic gold medal has certainly taken some of the sting away from such a disappointing end to his season with the Golden State Warriors when they missed the playoffs.

Back from his scoring flurry in a triumphant Paris Games for the United States and on regular family duty before the new NBA season begins, Curry can reflect on the highs and lows of his year — with one notable joy being the addition of his fourth child with wife Ayesha, baby boy Caius Chai born May 11.

He has a new contract in hand, too, after receiving a $62.6 million, one-year extension on his current deal that now keeps him with Golden State through the 2026-27 season.

“Everything happens for a reason, and the journey gives you all type of different experiences along the way,” the 36-year-old Curry said before hosting a charity golf tournament benefiting the couple’s Eat.Learn.Play. Foundation devoted to Oakland schools. “But this summer’s been amazing, just coming off a tough NBA year to experience what we did and get a win in the Olympics and some of the things I look forward to every year especially around our foundation and the work that we’re doing here in Oakland. ... It puts everything into perspective of what basketball has done for me and the

doors that it’s opened and trying to take full advantage of it.”

Now Curry can catch his breath and clear his mind from basketball at least for a little while.

A kids’ size golf club in hand, Curry lined up to hit his shot on an upward slope toward the green while reminding elementary school students LeAni Wade and Terrell Covington about the importance of keeping their eyes on the plastic neon yellow ball to make solid contact.

And, the superstar instructed, no reason to be concerned about taking a chunk out of the grass in the process.

Those children from Burckhalter Elementary School in Oakland were thrilled to have such a special field trip to Stanford Golf Course. These students have been part of a pilot tutoring program through the Currys’ foundation that is again expanding its reach in Oakland Unified School District after efforts last year included the revitalization of six schoolyards.

“It’s the same way I appreciate all the things I get to do on and off the court where it’s all

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry plays golf with LeAni Wade, 8, a third grader at Oakland’s Burckhalter Elementary School, at Stanford Golf Course.

connected,” Curry said. “Me having fun going and winning a gold medal raised the platform to then be able to talk about stuff that matters even more. Being able to share those experiences with my family, the (foundation) team, they know especially while they were working tirelessly every day to make sure a day like today is executed and make sure our plan is locked in, I’m representing everybody out there on the court doing what I do.”

Five years into their foundation work, the Currys announced a commitment to raise and invest $25 million over the next five years devoted to literacy programs that will provide one-on-one tutoring for children who are at least two grade levels behind in reading.

“What’s interesting is it’s never been a one and done and we’ve always slow rolled things out because we love to build a model that kind of proves itself and can stand on its own,” Ayesha Curry said, acknowledging she observes her own children’s learning styles and how much she wants to support those without the same resources.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Rhett Lowder

Cincinnati Reds, baseball

Lowder tied the record for most strikeouts by a Wake pitcher in his MLB debut, set 69 years ago by Rip Coleman, with the Yankees.

Briscoe holds off Busch in Southern 500

The win gave

a spot in the Cup playoffs

By Pete Iacobelli

DARLINGTON, S.C. —

Chase Briscoe went three-wide to pass Kyle Larson and Ross Chastain for the lead, then outran two-time series champion Kyle Busch to win the Southern 500 on Sunday night and make the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Briscoe pulled away on a final restart with 17 laps in the regular-season finale at Darlington Raceway and held off Busch, who like Briscoe needed a victory to reach the postseason.

“We just won the Southern 500!” an emotional Briscoe said on the car radio. Briscoe’s Stewart-Haas Team announced its closure earlier this season. Briscoe gave the proud program something to fight for over the final 10 weeks of the season.

“Yeah, this group, the day we found out that the team wasn’t going to exist anymore, we went over to the shop board, looked at each other and said, ‘We’re in this to the end,’” Briscoe said. “I was saying all week, ‘We’ve got one bullet left in the chamber.’ That bullet hit.”

Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Ty Gibbs and Martin Truex Jr. got the final two postseason spots on points, while Bubba Wallace and Chastain, both within 27 points of the cutoff line when

the race began, came up short. Briscoe’s dramatic move spoiled another dominant Darlington run by Kyle Larson, who led 263 laps but was not the same after getting passed by the winner. Larson was trying to overtake Tyler Reddick for the regular-season points title — and the 15 bonus points the leader receives — but came up a point short. Christopher Bell was third, followed by Larson, Chastain, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, Corey LaJoie and Reddick.

Truex, racing his last season before retirement, just needed a solid, problem-free run at the track “Too Tough To Tame” to advance. Instead, he left his fate in others’ hands when he crashed out on Lap 3 as his car slid up and hit defending Cup

Series champion Ryan Blaney.

But following Larson’s victory in the second stage — he also won the first stage — NASCAR announced that Truex had wrapped up a spot in the 16-driver playoff field. Wallace entered the weekend as the first-man out of the playoffs and got a boost when he won his first Darlington pole Saturday. But with 23XI co-owner Michael Jordan in his pit box to watch, Wallace got caught up in a six-car wreck 24 laps from the finish. Jordan, wearing a headset and watching intently, threw his hands up and bowed his head when he saw Wallace involved in the wreck.

“Wasn’t good enough for 16th this year, hate that,” Wallace said. “Stinks saying that,

but wasn’t for a lack of effort.” Busch came up short a second straight week.

“Hate it for our guys,” said Busch, who won titles in 2015 and 2019. “Something to build on and get better for. We just missed a lot early in the year, the middle part of the year to be in this spot, on the outside looking in.” Reddick won the regular-season title, with Larson in second. The rest of the playoff field is: Chase Elliott, Christopher Bell, William Byron, Blaney, Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Austin Cindric, Daniel Suarez, Alex Bowman, Briscoe, Gibbs and Truex. The first round starts in Atlanta, then goes to Watkins Glen and Bristol before the field is cut to 12.

CAROLYN KASTER / AP PHOTO

Stewart‑Haas

The Associated Press

MATT KELLEY / AP PHOTO

Chase Briscoe does a burnout after winning Sunday’s Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.

JANIE MCCAULEY / AP PHOTO

SIDELINE

REPORT

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

South Carolina basketball star Watkins charged with assault, kidnapping

Columbia, S.C.

South Carolina national championship-winning forward Ashlyn Watkins was arrested on charges of assault and battery and kidnapping. Watkins, a 6-foot-3 junior, is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 25. Warrants filed by university police said Watkins forcefully grabbed the victim’s face, pulled her arms and pushed her. Watkins also picked up the victim against her will, according to the warrant.

A South Carolina women’s basketball spokeswoman says the school is aware of Watkins’ arrest and continuing to gather information.

NFL

49ers’ Pearsall out of hospital after shooting during attempted robbery

San Francisco

Officials say a juvenile suspect is in custody after allegedly shooting San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the chest during an attempted robbery in San Francisco. The 23-year-old Pearsall was released Sunday from San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. Police say Pearsall was walking alone shortly after 3:30 p.m. when the suspect attempted to rob him and they both were shot during a struggle. Authorities have identified the suspect as a 17-yearold male resident of Tracy, California. The 49ers issued a statement saying Pearsall was hit by a bullet in the chest.

HORSE RACING

Kelce’s new racehorse Swift Delivery finishes 2nd as beaten favorite in Canada

Toronto

A racehorse named Swift Delivery that three-time Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce bought into has finished second in its latest start. Sent off as the even-money favorite, Swift Delivery was beaten in the $125,000 Toronto Cup Stakes at Woodbine. Swift Delivery was last in the field of six in the early going of the onemile turf race. Under Patrick Husbands, the 3-year-old gelding made a move on the outside but couldn’t overcome eventual winner Piper’s Factor. Swift Delivery is not named after pop superstar Taylor Swift, who Kelce has been dating.

GOLF

Great Britain & Ireland holds off American rally to win Curtis Cup for first time in 8 years

Sunningdale, England

Great Britain & Ireland won the Curtis Cup for the first time in eight years. Mimi Rhodes delivered the clutch moment for GB&I against the Americans. She was 3 down against Melanie Green when she rallied to take the lead. With the Curtis Cup on the line, Rhodes made an 18-foot par putt on the 17th hole at Sunningdale. That kept her lead at 1 up and assured GB&I the halfpoint it needed to win. Sara Byrne had an unbeaten week for GB&I by going 2-0-3.

Catriona Matthew is the first winning captain of a Curtis Cup and Solheim Cup.

Patriots have no reason to rush rookie quarterback Maye

line and a mediocre receiving corps. Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick in 2023, was in a similar situation last season in Carolina. He struggled mightily and the Panthers went 2-15.

By Rob Maaddi The Associated Press

DRAKE MAYE is the quarterback of the future for the New England Patriots. Jacoby Brissett is the team’s present.

Credit coach Jerod Mayo for not giving in to public pressure.

The Patriots are a rebuilding team with no chance of competing for the playoffs this season. They’ll be closer to battling for the No. 1 overall pick.

Maye, the No. 3 overall pick out of UNC, may have outplayed Brissett in the preseason — Mayo even said so. But, the decision to start the veteran quarterback in Week 1 is more about the players surrounding Maye.

The rookie won’t be in a position to have success behind New England’s weak offensive

The Patriots are entering a new era without Bill Belichick.

Tom Brady is long gone, and the goal in 2024 is to set Maye up for success down the road.

“I feel like we are all on the same page from an organizational perspective,” Mayo said. “There are a lot of factors that led to this choice. The hard part is thinking in the short term and the long term at the same time.”

Mayo and the front office believe starting the season from the sideline is best for Maye’s future. History supports them.

Of the 24 quarterbacks drafted in the first round between 2018-23, nine started Week 1.

Only C.J. Stroud and Mac Jones led their teams to the playoffs as rookies. Jones did so for the Patriots and fizzled quickly.

Even the Chiefs made three-

time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes wait one season behind Alex Smith. Josh Allen, Tua Tagovailoa, Lamar Jackson and Justin Herbert also didn’t start right away. Jordan Love waited three years behind Aaron Rodgers.

“The hardest position in sports is a quarterback, and especially for a rookie guy coming in and not seeing all the defenses that they’re going to see in the NFL, it’s tough,” Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said last week. “It’s hard to transition, and it takes a little bit of time. We’re going to be as patient as we can with that process.

“There’s certain things in this offense that Jacoby, having played in this offense, understands some of the tools that you can use to get out of certain situations, pressure situations, things like that. Drake is still learning.”

Brissett, who went to NC State, has played for five teams and started 48 games, includ-

ing two as a rookie with the Patriots in 2016. He was signed to add experience, provide stability in the quarterback room and help prepare Maye.

“I’m excited for his future, and he’s gonna be a good quarterback in his league,” Brissett said. “He kind of came up to me with, like, ‘Man, whatever you need I’m here for,’ and it’s the same thing for him, whatever he needs for me, I’ll do the same.”

Maye handled the news like a pro.

“Obviously, there are two ways to look at it,” Maye said. “I want to play, that’s the competitive edge in me, but at the same time I understand the situation coming in here, and Jacoby knew the offense and got the reps with the ones all camp. So I can’t really say I’m disappointed, but at the same time want to be playing.”

Maye will get his turn when he’s ready. The Patriots, considering their low expectations, don’t have to rush him.

Once teammates, wrestler Goldberg, Sanders reunite at Colorado through Goldberg’s son

Gage Goldberg is a freshman linebacker for the Buffaloes

By Pat Graham The Associated Press

BOULDER, Colo. — Hall of Fame pro wrestler Bill Goldberg isn’t just another celebrity that coach Deion Sanders has walking along the Colorado sideline. He’s not just another big name brought in to deliver motivational speeches. Goldberg’s got a vested interest in the program with his son, Gage, a freshman walk-on linebacker for the Buffaloes. Gage Goldberg, a two-sport standout in high school, could’ve gone just about anywhere, but the family picked Boulder in part due to his father’s relationship with Sanders. Because three decades ago, Sanders took Bill Goldberg, a young and hungry defensive lineman trying to earn a spot with the Atlanta Falcons, under his wing.

It’s something Goldberg has never forgotten. “I’m greatly appreciative for it,” Goldberg said. “I couldn’t be happier for Deion, for my son and the team.”

From Saban to Sanders Coming out of Champion High School in Boerne, Texas, Gage Goldberg flew under the radar. He wasn’t a high-profile recruit simply because he split his time between football and baseball.

Bill Goldberg flexes before Colorado’s opening game against North Dakota State last Thursday. The wrestling legend is a former teammate of coach Deion Sanders, and his son is a walk-on for the Buffaloes.

The 6-foot, 210-pound linebacker ultimately wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father.

Gage Goldberg was set to go to Alabama and try to make Nick Saban’s squad. But that changed when Saban announced his retirement. The family reached out to Georgia and Colorado. Within minutes, the Buffaloes called back and had a walk-on spot for him.

“As a father, you obviously want your son to go to a place where he fits in, where he can prosper, where he can learn, where he can get a great education and just learn how to be

a good person,” Bill Goldberg said. “So all of that pointed to picking up the phone and calling Deion.”

And no, this wasn’t a special favor for an old friend.

“My son will earn his spot on his own,” Bill Goldberg said. “I can guarantee you that since he’s been there, he’s shown that to everybody.”

Friendship between Sanders, Goldberg

Sanders and Goldberg were teammates for a few seasons with the Falcons. In a 2016 NFL Network interview, Sanders told Goldberg: “You were one of

my favorite teammates ever.”

That’s because Goldberg was Sanders’ personal protector. He once drew a $10,000 fine for charging over and smashing an opponent who hit Sanders out of bounds on a kickoff return.

“Anybody that challenged Deion? I was his guy,” Goldberg said. “He’s a brother of mine.” Goldberg remembers being hunched over the steering wheel of his car once after a two-a-day practice session with Atlanta when Glanville approached.

“He comes up to the door and says, ‘You all right?‘” Goldberg recalled. “I’m like: ‘Yeah, Coach, it’s just another day. I’m just trying not to get cut.’

“He says, ‘If I had 22 of you, I’d win the Super Bowl every year because I know that you’d run through a wall for me, for yourself and for your teammates.’”

Motivational talk

Recently, Goldberg was invited to speak to Colorado’s defensive unit. Goldberg’s message that day was prepare to take advantage of any opportunity.

It’s a message he also preaches to his son, Gage. Bill Goldberg forecasts big things from his son the more he works under watchful eye of Sanders and the Buffaloes staff.

“I see him as an All-American, as the best linebacker in college football,” Goldberg said. “That’s an extremely high ceiling to shoot for, but if you don’t shoot for being the best, then why do it?”

JACK DEMPSEY / AP PHOTO

Veteran Jacoby Brissett earns the Patriots’ starting job for the opening game

CHARLES KRUPA / AP PHOTO

New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye (10) gets a pat on the back from teammate Jacoby Brissett during training camp.

the stream

George Strait’s drops 31st record, Mormon influencers on Hulu, ‘Rebel Ridge’ hits Netflix

Asheville’s MJ Lenderman drops his new solo album this week

The Associated Press

“THE SECRET LIVES of Mormon Wives,” a docuseries following young wives in Utah, and the suspenseful thriller “Rebel Ridge” are some of the new television films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time is the return of the acclaimed English spy series “Slow Horses,” Astro Bot gets his own full-fledged adventure on the PlayStation 5, and George Strait will release his 31st studio album, “Cowboys and Dreamers.”

MOVIES TO STREAM

Jeremy Saulnier makes lean, suspenseful thrillers, several of which (“Blue Ruin,” “The Green Room”) have become cult favorites. His latest, “Rebel Ridge” (on Netflix starting Friday), stars Aaron Pierre as an ex-Marine who becomes ensnared in a violent battle with a corrupt small-town police department and its chief (Don Johnson). The film, engrossing and stylish, is enlivened by Pierre’s magnetic presence.

“The Boy and the Heron” didn’t turn out to be Hayao Miyazaki’s swan song. (He’s said to be at work again on another film.) But it did meet the considerable expectations for the long-in-coming late opus from the Japanese anime master. The film, streaming Friday on Max, was the best-animated feature winner at the Oscars earlier this year and — in a first for the 83-year-old Miyazaki — No. 1 for a weekend at the box office. In it, a 12-year-old boy named Mahito, uprooted from Tokyo after the death of his mother during World War II, discovers a portal into a fantastical realm. In my review, I wrote that “The Boy and the Heron” is like “returning to a faintly familiar dreamland. Since the only location here is Miyazaki’s boundless imagination, it’s less the feeling of stepping back into a recognizable place than it is revisiting a well-remembered sense of discombobulation and wonder.”

MUSIC TO STREAM

They call him King George for a reason. On Friday, George Strait will release his 31st studio album, “Cowboys and Dreamers,” a collection of classic-sounding contemporary country from the Texas troubadour who has nothing to prove and no reason to quit. Standouts

include a collaboration with Chris Stapleton (“Honky Tonk Hall of Fame”), who opened for Strait on his recent stadium tour, a cover of Waylon Jennings’ “Waymore’s Blues,” and the Jimmy Buffet-informed vacation stomper “MIA Down in MIA.” The internet was primed for an electroclash revival, and in The Dare, it has a figurehead. The musical project of Harrison Patrick Smith, The Dare, has quickly become a stalwart of New York City nightlife, mainly due to the success of his romantic anthem “Girls.” He’s cement-

ed his nascent fame by producing and co-writing “Guess,” a deluxe club tune from Charli XCX’s extended “BRAT,” and a remix featuring Billie Eilish. When his debut album releases on Friday — titled “What’s Wrong With New York?” — all eyes and ears will be back on his nostalgic-sounding Anglophilia. Put on your best suit and hit the dance floor. MJ Lenderman is no stranger to this space — last year, AP named an album by his band, Asheville’s alt-country indie rockers Wednesday, one of

2023’s best. As a soloist, the multi-instrumentalist — but perhaps most principally, a guitarist — has made a name for himself for his lax songwriting style – funny, acerbic, cutting with a wizened equanimity. On “Morning Fireworks,” his skills have been sharpened. Heartbreak is amusing, suburban and timeless. It, like last year’s “Rat Saw God,” feels like an easy contender for one of 2024’s most exciting releases. A master of disco, soul, R&B and beyond, Sylvester’s unimpeachable legacy gets a new release in “Live at The Opera House,” a massive collection of more than two hours of material. That includes 13 songs captured from his performance at the San Francisco War Memorial Opera House on March 11, 1979. It will be released as a box set for those looking to dive into its exclusive photographs and liner notes. For everyone else, it will hit streaming on Friday.

SHOWS TO STREAM

“Slow Horses,” an Apple TV+ British spy series starring Gary Oldman, returns for season four just in time for the Primetime Emmy Awards. Season three received nine nominations, including outstanding drama series and lead actor for Oldman. The show’s new season is also rated 100% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. In “Slow Horses,” MI5 agents who’ve made big mistakes are relegated to a division by Oldman’s character Jackson Lamb. The story is based on Mick Herron’s “Slough House” novels.

First, there was Bravo’s “The

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” and now Hulu is introducing “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” a docuseries following young wives in Utah who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are also online influencers who collaborated to create TikTok content called #MomTok. The women juggle their online personas with family life and remaining in good standing with the Church — and each other — after a sex scandal brings worldwide attention. It premieres Friday. In “The Wonderland Massacre & The Secret History of Hollywood,” crime writer Michael Connelly examines the 1981 quadruple massacre at Wonderland Avenue in Los Angeles that inspired the film “Boogie Nights.” It premieres Sunday on MGM+.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

It’s been too long since we’ve had a lovable new mascot to play with, but Sony hopes Astro Bot can pick up the slack. The little guy first showed up in a game for Sony’s virtual reality headset, but this is the first time he’ll get a full-fledged adventure on the PlayStation 5. It begins with the destruction of the droid’s mothership, leaving him to travel across more than 50 planets to reassemble his crew — and perhaps meet some iconic PlayStation characters along the way. The sort of running-and-jumping silliness made stars out of Spyro the Dragon and Ratchet & Clank interspersed with acrobatic flying antics. Astro

lifts off Friday.

Bot

“The Wonderland Massacre & The Secret History of Hollywood,” left, the series “Slow Horses,” center, and “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” are streaming this week.

Don Johnson as Chief Sandy Burnne, left, and Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond star in “Rebel Ridge,” which comes to Netflix on Friday.

Oregon law makes drug possession crime again

The state reversed a 2020 measure that made possession of illegal drugs only ticketable

By Claire Rush The Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon’s first-in-the-nation experiment with drug decriminalization came to an end Sunday when possessing small amounts of hard drugs again became a crime.

The Democratic-controlled Legislature passed the recriminalization law in March, overhauling a measure approved by 58% of voters in 2020 that made possessing illicit drugs like heroin punishable by a ticket and a maximum $100 fine. The measure directed hundreds of millions of dollars in cannabis tax revenue toward addiction services, but the money was slow to get out the door at a time when the fentanyl crisis was causing a spike in deadly overdoses and health officials — grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic — were struggling to stand up the new treatment system, state auditors found.

The new law, which passed with the support of Republican lawmakers who had long opposed decriminalization, makes so-called personal use possession a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail. It aims to make it easier for police to crack down on drug use in public and introduced harsher penalties for selling drugs near places such as

Oregon ended decriminalization of drugs Sunday, reversing its efforts with a new law that puts more choices in the hands of the state’s counties.

parks.

Supporters of decriminalization say treatment is more effective than jail in helping people overcome addiction and that the decades-long approach of arresting people for possessing and using drugs hasn’t worked.

The new law establishes ways for treatment alternatives to criminal penalties. But it only encouraged, rather than mandated, counties to create programs that divert people from the criminal justice system and toward addiction and mental health services. Backers of the law say this allows counties to develop programs based on their resources, while opponents say it may create a confusing and inequitable

“I have optimism and I have hope. I’m also realistic that we have a lot of work ahead of us.”

Oregon state Rep. Jason Kropf

patchwork of policy.

So far, 28 of the state’s 36 counties have applied for grants to fund deflection programs, according to the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. The commission is set to disburse more than $20 million in such grants roughly over the next year.

Oregon House Republican Mi-

Mexican drug lord released

Osiel Cárdenas Guillén was extradited to the U.S. in 2007

By Maria Verza The Associated Press

MEXICO CITY — Osiel

Cárdenas Guillén, one of Mexico’s most-feared drug lords, has been released from a U.S. prison after serving more than half of a 25-year prison sentence, authorities confirmed Friday.

A U.S. Bureau of Prisons official said Cárdenas Guillén had been released from prison and was placed in the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. That would normally suggest he would be deported back to Mexico.

A Mexican official who was not authorized to be quoted by name said Cárdenas Guillén faces two arrest warrants in Mexico, making it likely he would be detained upon arrival.

The former head of the Gulf cartel was known for his brutality. He created the most

nority Leader Jeff Helfrich voted for the law but said he was concerned that counties didn’t have enough time to set up their programs.

“Unfortunately, I think we’re kind of setting people up for failure,” he said.

Multnomah County, the state’s most populous and home to Portland, plans to open a temporary center in October where police can drop off people who weren’t committing any other crime but drug possession. There, nurses and outreach workers will assess people and refer them for treatment. Until then, county mental health workers will respond to law enforcement in the field to help connect people with services, but people could still go to jail due to a variety of factors, including if those workers take longer than half an hour to respond, officials said.

“The criteria is very narrow to meet deflection: no other charges, no warrants, no violent behavior, medically stable,” said Portland Police Chief Bob Day.

In other counties, however, people with drugs who are also suspected of low-level public order offenses such as trespass will be eligible for deflection. Many counties plan to hold off on filing drug possession charges while people are completing programs.

The differences in deflection programs from county to county are a concern, said Kellen Russoniello, the director of public health at the Drug Policy Alliance.

“It’s going to be this very com-

plicated system, where essentially people who use drugs won’t know their rights and what to expect because it’s different in every single county,” he said. “Whether or not you are connected to services or you are just churned through the system will depend very heavily on where you happen to be in the state.”

He also said a potential influx of new drug cases could further strain Oregon’s legal system, which is already struggling with a critical public defender shortage, and that he thinks the focus should be on ramping up treatment capacity.

“We really need to focus on having the services available for folks if any of these deflection programs are going to be successful,” he said.

One of the law’s key drafters, Democratic state Rep. Jason Kropf, said each county has unique challenges and resources and that lawmakers will be monitoring “what’s working in different parts of the state.”

“I have optimism and I have hope,” he said. “I’m also realistic that we have a lot of work ahead of us.”

Over the past four years, Oregon lawmakers have invested more than $1.5 billion to expand treatment capacity, according to a recent report from the Oregon Health Authority. While that has funded more than 350 new beds that are set to come online next year, the report found that the state still needs up to 3,700 beds to close gaps and meet future demand.

from a US prison may be deported

bloodthirsty gang of hitmen Mexico has ever known, the Zetas, which routinely slaughtered migrants and innocent people.

Cárdenas Guillén was sen-

On Rt 211 just inside Hoke

tenced to 25 years in prison in 2010 and ordered to forfeit tens of millions of dollars. It was not clear why he did not serve his full sentence, but he had been extradited to the U.S. in Janu-

ary 2007. The 57-year-old native of the border city of Matamoros, Mexico, moved tons of cocaine and made millions of dollars through the Gulf cartel, based in the border cities of Reynosa and Matamoros.

He created the Zetas, a gang of former Mexican special forces soldiers he recruited to become his private army and hit squad. They committed acts of terror that regularly involved slaughtering dozens of people, decapitating them or dumping heaps of hacked-up bodies on roadways.

The Zetas lived on long after Cárdenas Guillén was captured in 2003. By 2010, the Zetas had formed their own cartel, spreading terror-style attacks across Mexico as far south as Tabasco until their top leaders were killed or arrested in 2012 -13.

A n offshoot of the Zetas, the Northeast cartel, continues to control the border city of Nuevo Laredo, across from Laredo, Texas.

But Cárdenas Guillén’s gang, the Gulf cartel, has become hopelessly splintered after more than a decade of bloody infighting between factions with names like The Metros, The Cyclones, The Reds and The Scorpions. Cárdenas Guillén’s nickname was “El Mata Amigos,” or “The one who kills his friends.” Cárdenas Guillén’s most brazen act was when he surrounded and stopped a vehicle carrying two U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents and one of their informants in 1999 in the border city of Matamoros, across from Brownsville, Texas. His gunmen pointed their weapons at the agents and demanded they hand over the informant, who would almost certainly be tortured and killed. The agents toughed it out and refused, reminding him it would be a bad decision to kill employees of the DEA. Cárdenas Guillén eventually called off his gunmen, but not before reportedly saying, “You gringos, this is my territory.”

PAT SULLIVAN / AP PHOTO

Osiel Cardenas-Guillen leaves the federal courthouse in Houston in 2007. He has been released from a U.S. prison after being arrested and imprisoned 17 years ago.

CLAIRE RUSH / AP PHOTO