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Justices to hear challenge to race in college admissions

Justices to hear challenge to race in college admissions

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a challenge to the consideration of race in college admissions, adding affirmative action to major cases on abortion, guns, religion and COVID-19 already on the agenda. The court said it will take up lawsuits claiming that Harvard University, a private institution, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a state school, discriminate against Asian American applicants. A decision against the schools could mean the end of affirmative action in college admissions. Lower courts rejected the challenges, citing more than 40 years of high court rulings that…
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MLB negotiators meet in person for 1st time since Dec. 1

MLB negotiators meet in person for 1st time since Dec. 1

Spring training is scheduled to start Feb. 16, but only if a new deal can be agreed upon NEW YORK — Negotiators for locked-out baseball players and management met in person Monday for the first time since Dec. 1, the day before the start of the sport’s first work stoppage since 1995. Veteran reliever Andrew Miller was the only player to attend the bargaining session. Colorado Rockies owner Dick Monfort, the chairman of baseball’s labor policy committee, was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem and executives Morgan Sword and Patrick Houlihan. The players’ association planned to make a counteroffer to…
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Bills add ‘13 Seconds’ to history of heartbreaking losses

Bills add ‘13 Seconds’ to history of heartbreaking losses

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — After “Wide Right” and “Music City Miracle,” the Buffalo Bills begin the offseason adding a new entry into their history of playoff heartbreak: “13 Seconds.” That’s how much time separated the Bills from securing the next step in their Super Bowl aspirations. Instead came a stunning 42-36 overtime loss at Kansas City in a divisional playoff game on Sunday. While some on Buffalo’s sideline were spotted laughing after Josh Allen completed his fourth touchdown pass to Gabriel Davis — an NFL playoff record — to go ahead 36-33 with 13 seconds remaining, the quarterback sat in…
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Prosecutor: Alex Murdaugh now faces 71 charges; $8.5M stolen

Prosecutor: Alex Murdaugh now faces 71 charges; $8.5M stolen

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A once-prominent South Carolina lawyer now faces 71 charges that he stole nearly $8.5 million in wrongful death and wreck settlements from more than a dozen people after another round of indictments against Alex Murdaugh were handed up Friday. The 23 new charges issued by the state grand jury covered new victims but similar schemes, prosecutors said. Murdaugh, 53, would negotiate settlement money for his clients without telling them what they earned, then deposit the checks meant to pay for their pain and suffering or the anguish of the death of a loved one into his own…
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McDonald’s expanding test of McPlant burger in US stores

McDonald’s expanding test of McPlant burger in US stores

NEW YORK — McDonald's is expanding sales of its meatless McPlant burger to hundreds of locations. The company said the McPlant — which it co-developed with plant-based protein company Beyond Meat — will be sold at 600 stores in the San Francisco and Dallas areas starting Feb. 14. It's a major expansion for the McPlant, which was introduced last November at eight stores in Texas, Iowa, Louisiana and California. That test run helped the company determine how a plant-based option would alter its kitchen operations. McDonald's said the larger product offering will help it understand customer demand. The Chicago company…
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Dale Jr. joins father in NASCAR Hall of Fame

Dale Jr. joins father in NASCAR Hall of Fame

CHARLOTTE — Dale Earnhardt Jr. was voted NASCAR’s most popular driver a record 15 times. On Friday night, he was inducted into NASCAR’s 12th Hall of Fame class on Friday night along with late-model driver Red Farmer and the late Mike Stefanik, a decorated modified driver who died in a plane crash in 2019. Ralph Seagraves was named as the recipient of the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR. The group was selected in 2020, but the induction ceremony was postponed more than a year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The younger Earnhardt joins his late father, seven-time Cup…
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Randolph Mall staple to close

Randolph Mall staple to close

ASHEBORO — Generations of locals have enjoyed a sweet treat on their way around Randolph Mall but soon that tradition will end. The Cooke Jar — the original cookie store in Randolph Mall — will turn out its lights for the last time on January 30, according to employees at the store. Randolph Mall, which opened in 1982, has seen many restaurants come and go over its 40 years of existence. The Cookie Jar is one of the longest serving stores at Randolph Mall. Another long-time snack and treats store, The Peanut Shack, closed its doors in 2013. According to…
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RCC president to retire

RCC president to retire

Community Colleges president Thomas Stith and RCC president Shackleford talk to third-year Apprenticeship Randolph apprentice Abby Goss in the Gene Haas Computer-Integrated Machining Institute. (Photos courtesy of Randolph Community College)   ASHEBORO – Randolph Community College president Dr. Robert Shackleford is retiring after slightly more than 15 years in the position and more than two decades at the two-year school. Shackleford notified the board of trustees and later emailed a letter to faculty and staff Jan. 20 to notify them of his intentions. “These 15 years you have granted me the opportunity to serve as President of RCC have been…
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Robin Sage set to begin Jan 22

Robin Sage set to begin Jan 22

In this Jan. 14, 2009 photo, Bob Snyder, also known as Pineland Bob, right, maps out a transportation plan with a soldier during the Special Forces' Robin Sage exercise in Ramseur, N.C. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome) RALEIGH — Special Forces candidates will participate in a two-week training exercise across 25 North Carolina counties this week, a news release from the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School says. The participants are students at Fort Bragg. Robin Sage is the culmination exercise and has been the litmus test for Soldiers striving to earn the Green Beret for more than 40 years.…
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Fruit trees and berries require planning

Fruit trees and berries require planning

Growing tree fruit and berries is a long-term relationship that takes some work and careful planning. Some fruits require more care than others and others are more reliable producers. Gardeners know that there are certain conditions under which plants thrive, but prioritizing a few basics for fruit production is especially important because it often can take years before tree fruit and berries even begin to bear fruit. In other words, the right conditions from the start and careful planning will increase your chances of getting a nutritious and edible product and most of us would agree that is typically the…
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