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Housing affordability, availability top the news in 2025 LOTTERY TICKET

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5500 Adams Farm Lane Suite 204 Greensboro, NC 27407 Office 336-316-1231 Fax 336-316-1930 Publisher CHARLES A. WOMACK III publisher@yesweekly.com EDITORIAL Editor CHANEL R. DAVIS chanel@yesweekly.com YES! Writers JOHN BATCHELOR MARK BURGER KATEI CRANFORD LYNN FELDER JIM LONGWORTH IAN MCDOWELL

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DISTRIBUTION JANICE GANTT ANDREW WOMACK We at YES! Weekly realize that the interest of our readers goes well beyond the boundaries of the Piedmont Triad. Therefore we are dedicated to informing and entertaining with thought-provoking, debate-spurring, in-depth investigative news stories and features of local, national and international scope, and opinion grounded in reason, as well as providing the most comprehensive entertainment and arts coverage in the Triad. YES! Weekly welcomes submissions of all kinds. Efforts will be made to return those with a self-addressed stamped envelope; however YES! Weekly assumes no responsibility for unsolicited submissions. YES! Weekly is published every Wednesday by Womack Newspapers, Inc. No portion may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. First copy is free, all additional copies are $1.00. Copyright 2025 Womack Newspapers, Inc.

HOUSING 3

With nine Golden Globe nominations, the most of any film this year, filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson’s blistering epic ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER looms large as an Oscar front-runner, 4 For adults, a LOTTERY TICKET is a gift with the potential to keep giving. Adults can enjoy the lottery and still set limits on their play. Kids don’t have a handle on that. 5 Set against the backdrop of Brazil’s political and social upheaval during the 1970s, writer/producer/director Kleber Mendonca Filho’s THE SECRET AGENT (O Agente Secreto) is a sprawling endeavor that conveys a great deal of detail, although not in entirely conventional terms. 5 ARTFOLIOS, which began in 2021, is a collective of almost 40 WinstonSalem area artists promoted through an online fine art gallery that showcases approximately 400 original artworks and through boutique in-person events featuring hundreds more. 8 HOUSING AFFORDABILITY and availability spent a lot of time in the headlines in North Carolina and across the country in 2025. Rents have risen faster than incomes, pushing rental units out of reach of many modest income tenants. 11 Community organizations across Winston-Salem will come together once again to present the 37th Annual Citywide KWANZAA Celebration. Convened by Triad Cultural Arts, this weeklong cultural event celebrates African American heritage, unity, purpose, and shared responsibility. 12 If you need to go to the Guilford County SHERIFF’S OFFICE in Greensboro in the future, you should be aware that it has moved. The new administrative headquarters is at 401 W. Sycamore St. and officially opened Dec. 15. WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

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One Battle After Another wins one award after another

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nine Golden Globe nominations, the most of any film this year, filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson’s blistering epic One Mark Burger Battle After Another looms large as an Oscar front-runner, Contributor and last week it dominated the annual awards announced by the Southeastern Film Critics Association (SEFCA), winning three, including Best Film of 2025. Anderson’s adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s acclaimed 1990 novel “Vineland” stars Leonardo DiCaprio as the former member of an underground revolutionary movement who goes on the lam with his young daughter (newcomer Chase Infiniti) when his former commander (Sean Penn) learns of their whereabouts and orders them killed. The star-studded cast also includes Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, Wood Harris, and Tony Goldwyn. In addition to Best Film, One Battle After Another earned SEFCA’s awards for Best Adapted Screenplay (Anderson) and Best Supporting Actor (del Toro).

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“It’s been an exceptional year for film, both blockbusters and smaller independent works,” said Jim Farmer, SEFCA vice-president. “As film critics throughout the South, it’s our honor to recognize the best of a truly memorable season.” SEFCA’s top 10 films of 2025 were as follows: (1.) One Battle After Another. (2.) Sinners. (3.) Marty Supreme. (4.) It Was Just an Accident. (5.) Sentimental Value. (6.) Hamnet. (7.) Train Dreams. (8.) Weapons. (9.) Frankenstein. (10.) The Secret Agent. Michael B. Jordan was named Best Actor for Sinners, with Ethan Hawke the

runner-up for Blue Moon. Jessie Buckley copped Best Actress for Hamnet, with Rose Byrne the runner-up for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. The previously mentioned del Toro won Best Supporting Actor while One Battle After Another co-star Penn was the runner-up. Amy Madigan won Best Supporting Actress for Weapons, with Teyana Taylor the runner-up for One Battle After Another. The Best Ensemble was judged to be Sinners, with One Battle After Another the runner-up. Ryan Coogler won Best Director for Sinners, with Anderson the runner-up for One Battle After Another. Coogler also won Best Original Screenplay for Sinners, with Joaquim Trier and Eskil Vogt the runnersup for Sentimental Value. Anderson won Best Adapted Screenplay for One Battle After Another, with Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar the runners-up for Train Dreams. The Perfect Neighbor was selected Best Documentary, with Predators the runnerup. Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters won Best Animated Feature, with Zootopia 2 the runner-up. It Was Just an Accident was selected Best Foreign Language Film, with Sentimental Value the runner-up. Autumn Arkapaw won Best Cinematography for Sinners, with Michael Bauman the runner-up for One Battle After Another. Ludwig Goransson won Best Score for Sinners, with Jonny Greenwood the runner-up for One Battle After Another.

ECMO Specialist III. Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.

Winston Salem, NC. Resp Care incl Extra Corp Memb Oxyg per dept policy for adlt ptnt grp. Serv in sr/lead role on w/e & nights as req. Wrk Fri, Sat, Sun 6:30p – 7:00a & mand 12-hr on-cll shft every 6 wks. Reqs Bach in Resp Therapy / rel / equiv. Reqs 5 yrs resp therapy exp incl 5 yrs: mgmt & maint of ECMO life supp & adv mech ven supp. Reqs NCRCB lic; ACLS cert; & NBRC RRT cred. Apply: res to: pamela.melton@advocatehealth. org & ref #116637.

“It was really satisfying to see a genre film like Sinners performing so well with critics across the country while also being a sensation at the box office,” said Scott Phillips, president of SEFCA. “I’ve always been a big supporter of horror films, and three of our top 10 films fall into that genre.” The Southeastern Film Critics Association is one of the oldest regional film critics’ associations in the country. Its mission is to represent — as an impartial, organized working unit — the profession of film criticism, to recognize the highest creative achievements in the field of motion pictures, and uphold the integrity and significance of film criticism. (This critic is himself a proud member of SEFCA.) The official SEFCA website is https:// www.sefca.net/. ! See MARK BURGER’s reviews of current movies. © 2025, Mark Burger.

Strategy Analyst. Wake Forest University Health Sciences. Winston Salem, NC. Prov BI anlys, data anlytcs & dec supp in dev & vettng of strat prop & opps for univ hlth sci hosp cntr. M-F 8a – 5p, W/ occ OT. Reqs Mast in HCA, MIS / rel / equiv. Reqs 1 yr exp cond strat bus anlys of key hc srvc lines for phys ntwrks / hosp sys incl: id areas for imp & dev strat to enhnc srvc dlv & pt outcms; eval & optim mkt perf & wrkflw eff w/i hc env; lead & supp CON / RFP / sim proj; use data anlys & vis tools to dev recs used to drive opertnl & strat decis & KPIs; cond pred anlytcs & sce mdls to rec pot srvc chngs, usng datadrvn insghts to frcst trnds & propose actionbl sol; & 6 mnths: use qual dshbrds & mkt DB to trck mkt perf & prov cadenced rep to stkhlders. Apply: res to: pamela.melton@advocatehealth.org & ref #116654. DECEMBER 24-30, 2025

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Lottery is not a kid’s game BY MARK MICHALKO Chief Executive Officer of the N.C. Education Lottery

ere at the N.C. Education Lottery, we know that our scratch-off tickets make popular gifts during the holiday season. They are fun stocking

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stuffers. They can be the gift everyone wants to walk away with at the White Elephant Gift Exchange. All gifts can carry a small risk. Will they like it, you might wonder. Is it the right color? Should I have gotten something else? But some risks are bigger than others. And a risk we want

to make sure all parents and gift givers know about is the big gamble of giving someone under 18 a lottery ticket. We know from research that many young people say their first gambling experience occurs around the ages of 9 to 11. Research also shows that the earlier a person first plays a game of chance, the more likely they are to develop a gambling problem later in life. For adults, a lottery ticket is a gift with the potential to keep giving. Adults can enjoy the lottery and still set limits on their play. Kids don’t have a handle on that. For anyone under 18, a lottery ticket could cause harm. While we want to raise another $1 billion for education this year, we want just as much to sell and market our games in the most responsible way possible. One of the ways we operate responsibly is by doing our part in an annual holiday prevention effort organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling. We join the campaign, supported by more than 170 lotteries and organizations around the world, through our Play Smart program, calling our holiday initiative, Play Smart Gift Smart. How do you Gift Smart? • Never give or share a lottery ticket with kids. • Only give lottery tickets as gifts to adults in your life.

Mark Michalko •

Help us keep lottery tickets, even scratched ones, out of the hands of children. Sure. We hope you get a lottery ticket in your stocking or that you get to take one home from the gift exchange. We want to keep that tradition alive. But when you make your gift list, remember, the lottery is not a kid’s game. Let’s keep the fun 18+ this holiday season. For more information on our Play Smart program, visit ncplaysmart.com. ! MARK MICHALKO is the chief executive officer of the N.C. Education Lottery.

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The Secret Agent: Paranoia and pursuit BY MARK BURGER

et against the backdrop of Brazil’s political and social upheaval during the 1970s, writer/ producer/director Kleber Mendonca Filho’s The Secret Agent (O Agente Secreto) is a sprawling endeavor that conveys a great deal of detail, although not in entirely conventional terms. Despite the title, it’s not an adaptation of Joseph Conrad’s 1907 novel, nor is it necessarily a thriller, although it does have intense moments. It’s more of a polemic or treatise, rendered convincingly but not always compellingly. Executive Producer Wagner Moura gives a terrific, multi-layered performance as the principal character, Marcelo. He has returned to Recife to be reunited with his young son, Fernando (newcomer Enzo Nunes), who has been cared for by his grandfather (Carlos Francisco) since the death of Armando’s wife (Alice Carvalho) years before. But Armando, also operating under the alias “Marcelo,” has other agendas which are not specifically divulged until later. He’s not a secret agent, but he is a political fugitive desperate to get passage out of Brazil. Although the festivities of the annual Carnival are in full swing, the atmosphere is rife with danger. People go missing, body parts turn up, and the authorities don’t seem to have much inclination to do more than line their own pockets and look the other way. Marcelo attempts to keep a low profile. He’s unsure who to trust or whom to turn to, and often relies on his wits to avoid detection and persecution, but it’s only a matter of time before sinister forces seek him out. Employing a slow-burning approach, Filho methodically establishes the time and the place, and it takes quite some time before Marcelo’s plan — and even his identity — come into clearer focus. In addition, the film doesn’t follow a linear chronology, so there are flashbacks and WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

flash-forwards meant to pique the audience’s interest. For some, however, these may be a distraction, something that interrupts The Secret Agent’s momentum at regular intervals. Everything does indeed come together at the end, but it’s almost anti-climactic. There are a lot of characters, but few of them emerge in any detail. Marcelo’s fellow refugees discuss the circumstances that led to their collective dilemma, and basically, that’s all they do. Francisco is good as Marcelo’s father-inlaw, Alexandre, and Roberio Diogenes steals many a scene as Euclides, the shiftless police chief of Recife, who personifies the rampant corruption of the region. In his final feature, the late Udo Kier (who died last month) portrays an expatriate German Jewish tailor whom Euclides delights in humiliating. Kier always added something to anything he appeared in, but this is a cameo role serving little purpose other than to re-emphasize Euclides’ sleaziness. The film hits its stride when a pair of assassins arrive in town tasked with identifying and eliminating Marcelo. As they draw closer, Filho ratches up the suspense to a sweat-inducing fervor, only to let it slip away when the narrative’s pivotal moment — the one it’s been building to for over two hours — occurs offscreen. We don’t see it happen, only a photo of the aftermath — years later, no less. We don’t find out what happened to the other characters in the film, but we can guess with some certainty that it wasn’t happy. Moura’s stellar performance has brought us this far, but there’s only so much he can do. The Secret Agent is a worthy film, perhaps an important one, but it could have been much, much more. Sometimes, a touch of conventional storytelling could have made all the difference, and that’s the case here. (In Portuguese with English subtitles) ! See MARK BURGER’s reviews of current movies.

[WEEKLY ARTS ROUNDUP]

ARTFOLIOS CONNECTS NORTH CAROLINA TO THE PREMIER ARTISTS OF WINSTON-SALEM

SUBMITTED BY CARRIE LEIGH DICKEY Owner and Visionary of Artfolios Artfolios, which began in 2021, is a collective of almost 40 Winston-Salem area artists promoted through an online fine art gallery that showcases approximately 400 original artworks and through boutique in-person events featuring hundreds more. Artfolios was founded out of a desire to champion local artists and out of love for the city of Winston-Salem. Artfolios is my family’s passion project. Luke (my husband), Luscinda (our daughter), and I enthusiastically support artists by gifting our skills, abilities, and time. Artfolios bridges the gap between artists and the community. Artfolios is relationship focused. In 2025, we hosted eight events, participated in three community collaborations, and curated four exhibits. A few highlights include Live Art Creation and Artist’s Talks at our Annual Art Extravaganza held at the Millennium Center in downtown Winston-Salem; Emily Clare’s inspirational “Botanical Dreamscapes” exhibit at Revolution Mill in Greensboro; Robyn Churn painting live at Bethabara’s Apple Festival and energizing the youngest members of our community; Alix Hitchcock, Barabara Lister-Sink, Lea Lackey-Zachmann, Melrose Tapscott Buchanan, and Terri Dowell-Dennis sharing their works in progress by opening their studios; and Dean Roland Johnson’s exhibit of realistic florals at Forsyth County Public Library which left viewers in awe! With

each of these came cherished memories of children purchasing their first artworks, tears by a moved participant, conversations of depth, and — ultimately — a richer connection to and an understanding of the power of art. We look forward with eager anticipation to the start of next year! Artfolios will launch five new curated exhibits in collaboration with: Stimmel Associates (featuring Frank Campion and Melrose Tapscott Buchanan — installed in January), the Winston-Salem Historic Inns (a Group Show installed in February), the Forsyth County Public Library (featuring Lea Lackey-Zachmann and Robyn Churn in January-February and Laurie Basham and Pat Spainhour in MarchApril), and Salem Academy and College (a Retrospective Show with Barbara Lister-Sink in March-April). Artfolios will also team up with the Library for a Career Day event on March 28: children, teens, and those who are enduringly curious are welcome to stop by our table to discuss entrepreneurship and the life of an artist. We invite you to join Artfolios in 2026 — come be a part of our family! All are welcome. ! ARTFOLIOS’ mission: We seek to showcase a curated collection of artists and art styles as diverse as our community. Artfolios’ manifesto: We believe art has the power to connect people. We believe patrons need art in their lives. We believe in the beauty of diversity. We are Artfolios. To connect with Artfolios: www.Artfolios.shop, Instagram @shopartfolios, and Facebook @Artfolios DECEMBER 24-30, 2025

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[KING CROSSWORD] SIX-E-SOMETHINGS

ACROSS 1 6 11 15 19 20 21 22 23 26 27 28 29 31 33 35 36 37 43 44 45 46 48 51 52 54 58 59 62 65 66 67 73 74

Audibly Mission —, California Spill the beans Golf coups Perceive — Good Feelings Many a Hee Haw character Boxing event Involuntary leg reactions Stimulate — yung (Chinese dish) Rocket downer, for short Relative of a tank top “O Fortuna” composer Carl Some arm muscles, informally No. on a road sign “And that’s that” Note that recommends a job applicant, e.g. Wood-dressing tools Pigsty stuff In the thick of Dark, gloomy rock genre Fast, sporty auto “My treat” Greek “S” Face cover WWW address Longer-than-normal prison term Cat breed Region Long-unshaven What “have solved” is in, in terms of grammar Ad awards Utilize a Juul device, e.g.

75 Aided in evil 77 In bed 83 Yoko of the avant-garde 84 Utters 85 Stimulate 86 “Dame” Everage 87 Cleric’s home 89 Oregano, e.g. 90 Telly watcher 91 “Help us!” 92 Cat food brand 96 Innermost parts 103 Cuba’s largest city 105 “Norma —” 106 Get it wrong 107 Cel figure 108 Fir or spruce 113 — Lingus 115 Cato’s 1,101 116 Monopoly expense 117 2020 drama thriller film 120 El —, Texas 121 “Why should — you?” 122 Concur 123 Carried, as a load 124 Loads 125 Stitches up 126 Lunchtimes, often 127 Pack-toting equines

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Solicit The Raven maiden Done just a single time Purpose “It’s — vu all over again” Pests like rats and roaches Rile Lobed body parts “Piano Man” singer Billy Proposed for consideration

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Nominal military promotion Poshness Cain’s victim Plagued (by) Treated badly Congress’ Alexandria Ocasio- — University of Oregon’s city Spirited horses Abated Riga native, old-style Old Iranian ruler Disaster relief gp. Insufficient Futuristic sci-fi play of 1921 Single-named super model Mortgage claim Case for ova Italy’s capital Beige Gloomy — Level just below major league Lucidness Plow beasts Feudal peon Concept, in Calais Signified Jennifer of “The Switch” Lint catchers Lock partner Memphis-to-Atlanta dir. Has the gumption Fare- — -well Feline cries Cato’s “to be” Cathode-ray picture producer

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Oom- — (tuba sounds) Sword type “Ciao!” Samantha Bee’s station NCIS network Stag’s mate Prior to, in odes Opposite of south, in France 80 That girl’s 81 Fix text 82 — nous (in confidence) 87 The Simpsons bartender 88 Admin. aide 89 With 118-Down, do a surfing stunt 90 Brewski container 91 Fastener fitting into a nut 92 Helper in the Himalayas 93 Lace into 94 “OK, but still ...” 95 Red Cross founder Clara 97 Film director Lubitsch and physicist Mach 98 Liver spread 99 Wipes clean 100 Actress Suzanne 101 Epoch of the first whales 102 Blade star Wesley 104 “— a jealous mistress” 109 Jennifer of Zero Dark Thirty 110 “So nasty!” 111 Hence 112 Architect Saarinen 114 Singer McEntire 118 See 89-Down 119 Boxing wallops

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MATTHEW WHITAKER QUINTET SATURDAY, JANUARY 17 @ 7:30PM Blind since birth, Matthew Whitaker has performed at venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center and the Apollo Theater, where, at 10, he was the opening performer for Stevie Wonder’s induction into the Apollo Theater’s Hall of Fame. He’s now an artist, captivating audiences globally and appearing on notable TV shows like “Showtime at the Apollo,” the “Today Show,” “Ellen,” and a feature on “60 Minutes.” He believes that music connects us all and that every child should have access to music education. Beyond music, he advocates for persons with disabilities and consults with companies to improve accessibility features.

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Cirque FLIP Fabrique Blizzard Feb. 21, 2026 Noche Flamenca: Searching for Goya March 5, 2026 Piff the Magic Dragon April 18, 2026 Kandace Springs May 2, 2026 Acts and dates subject to change. For a full line up of events and up to date news, visit our website.

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Housing affordability, availability top the news in 2025

ousing affordability and availability spent a lot of time in the headlines in North Carolina and across the country in 2025. Rents have risen Greg Childress faster than incomes, pushing rental units NC Newsline out of reach of many modest income tenants. And while interest rates have begun to come down, higher rates in recent years and climbing home prices have pushed homeownership out of reach for many Americans. The NC Housing Coalition’s 2025 housing needs assessment showed that 28% of the state’s households — 1.1 million — are cost-burdened by rent or mortgages. Families that spend more than 30% of income on housing costs are considered cost-burdened. The housing affordability crisis in this state is most acute among renters, with 48% considered cost-burdened, the coalition found. Meanwhile, 19% of homeowners have trouble affording their homes. The coalition determined that a $22.28 hourly wage or an annual income of $46,340 is needed to afford a fair market rent of $1,158 a month in North Carolina. High housing costs can have dire consequences for families unable to pay them. In North Carolina, 11,394 families faced foreclosures and 194,526 faced an eviction in 2025, the coalition reported. The Eviction Lab has linked rising rents and evictions to premature death because cost-burdened families prioritize paying rent over spending on health and well-being.

A HOUSING GAP

A month into 2025, the NC Chamber Foundation, NC REALTORS and the N.C. Homebuilders Association released a comprehensive statewide report showing that North Carolina faces a ﬁve-year housing inventory gap of more than 765,000 units. According to the report, titled the 2024 “Housing Supply GAP Analysis: State of North Carolina,” there’s a pro-

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Zenger, a Forsyth County Republican and developer, said would make it easier for developers to build aﬀordable housing stalled in the House. House Bill 765 would have restricted local enforcement of land-use rules not authorized by state law. Critics argued the bill would weaken local government control and undermine community planning. Zenger and other supporters said the bill would remove red tape, which would make it easier for developers to build more housing.

MORE PEOPLE EXPERIENCE HOMELESSNESS

Photo by Greg Childress/NC Newsline

(Above) A mixed-income housing project under construction in Durham.

jected gap of 442,118 for-sale units and 322,360 rental units across the state over the next five years. “Addressing North Carolina’s significant housing supply gap is more than just meeting immediate demand; it’s a critical investment in our state’s future,” NC Chamber Foundation President Meredith Archie said in a statement accompanying the report. The report advised addressing the gaps through some combinations of new construction, housing repairs and weatherization and financial assistance to address “severe housing affordability issues.” Those strategies could generate $489 billion in economic activity and create nearly 2.2 million jobs, the report said. In October, Jenny Schuetz, an affordable housing expert at Houston-based Arnold Ventures, told state housing advocates, developers and policymakers at a conference in Raleigh that the nation must build its way out of the current housing crisis. “We haven’t been building enough homes to keep up with demand created by population growth and job growth for more than 15 years now,” Schuetz said. “Going back to the great financial crisis,

Photo by Samantha Dietel/States Newsroom

U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a Washington Democrat and the chair of the Progressive Caucus, calls for stronger tenant protections and rent regulations, Nov. 15, 2023. we just stopped building housing altogether for about four or five years. It took a long time for industry to start digging itself out of a hole.” Estimates of the national housing shortage range widely. A Zillow analysis of Census data found the nation has a housing shortage of 4.7 million. The National Low Income Housing Coalition reports a shortage of 7 million affordable rental homes for extremely low-income individuals. The state housing crisis grabbed the attention of North Carolina lawmakers during the legislative session. A controversial bill that Rep. Jeff

Homelessness in North Carolina increased 19% from 2023 to 2024, according to the 2024 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report. The report features data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Annual Point in Time Count. The report found that homelessness in the nation reached an all-time high, with roughly 771,480 Americans experiencing homelessness on a given night in January 2024. According to HUD data, there were 11,626 people in North Carolina experiencing homelessness during the annual count. Homelessness among families with children, chronically homeless individuals and unaccompanied youth all saw significant increases. An 11% decrease in homelessness among veterans in the state stood out among otherwise grim data. The HUD count found 688 veterans experiencing homelessness in 2024 compared to 777 in 2023. North Carolina’s reduction in veterans’s homelessness outpaced the nation, which saw an 8% reduction. As NC Newsline reported in February, the number of veterans experiencing homelessness has declined 55% percent since HUD began collecting data in 2009. The reduction in veteran homelessness is “probably one of the most significant public policy wins that we’ve had in the homelessness world,” said Ann Oliva, the CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works to prevent and end homelessness.

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Investigative Reporter GREG CHILDRESS covers issues related to poverty, homelessness, and housing policy. NC Newsline (www.ncnewsline.com) is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

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Across the state, tenants rose up to ﬁght against high rents and unsafe and unsanitary living conditions. In Durham, the city council unanimously approved an amendment to the city’s housing code that prohibits landlords from collecting rent if a housing unit is found to be “imminently dangerous” to tenants’ health and safety. Under the ordinance, which is modeled after one in Charlotte, landlords can be charged with a misdemeanor if they collect rent on housing that has immediately dangerous conditions such as rotted or damaged structural supports, unsafe wiring, unsafe roofs, no potable water supply or no operating heating equipment in cold months, among other violations. “The police aren’t gonna go and arrest them [landlords], but if that ends up going to court, the tenant has a very good chance of winning and being able to get not only a portion of their rent back, but all their rent back if the tenant takes the landlord to court,” C.R. Clark, an organizer with the Triangle Tenant Union, said in an interview. The Triangle Apartment Association pushed back against the ordinance. “While we understand there may exist some circumstances in which residents experience less than habitable conditions, it is our belief that those circumstances do not involve the greater majority of housing providers,” the association said in a letter to the council. Brianda Barrera, a Durham renter and Triangle Tenant Union leader, called the ordinance a step toward “justice, health and dignity.” “It’s for our elderly neighbors living with black mold who are afraid to complain for fear of retaliation from landlords who only view them as an obstacle to proﬁts,” Barrera said. It’s for our undocumented neighbors enduring severe pest infestations because their landlord counts on their silence.” !

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for these criminal elements to further victimize the homeless while holding operators of these facilities accountable,” said Rhyne, a bill cosponsor. But Agard said it could have forced shelters to close. Both bills stalled in the Senate.

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Shawn Liu, director of communications for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Homeless Programs, told NC Newsline that the strategy to reduce homelessness for veterans is a simple one: provide housing and do it as quickly as possible. It’s a “housing first” approach to provide permanent housing and support services to people experiencing homelessness that’s supported by many advocacy groups for people experiencing homelessness. “No veteran should experience homelessness in the country that they swore to defend, period, end of story,” Liu said. Just months into his second presidency, President Donald Trump signaled that his administration is moving away from the housing first strategy that Liu and other advocates believe has helped reduce homelessness among veterans. The administration plans to cut funding for long-term permanent housing and redirect those funds toward transitional housing that requires recipients to work and to accept mandatory addiction or mental illness treatment. At a recent fundraising event, Latonya Agard, executive director for the North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness, cited the coalition’s success at turning back Republican-sponsored bills in the General Assembly that she and other advocates believe would be harmful to people experiencing homelessness. One example, Agard said, was a controversial House Bill 781 to ban public camping. Agard said the bill would have unfairly criminalized people experiencing homelessness “for simply not having a home.” A bill co-sponsor, Rep. Brian Biggs (RRandolph), said leaders of local municipalities came to him looking for guidance in handling homelessness. Biggs insisted the bill doesn’t criminalize homelessness. “It addresses the use of public property for camping and sleeping without prohibiting homelessness,” Biggs said in April. “It does create clear guidance. We need guidance.” Another bill, House Bill 437, Agard noted, would have made homeless shelters operators responsible if drugs were sold or delivered outside of their facilities. It passed the state House, but stalled in the state Senate. Rep. Heather Rhyne (R-Lincoln) said the law is needed because the state’s homeless population is under regular threat from dealers seeking to sell them controlled substances. “By making homeless shelters drugfree zones, we reduce the opportunity

’S READER

It’s Time!

Nomination period starts January 4 and runs through February 13! Those voted in the TOP 5 during the nomination period in each category will move on to Final Round of voting March 4-April 16. Want to advertise during voting? Email publisher@yesweekly.com for more information.

vote.thetriadsbest.com DecemBeR 24-30, 2025 YES! WEEKLY

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photos [FACES & PLACES]

VISIT YESWEEKLY.COM/GALLERIES TO SEE MORE PHOTOS!

PRESENTS

[BARTENDER OF THE WEEK COMPILED BY NATALIE GARCIA] Check out videos on our Facebook!

NAME: Molly Millard BAR: Bar Nola, Winston-Salem, N.C. AGE: 35 WHERE ARE YOU FROM? Born in Wilmington but raised all over the Triad. I settled in the Lexington/ Winston-Salem area when I was 12. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN BARTENDING? Let’s see, at least 10 years at this point. HOW DID YOU BECOME A BARTENDER? I’ve been in the service industry since I was old enough to work. I’ve done front of house, back of house, and all that comes with it. My son’s father, Rolando Pettigrew, who passed in 2021, got me into bartending with his passion for craft cocktails. I wanted to be like him. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT BARTENDING? All the people I meet and creating drinks people love. I’ve met people from all walks of life. WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BARTENDING? As a solo parent, trying to balance the work and life schedule to make sure I’m working enough to support our lives and also make it to important things like school events and doctor’s appointments. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DRINK TO MAKE? I’ve really been getting into old fashioneds lately. One of our fall signature drinks, the “date night,” which was one of my creations this year, is a fig and brown sugar old fashioned, and it’s been a big hit.

10 YES! WEEKLY DecemBeR 24-30, 2025

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DRINK TO DRINK? I’m almost eight months sober. But pass me a THC drink any day.

Greensboro Renaissance Faire presents Winter Solstice Soirée at The Back Table 12.21.25 | Greensboro | By Natalie Garcia

WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AS AN AFTER-DINNER DRINK? It depends on how heavy or light they want it to be. A grasshopper is like mint chocolate chip ice cream in a glass, or a classic espresso martini. WHAT’S THE STRANGEST DRINK REQUEST YOU’VE HAD? A smoker’s cough shot. It’s Jäger and mayonnaise. Gag. WHAT’S THE CRAZIEST THING YOU’VE SEEN WHILE BARTENDING? I bartended in Portland, Oregon for three years. I’ve seen so many naked people it’s not even funny…I also saw a carjacking happen at 2 p.m. on a weekday in the middle of a traffic light. WHAT’S THE WEIRDEST THING YOU’VE FOUND IN A BAR BATHROOM? A very, very drunk and lost man, and a positive pregnancy test. WHAT’S THE BEST OR BIGGEST TIP YOU’VE EVER GOTTEN? $500

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winston-salem Announces 2025 Citywide Kwanzaa Celebration

SUBMITTED BY TRIAD CULTURAL ARTS

ommunity organizations across Winston-Salem will come together once again to present the 37th Annual Citywide Kwanzaa Celebration. Convened by Triad Cultural Arts, this weeklong cultural event celebrates African American heritage, unity, purpose, and shared responsibility. Activities will take place from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 at various locations across the city, each focusing on one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa — the Nguzo Saba. This year’s schedule includes educational workshops, storytelling, music, cultural demonstrations, hands-on activities, guest speakers, community events, awards, and intergenerational experiences rooted in African traditions and values. As is tradition, each day will be hosted by diﬀerent organizations across the city and county. The Delta Arts Center — who is a long-time Kwanzaa host for the Dec. 27 principle of “selfdetermination” — takes great pride in the sharing of culture that the holiday provides, “One of the greatest gifts we can pass on is the courage to name our purpose. This year’s Kujichagulia celebration invites every generation to create something meaningful and leave inspired,” says the center’s Executive Director Whitney Harness. For more information, visit www. triadculturalarts.org.

2025 CITYWIDE KWANZAA SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Dec. 26 from noon to 3 p.m. Principle: Umoja (Unity) Location: Shotgun House, 716 Humphrey St. Hosted by: Triad Cultural Arts and Happy Hill Neighborhood Association Program Highlights: Celebrate Umoja at the historic Shotgun House Legacy Site with drumming, storytelling, children’s crafts, heritage foods, reﬂection cards, guest speakers, and micro-tours. Community Awardee: Layla Garms and Spencer Aubrey www.yEswEEkly.CoM

Dec. 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. Principle: Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) Location: Delta Arts Center, 2611 New Walkertown Rd. Hosted by: Delta Arts Center Program Highlights: A creative, handson community celebration featuring arts and crafts, including beaded fabric necklaces and printmaking inspired by Kwanzaa traditions. Community Awardee: Francis “Sonny” Brown Dec. 28 from 6 to 9 p.m. Principle: Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility) Location: Delta Arts Center, 2611 New Walkertown Rd. Hosted by: Action for Equity and 1Love Festival Program Highlights: East Winston is Abundant — an evening of Liberatory Consciousness and abundance featuring Rev. Dr. Melva Sampson and the Pink Robe Chronicles. In this keynote, Rev. Dr. Melva L. Sampson invites us into a sacred vision of liberatory consciousness — where ancestral memory, collective work, and shared responsibility become the ground from which abundant futures are grown. Rooted in an ethic of communal care, creative resistance, and spiritual imagination, she calls us to co-create ecosystems that heal, empower, and sustain us all. Free, but registration is required. Registration Link: https://givebutter.com/Culture2026 Community Awardees: Rev. Dr. Melva Sampson Mother Hazel Mack Mother Ruth Hopkins Dec. 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. Principle: Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) Location: NAACP Headquarters, 4130 Oak Ridge Place / Butterﬁeld Drive Hosted by: The Piggott Family & The Black Chamber of Commerce Program Speaker: Williette Carter, 1st Vice President of NAACP Community Awardees: Baba Joseph Anderson of The Healing Force & African American Village Consciousness

Kwanzaa dancers at the Central library in downtown Winston-Salem. Pastor Dr. Herbert Miller & Emmanuel Baptist Church community Dec. 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. Principle: Nia (Purpose) Location: Grace Presbyterian Church, 3901 Carver School Rd. Hosted by: Grace Presbyterian Church Program Speaker: Mrs. Alexia Mitchell Community Awardee: Rev. David Harrison, Jr. Dec. 31 from 1 to 4 p.m. Principle: Kuumba (Creativity) Location: Annex 1 Auditorium, 725 N. Highland Ave. (Across from First Baptist Church and up from the Malloy/Jordan Heritage Center) Hosted by: Forsyth County Public Library and N.C. Black Rep Program Highlights: A community celebration of Kwanzaa, a cultural holiday honoring African American heritage and culture. The event will be educational, interactive, and intergenerational, featuring storytelling about the seven principles (the Nguzo Saba), a demonstration of the symbolic kinara (candleholder) lighting, traditional music, crafts for children and families, and a potluck-style community feast (Karamu). Featuring the N.C. Black Rep Youth Ensemble. Community Awardee: Elaine Ramos Lamson

Jan. 1 from 2 to 4 p.m. Principle: Imani (Faith) Location: Alpha and Omega Church of Faith, 1445 Gray Ave. Hosted by: Alpha and Omega Church of Faith Program Highlights: Featuring speakers from The Ministers’ Conference of Winston-Salem and Vicinity, Pastor Angela Dix (President), Belva Marlin, and musical contributions from Karlton Jones and Alpha & Omega Church members. Community Awardees: Pastor Angela Dix Belva Marlin, Executive Director of The Children’s Farm Proclamations in honor of Min. Joseph Anderson ! tRiAD CUltURAl ARts, Inc. (TCA), established in 2007 as a nonprofit organization rooted in the community, is a dynamic, multi-disciplinary cultural arts organization. With a leadership role in raising awareness of Black American history and culture, TCA is dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and presentation of the rich heritage of Black/African Americans for the broader public through educational and public programs. Our Approach: We achieve our mission by creating culturally immersive experiences that encompass festivals, preservation efforts, heritage tours, and exhibits. Our Purpose: Our driving force is to contribute to the development of a culturally proficient community that places a high value on diversity, serving as a catalyst for social change and innovation. DECEMBER 24-30, 2025 YES! WEEKLY

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PHOTO COURTESY ABC45.COM

The new Guilford County Sheriff’s Office in Greensboro is located at 401 W. Sycamore St.

sheriﬀ’s Oﬃce in greensboro moves BY CAROL BROOKS | cab1hp@gmail.com

f you need to go to the Guilford County Sheriff ’s Office in Greensboro in the future, you should be aware that it has moved. The new administrative headquarters is at 401 W. Sycamore St. and officially opened Dec. 15. The move was announced in November and the following divisions are involved in the move: executive command staff, personnel and training, legal process, resource management, professional standards and the Sheriff ’s Office legal team.

12 YES! WEEKLY

DECEMBER 24-30, 2025

Any job applicants should go to the new location. No applications will be accepted at the old location, which is now closed. These key administrative functions will now be centralized under one roof, rather than in several buildings or makeshift locations. “This transition affects administrative and support functions only and will not impact field operations or detention services,” according to the sheriff ‘s office. The new building is three stories tall and contains approximately 57,000 sq. ft.

The old Washington Street location in the Otto Zenke building had uneven flooring, was subject to leaking and flooding and had an infestation of snakes. Maintenance costs were too great for the county to continue repairs. Additionally, some believe the building may have been haunted. The old building will be demolished to make way for parking for the new headquarters. Discussions about a new building had been going on for several years and was even awarded to a contractor at one point, but the Guilford County Board of Commissioners terminated

the contract. A different contractor was hired in early 2024 for a maximum cost of $27 million. Approximately $4.5 million had already been paid to the first contractor. The new Sycamore Street building is on the site of the old Guilford County jail. The current Greensboro Detention Center is at 201 S. Edgeworth St. These two buildings, including the Otto Zenke building are on the same block. The Jamestown Sheriff’s Office District 3 at 211 Hillstone Dr. remains and was not affected by the headquarters move. !

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Immediately Hiring Skilled Builders! Call Andy at 336-944-4132

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DECEMBER 24-30, 2025

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Submissions should be sent to artdirector@yesweekly.com by Friday at 5 p.m., prior to the week’s publication. Visit yesweekly.com and click on calendar to list your event online. home grown music scene | Compiled by Shane Hart

CARBORRO

Cat’s Cradle

300 E Main St | 919.967.9053 www.catscradle.com Dec 30-31: Cosmic Charlie Jan 3: Kinda Nice, Larry., Chicken Ranch Road Show Jan 10: Abbey Road LIVE! Jan 10: Turtle Smash Jan 12: Grace Lucia Jan 13: Fleshwater Jan 16: The Band Solstice, The Wallabies Jan 17: Secret Moneky Weekend, jPhono1, Mad Starlings

Charlotte

Bojangles Coliseum

2700 E Independence Blvd | 704.372.3600 www.boplex.com Jan 16: Jason Isbell Jan 25: Winter Jam 2025

The Fillmore

1000 NC Music Factory Blvd | 704.916.8970 www.livenation.com Dec 27: Congress the Band Dec 28: Hardwired Dec 31: NYE Rave Jan 16: Del Water Gap Jan 17: Nothing More w/ Catch Your Breath, Archers and Doobie Jan 21: Don Broco Jan 24: Badfish — A Tribute

clemmons

Village Square Tap House

6000 Meadowbrook Mall Ct | 336.448.5330 www.facebook.com/vstaphouse Dec 26: Coda Junction Dec 27: Dear SIster Dec 31: NYE with Level X & Black Glass

Winston-Salem’s Hometown Station 96.7-FM / 980-AM / 1470-AM / wtob980.com

the good guys

Playing the Greatest Music of All Time

14 YES! WEEKLY

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stream us at wtob980.com

PROUD SPONSOR OF The Checkup with Dr. Jon - Wednesdays at 7pm Surfside with Don Mark - Saturdays Rick O’Neil - Monday-Thursday from 1-4pm DECEMBER 24-30, 2025

greensboro

Hangar 1819

310 S. Greene Street | 336.333.2605 www.carolinatheatre.com Jan 3: Zoso — The Led Zeppelin Experience

1819 Spring Garden St | 336.579.6480 www.hangar1819.com Jan 6: Bit Brigade Performs “Mega Man X” LIVE Jan 9: Fake Happy — A Paramore Tribute

Comedy Zone

Steven Tanger Center

Carolina Theatre

1126 S Holden Rd | 336.333.1034 www.thecomedyzone.com Dec 27: Wild ‘N Out Dec 31: Shaun Jones Jan 2-3: Marcus Wiley Jan 8: Justin Stagner Jan 9-11: DeRay Davis Jan 15: Ray Lau Jan 16-18: Red Grant Jan 23-25: Don “DC” Curry Jan 28: Malik B

FLAT IRON

221 Summit Ave | 336.501.3967 www.flatirongso.com Dec 26: Yamba and Friends Dec 27: Home for the Holidays ft. Chris Hedrick, Casey Cranford, Julian Sizemore, Jackson Weldon Dec 28: Carri Smithey Band Dec 30: Mark Kano & Mike Garrigan Dec 31: New Years Eve with Ranford Almond + Folkknot Jan 3: Hustle Souls Jan 4: When We’re Sober, General Purpose

Garage Tavern

5211 A West Market St | 336.763.2020 www.facebook.com/GarageTavernGreensboro Dec 27: RetroVinyl Dec 31: Blues & Bubbles, Cory Luetjen, Traveling Blues Band

Greensboro Coliseum

1921 W Gate City Blvd | 336.373.7400 www.greensborocoliseum.com Jan 3: United Futsal Jan 10-11: Monster Jam Freestyle Mania Jan 15: Manilow: The Last Greensboro Concert Jan 18: The Dream MLK Fest ft. YFN Lucci, YK Niece, Hunxho, Boston Richey and Belly Gang Kushington Jan 23: Departure — The Journey Trivute Band

300 N Elm Street | 336.333.6500 www.tangercenter.com Jan 7-11: Les Miserables Jan 23: Wild Kratts LIVE!

The Idiot Box Comedy Club

503 N. Greene St | 336.274.2699 www.idiotboxers.com Jan 9-10: Kevin McCaffrey Jan 16-17: The Buttercups

high point

Goofy Foot Taproom 2762 NC-68 #109 | 336.307.2567 www.goofyfoottaproom.com Dec 27: Anna Mertson

jamestown

The Deck

118 E Main St | 336.207.1999 www.facebook.com/TheDeckJamestow Dec 26: Tony Tone Karaoke Dec 27: Counterfeit

winston-salem

The Ramkat

170 W 9th St | 336.754.9714 www.theramkat.com Dec 27: Cosmic Charlie Jan 9: Duncan MacMillan, Bruthr Pudge Jan 10: Somewhat Petty: A Tribute to Tom Petty

Wise Man Brewing

826 Angelo Bros Ave | 336.725.0008 www.wisemanbrewing.com Thursdays: Music Bingo Dec 27: Jacob Vaughan & Friends Dec 28: Rivas Ranch Jan 2: Luke Cope & Friends Jan 3: Time Sawyer Jan 9: Ears to the Ground Jan 10: Barefoot Modern

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STARS] last call [SALOME’S week of December 29, 2025

[GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) This week promises a peek into what the new year holds for the GEMINI Twins, both in love and careers. Family matters continue to be a factor in decisions you’re going to be facing. [CANCER (June 21 to July 22) As you move into the new year, travel aspects grow stronger, and you might ﬁnd yourself making decisions about a destination and a traveling companion sooner than you’d expected. [LEO (July 23 to August 22) The new year holds both glitter and gold. This means LEOs and LEOnas should begin getting the facts they’ll need to separate the real thing from the sham in order to make important decisions next year. [VIRGO (August 23 to September 22)

A good way to start the new year might be to arrange for a visit to someone you haven’t seen in a long time. You might also want to pick up that project you put oﬀ a while back.

[LIBRA (September 23 to October 22)

As you contemplate the new year’s potential, you might want to talk things over with people who are or have been where you want

to go. Their experience and advice can be helpful.

[1. HISTORY: What city is considered

[6. TELEVISION: What is the name of

[SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Someone close to you might feel you have no more room for him or her in your life. This calls for immediate reassurance of your love so you can start the new year on a high note.

[2. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president

[7. LITERATURE: What are the names

[SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to

[4. GEOGRAPHY: How many countires

December 21) The coming year will bring more people into your life. Some situations might not work out as well as others. But overall, everyone earns something, and that’s always a good thing.

the birthplace of democracy?

had a pet raccoon named Rebecca?

[3. MOVIES: What is the 2007 documentary The 11th Hour about? lie along the equator?

[5. ANATOMY: Which part of the eye controls how much light enters it?

[CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) The new year could find you indulging in one or more of the hobbies you’ve always wanted to take up. And don’t be surprised if they ultimately direct you toward a new career. [AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) The artistic Aquarian should find more opportunities in the new year. You might even make some potentially helpful contacts as you gather to ring in the year 2009. [PISCES (February 19 to March 20) The new year offers challenges for Pisceans who want to make better use of the skills they now have and learn new ones. Personal relationships show stronger positive aspects. [BORN THIS WEEK: Although you sometimes tend to be a bit judgmental, nevertheless, you are generous and caring and very much beloved.

the Tanners’ cat on the sitcom ALF?

of the two families in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”?

[8. CHEMISTRY: What kind of reaction produces heat?

[9. U.S. STATES: Which state was the ﬁrst to join the Union?

[10. ASTRONOMY: Which is the only

planet in our solar system that rotates on its side?

answer 6. Lucky. 7. Capulet and Montague. 8. Exothermic. 9. Delaware. 10. Uranus.

[TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Change lies ahead for the brave Bovine who is ready to shuck oﬀ the tried-and-true to try something new. But appearances can be deceptive. Check it all out before you charge into anything.

by Fifi rodriguez

1. Athens, Greece. 2. Calvin Coolidge. 3. The critical state of the Earth’s environment. 4. 13. 5. Iris.

[ARIES (March 21 to April 19) With the new year’s opportunities almost within reach, the Arian’s courageous aspects are raring to go. And don’t be surprised if a lot of people follow the zodiac’s most trusted leader.

[TRIVIA TEST]

TR ASURE The

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[WEEKLY SUDOKU] sudoku on page 6

Merry Christmas! Closed Christmas Eve Opening at 7pm Christmas Day

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with us!

Champagne Toast at Midnight Dance and Drink Specials! Opening at 7pm New Year’s Day DECEMBER 24-30, 2025 YES! WEEKLY