Lead paragraph of a story on Page 5B of The News & Observer this morning (emphasis added):

CONCORD — For another sign of how surging gas prices and the slumping economy shape consumer spending, consider a tale of two races this month at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

Lead paragraph of a story on Page 1D of The News & Observer this morning (emphasis added):

The economy’s tanking, the mortgage market is a mess, and the cost of gas is rapidly approaching the once-unthinkable price of $4 a gallon.

Lead paragraph of a story on Page 5D of The News & Observer this morning (emphasis added):

WASHINGTON — Consumers cut back on car-buying in April but boosted spending in a number of other areas, giving evidence of the economy’s staying power in spite of soaring gasoline prices.