The Chatham News + Record

A presidential history lesson

With an election 18 months away, and the likelihood that it will be Biden vs. Trump a-g-a-i-n, my interest in the history of America’s presidents, inspired by a terrific high school history … more

5/24/23

Author Lee Smith spoke at the Chatham Literacy Luncheon at the Governors Club in Chapel Hill about her new book 'Silver Alert.'

The South is for all kinds of storytellers

Culture shock doesn’t begin to describe what I felt walking into that 8th-grade classroom in the middle of February. I was the new kid, just moved from California to Raleigh. It’s … more

BY BEN RAPPAPORT, News + Record Staff | 5/24/23

Where, oh where has the Golden Rule gone?

It may be an old wives’ tale (as compared to what young wives would say), or maybe it’s an urban legend, or maybe it’s just not really so, but the old saying that “it takes … more

BY BOB WACHS, Columnist | 5/24/23

A rose by any other name is still a rose ... I think

More and more lately, it seems, events are transpiring which convince me that truly I must be a fish out of water. Going along with those events is the vocabulary that goes along with them ... … more

BY BOB WACHS, Columnist | 5/18/23

Story-catchers: the importance of local newspapers

Congratulations to Bill Horner III! Join me in celebrating his career at the Chatham News + Record. In a little over four years since he became publisher and editor, this newspaper has garnered many … more

BY ANDREW TAYLOR-TROUTMAN, Columnist | 5/18/23

My couch is calling

Here I am, lying on my comfy couch, staring out the front windows at the trees, sunlight, crows swooping up and down amidst the dandelions. Chatham County doing what it does best, bursting with … more

BY JAN HUTTON, Columnist | 5/18/23

Being honest about abortion

How can any diverse group of people, including a community of faith, find common ground on abortion? North Carolina’s new “abortion bill” (Senate Bill 20) was passed strictly along … more

BY ANDREW TAYLOR-TROUTMAN, Columnist | 5/11/23

Florida — a model for the nation?

I was born and raised in Florida. I still return periodically to visit my roots and tend to the grave sites of my ancestors. My family’s history in Florida goes back to the 1800s. That may … more

BY DENNIS STREETS, Columnist | 5/11/23

The world’s most memorable sports rivalry

Every year I buy the new edition of the World Almanac and Book of Facts. I like to check to see what the book is telling the rest of the world about North Carolina. This year’s Almanac had … more

BY D.G. MARTIN, Columnist | 5/11/23

‘Fessing up

OK, ‘fessing up. To what? Nothing salacious; sorry. I’m just feeling proud of myself. Well then, all the more reason to share. It really comes down to watching my fingers … more

JAN HUTTON, Columnist | 5/11/23

Spirit of volunteerism still makes this a good place to live

During my young life on the planet, I’ve called several places “home.” Born in Raleigh before it got too big for its britches. Lived in Apex the first five … more

BY BOB WACHS, Columnist | 5/11/23

The Spring Chicken Festival combines classic small town fun with community

I’m more than familiar with small town festivals. My dad works for Southern Bank in Mount Olive, N.C., and we always would spend the last weekend in April attending the Pickle … more

BY TAYLOR HEEDEN, News + Record Staff | 5/10/23

A good drug problem to have

For years — I don’t remember how many — I’ve been hammering out columns for this newspaper. I do remember that day when my boss the editor — the late Alan Resch — … more

BY BOB WACHS, Columnist | 5/7/23

Fooled by Clarence Thomas, not Mark Robinson

It happened to me back in 1991 when Clarence Thomas was nominated for a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court. Thomas, although African American and coming from a poor background, was known to be very … more

BY D.G. MARTIN, Columnist | 5/7/23

Sticks and stones? (Not.)

Strange, strange, strange. OK, out with it. What’s strange? My unexpected learning curve, beginning with a golden oldie (the Beatles, the Stones?). No, no, this well-worn … more

By Jan Hutton | 5/7/23

North Carolina ranks high in roads

North Carolina can add another item to its crowded shelf of accolades: According to a newly updated study, our state’s road system ranks second in the nation in performance and … more

By John Hood, John Locke Foundation | 5/7/23

The biggest power grab since Reconstruction

What can you do when already-powerful politicians grab more and more power? The obvious answer is that you elect a new bunch of politicians. But how can that happen when those same power-hungry … more

By Tom Campbell, NC Spin | 5/7/23

May the Force be with you

This Thursday, May 4, is “Star Wars” Day — May the Fourth be with you! Around the world, fans will gather to watch movies, play video games and eat cookies in the shape of Yoda. … more

BY ANDREW TAYLOR-TROUTMAN, Columnist | 5/3/23

The Chatham Chamber of Commerce hosted a development briefing last Wednesday. The event featured speakers from local government, Central Carolina Community College and Chatham Economic Development Corporation.

Goldston mayor proves his town is ‘a diamond in the rough’

PITTSBORO — The crowd selfie has become a staple of many artists and performers. They fire up their smartphone on stage, point the front-facing camera toward the crowd and click as the crowd … more

BY BEN RAPPAPORT, News + Record Staff | 5/3/23

N.C. is taking advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act. Strong state policy is playing a major role.

President Biden recently kicked off his “Investing in America” tour with a visit to North Carolina. It’s no wonder why the state was selected as a showcase: already a regional … more

4/19/23