Opinion Roundup: Space walks; apology needed from Folwell; bird extinctions; report corrections; and more

Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019 -- A round up of opinion, commentary and analysis on: Space walking; pipeline hearings; housing discrimination; Folwell needs to apologize; fundraising corrections; bird extinctions; Jamie Lee Curtis' farewell; and more.

NASA Astronauts Complete the First All-Female Spacewalk (New York Times reports) -- NASA reached a milestone on Friday when two Americans, tasked with replacing a power controller, ventured out of the International Space Station: the astronauts, North Carolina's Christina Koch and Jessica Meir, became the first to take part in an all-female spacewalk. The walk, which lasted seven hours and 17 minutes and included a brief call with President Trump, was not purposefully planned by the agency. As NASA explained it, one was bound to happen eventually because of the increasing number of female astronauts.

TRAVIS FAIN: Investigators plan Atlantic Coast Pipeline questioning in November (WRAL-TV reports) -- Cooper administration officials expected before legislative subcommittee for what they call a "sham" political inquiry.

A.G. Stein joins opposition to federal fair housing rule changes (Durham Herald-Sun reports) -- Attorney General Josh Stein joined nearly half of the country’s attorneys general to oppose the Trump administration’s proposal that critics say would weaken fair housing laws by making it harder to prove discrimination. Stein was one of 22 state attorneys general to submit comments criticizing the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s proposed changes to its rules about disparate impact, or unintentional discrimination claims. Critics say the changes would make it easier to discriminate against people trying to rent or buy a home.

NC Treasurer Folwell owes Charlotte’s police chief an apology (Charlotte Observer) -- We hope and expect State Treasurer Dale Folwell and Charlotte officials will work together to clarify what federal law allows regarding retirement proposals such as Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Kerr Putney’s. Also at stake is a “hire back” program CMPD has implemented for years that allows former officers to retire then return after 30 days and continue to work. The treasurer’s office has yet to hear from city officials about such programs and plans. Meanwhile, the treasurer needs to publicly reconsider his quick pronouncement. He damaged a good man’s reputation. He should apologize.

TRAVIS FAIN: Two complaints dismissed against Bladen County Board of Elections members (WRAL-TV reports)) Without enough evidence to move forward, State Board of Elections Democrats decide to dismiss the complaint in a party-line vote.

Governments in more NC counties qualify for Dorian aid (AP reports) -- Local governments and state agencies in a dozen more eastern North Carolina counties can get help from the federal government to pay for debris removal and infrastructure repairs from Hurricane Dorian last month.

Closing arguments up next in deadly prison breakout trial (AP reports) -- Closing arguments are expected next week in the trial of an inmate accused of murder in a deadly attempted breakout that left four North Carolina prison workers dead.

Presidential candidate Joe Biden coming to Durham Oct. 27 (WRAL-TV reports) -- The Biden for President campaign has announced a "community event" in Durham on Sunday, Oct. 27.

Senate candidate made $70,000 mistake on fundraising form. It’s more than she raised. (Durham Herald-Sun reports) -- Erica Smith had to file amended reports with the FEC in July and October. Her October report included a $70,000 mistake.

Town hall talk to focus on funding for Muslim hate groups (AP reports) -- The research and advocacy director of a Muslim civil liberties group will discuss findings about the funding of national networks supporting anti-Muslim hate groups during a town hall. The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations says Dr. Abbas Barzegar is scheduled to speak Saturday at a research-based advocacy town hall hosted by the Duke Graduate & Professional Student Council. The town hall is Saturday evening in the Schiciano auditorium of Fitzpatrick building on Duke's campus.

CELIA RIVENBARK: They’re quite aware of what they’re goin’ through (Wilmington Star-News column) -- And a little child shall lead them... The younger generation continues to demand we get woke about everything from carbon-emitting air travel to sustainably harvested coffee beans to cheap, trendy clothes cut and sewn by too-tiny fingers in countries that might as well be Narnia to most of us.

UNC Rockingham Health Care CEO Dana Weston leaves hospital citing personal reasons (Greensboro News & Record) -- Top community leader Dana M. Weston has left her position as president and CEO of UNC Rockingham Health Care. Weston departed, citing personal reasons, according to Myla Barnhardt, director of marketing and public relations for the hospital.

Audubon says nearly 50 Onslow bird species could become extinct (Jacksonville Daily News reports) -- Several Onslow County bird species may be on the brink of extinction if inaction on climate change continues, a new report shows.The National Audubon Society released a report, “Survival by Degrees: 389 Bird Species on the Brink,” detailing the effects of climate change on North American birds. Across the country, two thirds of bird species are at risk if the climate continues to warm at the current rate. Onslow County specifically stands to lose several highly vulnerable species, such as the brown-headed nuthatch, the brown thrasher and the red-headed woodpecker.

‘So long, Wilmington’: Jamie Lee Curtis finishes ‘Halloween Kills’ filming (Wilmington Star-News reports) -- The actress posted a goodbye message to Wilmington as she completes her portion of filming on the horror sequel.