The Chatham News + Record

I write this on the morning of Sept. 11. A mentor and friend came to my house for supper last night and shared his story of that infamous day 20 years ago. The Friday before the attack, he had … more

BY ANDREW TAYLOR-TROUTMAN, Columnist | 9/15/21

My vaccine worked. So did my sister’s.

I was just about to head to the gym three Saturdays ago when I received an unwelcome — and unexpected — piece of news. “Your sister’s just tested positive for COVID,” my dad told me. … more

BY VICTORIA JOHNSON, News + Record Staff | 9/15/21

To read or not to read not the only question; consider content also

Among the many weaknesses in my life are too much tea (notice I didn’t say “iced” or “sweet,” since any other form is not tea), a tendency to stay too long at the table, and a healthy dose … more

BY BOB WACHS, Columnist | 9/15/21

What made today’s North Carolina economy?

During one of my recent early morning workouts at the local YMCA in Raleigh, I met an impressive young person. He is a senior at NCSU’s textile college. We talked about the textile industry and his … more

By Mike Walden, Columnist | 9/15/21

Is it really worth $850,000 per month?

About this time in the legislative session — when the session runs interminably long and little is happening — the press corps, lobbyists, legislative staffers and even some lawmakers start a … more

By Tom Campbell, Guest Columnist | 9/15/21

A great teacher teaches on

When Julian Pleasants died on Sept. 7, North Carolina lost one of its most important academic and popular historians. Pleasants grew up in Southern Pines, graduated from Davidson College, and … more

By D.G. Martin, Columnist | 9/15/21

What’s more democratic than an election?

Do the ends justify the means? This familiar question produces strong feelings precisely because its answer is necessarily complicated. Just about all of us admit to a scenario, such as the … more

By John Hood, Columnist | 9/15/21

Federal unemployment benefits are ending. Now what?

I’m not sure if it was an ironic or suggestive decision by U.S. lawmakers, but most federal unemployment benefits expired on Labor Day. About 1 million North Carolinians, roughly one-fifth of … more

BY D. LARS DOLDER, News + Record Staff | 9/8/21

No shame in a free lunch

The other day at the playground, I happened to hear a child describe her lunch that day as a “pizza in the shape of a rectangle.” I caught her parent’s eyes and shared a smile. I remembered … more

BY ANDREW TAYLOR-TROUTMAN, Columnist | 9/8/21

Another ‘absurdly brief’ year has passed. My birthday present is helping add meaning to what’s left.

My birthday present to myself last week was a book entitled “Four Thousand Weeks,” which addresses the absurdly, insultingly brief span of time — 80 years and some change — the average person … more

BY BILL HORNER III, Publisher | 9/8/21

This summer’s days went by in a daze

The calendar says Labor Day has come and gone and with it went what many folks refer to as the last weekend of summer. That, of course, doesn’t mean we’re through with hot summer weather. A … more

BY BOB WACHS, Columnist | 9/8/21

In defense of Chatham’s public schools

As nearly 9,000 Chatham children once again adjust to rising early, catching buses and re-entering classrooms, it is worth reminding ourselves of the value of Chatham County’s public schools. … more

By Edward Walgate, Guest Columnist | 9/1/21

Money-grubbing food delivery hubs are coming for local alternatives

Food delivery services Grubhub and DoorDash made headlines last week when the city of Chicago sued them for deceptive and harmful business practices. But for one Chathamite, the litigation only … more

BY D. LARS DOLDER, News + Record Staff | 9/1/21

Is Round Two of the COVID Recession on the Way?

Just when we thought things were getting better, could they go the other way and get worse? For most of the year we were optimistic about the economy. Growth was surging, jobs were being added and … more

By Mike Walden, Guest Columnist | 9/1/21

The stars over Afghanistan

My country’s war with Afghanistan has spanned my adult life. We invaded when I was in college and fought over the last 20 years. But honestly, America’s longest war did not receive much of my … more

BY ANDREW TAYLOR-TROUTMAN, Columnist | 9/1/21

Families are swinging suburban

It’s my go-to slide. I’ve shown it to all the classes I teach at Duke University. The slide is striking. It’s revealing. And now it’s out of date. The slide in question is based on a … more

By John Hood, Columnist | 9/1/21

School bell tensions

No matter your age, I’m betting you remember those annual late-summer trips to Rose’s “dime” store (or a similar one) to purchase back-to-school supplies. Must-haves included a new three-ring … more

By Tom Campbell, Columnist | 9/1/21

September 11: What do we say now?

What should we say to each other about September 11, 2001, now that 20 years have gone by since the awful day and our troops are leaving Afghanistan? In searching for an answer, I found the column I … more

By D.G. Martin, Columnist | 9/1/21

Noticing whether the weather is ugly

We’re now into a significant period of the year, having sort of eased into it on the calendar, but make no mistake: it’s here. I’m not speaking of “back-to-school.” And it’s not the … more

BY BOB WACHS, Columnist | 9/1/21 | 1 comment

What I learned from COVID-19

I tested positive for COVID-19. After 15 months of carefully avoiding the virus by limiting contact with large groups, wearing a mask and getting vaccinated, it finally got me. Following my … more

By Max Baker, News + Record Intern | 8/25/21