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Cliff Graham’s first novel, Day of War, became an instant success in the Christian literary world, with talks about a movie adaptation. He went on to write two more.
But Graham’s greatest talent might be his ability to sell himself. Over the years, the author attracted dozens of investors into his creative and entrepreneurial endeavors, most of which were eventually driven into the ground. The series of failed ventures led to a mound of debt and angry creditors, a dozen of whom tell reporter Kyle Perrotti that Graham still owes them thousands of dollars.
Now he’s found a new venue for his work in Franklin, N.C., with the religious nonprofit Kavod Family Ministries. Graham admits that he’s made mistakes, and that he has spent a decade telling people that repayment is just around the corner. This new partnership, he says, is the beginning of a great redemption arc–a chance for a broken man to repair the damage he’s caused.
Out of the Lion’s Den
A Christian author with a long list of abandoned business deals and unpaid creditors finds a new home for his work in Macon County. He says it’s a chance for redemption. Others aren’t so sure.
A Familiar Face Back at NCSU
On Tuesday, the University of North Carolina Board of Governors announced that Kevin Howell will replace Randy Woodson as N.C. State University’s next chancellor.
Howell is the school’s 15th chancellor and the first Black person to hold the role. It’s also a homecoming for Howell, who attended undergrad at NCSU, was its student body president, and served for years as vice chancellor for external affairs, partnerships, and economic development before taking on roles in the UNC System office and UNC Health.
“State needs a leader who understands that this university’s greatest innovation is the melding of practical wisdom and academic expertise in the service of public good,” said UNC System President Peter Hans. “And I’m proud that we have just such a leader—a person who not only believes in the transformational power of this great university, but has lived it.”
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Let the Sunshine In
Last week, we were pleased to see reporter Emily Vespa get some well-earned recognition from the North Carolina Open Government Coalition. Vespa, who graduated from N.C. State University last May, received a Frank Barrows Award for Excellence in Student Journalism for her Assembly story on contamination concerns in Poe Hall and across the UNC System.
The Sunshine awards, as they are known, recognize reporting that “exemplifies the vital role of open meetings, public records, and press access in public life.”
“Public records were essential to understanding how UNC System schools deal with potential hazards in buildings where thousands of people work, study and live,” said Vespa, who is now working a staff writer and communications assistant at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. “I hope this story shows the power of public records in shining a light on issues of public concern.”
Congrats!
What We’re Reading
S’not Great: It’s not your imagination. It really IS an awful year for allergies in North Carolina, per Washington Post.
Chuck Roast: An Army veteran thrown out of U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards’ townhall last week tells Asheville Watchdog he has no regrets: “I think it was the only way to really get his attention.”
Labor Pains: A new Carolina Public Press investigation finds that hospital systems have centralized maternal health care, leaving women in rural areas far from services. Between 2013 and 2023, nine hospitals completely eliminated labor and delivery service.
A Message from Our Sponsor, Orange County Visitors Bureau
Chapel Hill will host an international soccer-friendly match between Mexico’s El Tri and Turkey’s national team on June 10, 2025, at Kenan Stadium as part of the 2025 MexTour. This continues Chapel Hill’s emerging tradition of summer soccer events, following matches between major clubs in previous years, and is expected to generate around $7 million for the local economy while offering fans a vibrant cultural experience complete with passionate tailgating traditions from both nations. UNC’s own Nobel Prize winner Dr. Aziz Sancar, who once dreamed of being Turkey’s goalkeeper before choosing science, represents a special connection between the event and the host community as fans prepare for what promises to be an unforgettable day in Chapel Hill.
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