YES! Weekly — July 1, 2026

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Triad Debates DATA CENTERS

“SUPERGIRL”

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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 PRODUCTION Senior Designer ALEX FARMER designer@yesweekly.com Designer SHANE HART artdirector@yesweekly.com ADVERTISING Marketing ANGELA COX angela@yesweekly.com Promotion NATALIE GARCIA MCKENZIE STONE

ASCEN DANCE July 16-18 HanesBrands Theatre terpsicorps.org 2 YES! WEEKLY

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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.

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DATA CENTERS IN THE TRIAD 3

Earlier this year, the NCMA WinstonSalem main campus on Marguerite Drive closed for some much-needed renovations and upgrades, but its mission will continue during that makeover when NCMA WINSTON-SALEM opens its new downtown exhibition space at 400 W. Fourth St. (Suite #130), Winston-Salem.

4 “SUPERGIRL,” which stars Milly Aycock as the titular character, is the latest installment of the big-screen “DC Universe” but feels more like it hails from a galaxy more comparable to the “Star Wars,” “Mad Max,” and “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchises.

6 With summer comes baseball. All three of the Triad’s cities have enhanced their DOWNTOWNS WITH BALLPARKS...My concept of a night at the ballpark has to include food, and it looks like a lot of people share that idea.

8 From small towns to big cities, Triad elected officials are debating what to do about DATA CENTERS. 11 Triad residents had the opportunity to celebrate Greensboro’s NBA G LEAGUE recent championship last week at Mac’s Speed Shop, located at 1218 Battleground Ave. in Greensboro.

12 DON MARTIN is a numbers guy who gravitated to the study of mathematics early in life. He is the living embodiment of who we point to when a young student asks, “When will I ever use math in real life?” The fact is that Don has been a master of equations throughout his career in public service 14 Happy Fourth of July, Triad music lovers! INDEPENDENCE DAY is a somewhat loaded concept — but the sweet summer tradition of firing up grills and lighting up stages remains near and dear to my heart.

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visions

SEE IT!

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NCMA establishes downtown destination during renovations

his marks the 70th birthday of the NCMA (North Carolina Museum of Art) WinstonSalem, formerly known as SECCA (the Southeastern Mark Burger Center for Contemporary Art), unquestionably one Contributor of the most illustrious institutions of its kind — one that has provided area residents and tourists with endless hours of enjoyment as it showcases works of art and highlights the talented artists who created them.

Earlier this year, the NCMA WinstonSalem main campus on Marguerite Drive closed for some much-needed renovations and upgrades, but its mission will continue during that makeover when NCMA Winston-Salem opens its new downtown exhibition space at 400 W. Fourth St. (Suite #130), Winston-Salem — not far from where the museum first opened its doors in 1956 as an artist-run gallery on Trade Street.

In other words, it’s business as usual — just in a new venue.

“We imagined the downtown space fairly early in the design phase for the facilities on Marguerite Drive,” explained Bill Carpenter, NCMA Winston-Salem’s executive director. “It became very clear that the capital projects would be extensive, and it would make the most sense to close the museum and have all the work done at once. From that point, we recognized that we needed to be extra committed to continuing our programming and maintaining our outreach and connection to the community. Moving to the downtown space offered us high visibility and good accessibility — and it helps us participate directly in the economic and cultural development of downtown.”

Carpenter credits the NCMA WinstonSalem staff for making the transition as smooth and easy as possible.

“The staff are consummate professionWWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

als, dedicated to bringing exceptional art and educational programming to the region,” he said. “They have adapted very well to the circumstances, and in many cases have used the change to inspire new program ideas.”

NCMA Winston-Salem will inaugurate its new exhibition and programming space on July 16 with “Unboxed: Art Beyond the Museum,” featuring an opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. and remarks at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. Visitors to the exhibition are encouraged to “Pay What They Wish.”

“NCMA Winston-Salem is deeply committed to building sustainable, mutually beneficial partnerships with community arts organizations and artists,” Carpenter said. “The staff works deliberately to employ our resources in pursuit of programs and events that bring attention to other organizations, provide paid opportunities for artists to engage with visitors, and demonstrate the value of the arts to our city’s quality of life. In all these ways, we hope to function as a driver for the creative economy.”

The “Unboxed” exhibition brings together the various artists who have contributed to the museum’s Portable Gallery, which was developed as an education outreach initiative to provide students access to contemporary art by bringing original works by North Carolina-based artists directly to schools. In 2025, more than 2,000 students across regional school districts experienced the Portable Gallery for themselves.

“Unboxed” presents artists at different stages in their respective careers,

Emily Clare — “Orbits of Birth and Decay,” 2025

Sloane Siobhan — “This Light of Ours,” 2025

each concerned with place, identity, and imagination. Some are newcomers to the Tarheel State, while others have made their homes here for much of their lives.

Their works reflect a range of subjects, materials, and techniques as diverse as the state of North Carolina itself.

Nico Amortegui, Kevin Calhoun, Emily Clare, Owens Daniels, Ellen Heck, Eric Knoche, Andrew Mastriani, Caroline Paul, Travis Phillips, JP Jermaine Powell, Daniel Rich, Sloane Siobhan, and Mona Wu are among the artists whose work will be on display during the exhibition, and many works will also be available for purchase.

Carpenter’s enthusiasm for the exhibition is obvious. “Winston-Salem, the Triad, and the Piedmont region have a vibrant and eclectic artist community that is steeped in tradition and innovation,” he observed. “‘Unboxed’ celebrates several of those artists, highlighting a significant diversity in methods, materials, subjects, and practices. An exhibition such as ‘Unboxed’ is important to the regional art scene because it introduces visitors and other artists to the wide array of art produced here. It also makes the argument that public support of the arts plays a vital role in the cultural and economic health of a city and a region.”

Regarding the Marguerite Drive makeover, “we are currently planning to reopen the campus in late 2028 or early 2029,” Carpenter said. “We can’t say

that the downtown space is permanent, but we can say that we are committed to bringing high-quality exhibitions and programs to the space with the hope of becoming a favorite destination for residents and visitors.”

For more information, call 336-7241904 or visit https://ncmawinstonsalem. gov/. !

See MARK BURGER’s reviews of current movies. © 2026, Mark Burger.

SQA Engineer II for Gilbarco

in Greensboro, NC to deliver high complexity pymt sub-system apps for key customers, incl new feat & defect corrections. Req: Bach in Comp Engg or rltd fld + 5yrs exp as Software QA Engineer or rltd role. Partial telecom benefits available. At least 90% on site.

Salary: $110,000.00/yr.

CV to harmony.brown@vontier.com.

Reference Position: 9777 JULY 1-7, 2026

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SCREEN IT!

‘Supergirl’ grounded by grunge

“

Supergirl,” which stars Milly Aycock as the titular character, is the latest installment of the bigscreen “DC Universe” but feels more like it hails from a galaxy more comparable to the “Star Wars,” “Mad Max,” and “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchises, the latter brought to fruiMark Burger tion by this film’s producer James Gunn, currently co-chairman and coCEO of DC Studios alongside fellow Contributor producer Peter Safran.

As a result, “Supergirl” struggles — mostly in vain — to establish an identity of its own. The special effects are up to par, and there are some enjoyable action sequences, but the things in the film that work tend to pale in comparison with those that don’t.

Like her cousin Superman (David Corenswet), Aycock’s Kara Zor-El is a descendant of the doomed planet Krypton, but she’s more of an interplanetary party girl than a superhero. But her inner hero is awakened, if slowly, by

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the arrival of Ruthye Marye Knoll (Eve Ridley), who is bent on avenging the slaughter of her family by the Brigand baddie Krem (Matthias Schoenaerts).

Krem proceeds to make things even more personal by poisoning Kara’s beloved pooch, Krypto.

That, in a nutshell, is the narrative conceived by first-time screenwriter Ana Nogueira. Even the novelty of two female protagonists — one of whom possesses super-powers — is routinely rendered here, and there’s not much director Craig Gillespie can bring to the party beyond attempting to keep the momentum moving forward, and even that’s an uphill struggle.

Making matters worse are the dank, dingy, grungy landscapes that Kara and Ruthye constantly tend to find themselves trudging through. Any sense of wonder, or even fun, is quashed by an oppressive, even ugly, atmosphere that would be better suited to a Terry Gilliam film.

Aycock and Ridley, both essentially making their

feature debuts here (although Aycock previously headlined the low-budget 2018 chiller “The School”), have their moments, and Corenswet brings some muchneeded brightness (and lightness) to the proceedings as Superman, although he’s merely incidental to the storyline.

Jason Momoa pops up periodically as the snarling, swaggering Lobo, but he’s less a villain than a punning anti-hero, and the character seems a take-off on Randall “Tex” Cobb’s bounty-hunting biker in “Raising Arizona” (1987), albeit with fangs and glowing red eyes. Schoenaerts does a fair bit of scenery-chewing as the cruel Krem but remains a forgettable, one-dimensional heavy throughout.

A movie like “Supergirl” doesn’t come cheap, but in this case, it doesn’t come good, either. For all the hype and hoopla, to say nothing of a budget reportedly in the range of $170 million, it’s an empty spectacle filled with mindless mayhem. !

See MARK BURGER’s reviews of current movies. © 2026, Mark Burger.

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leisure [KING CROSSWORD]

[WEEKLY SUDOKU]

“RAISING A RACKET”

ACROSS 1 7 12 16 19 20 21 23 25 26 27 29 32 34 35 36 42 44 45 47 52 56 57 58 59 61 62 63 65 68 69 70 71 76 78 81

Streisand of “Nuts” President after Bush Japanese soup Beaker locale Fanatic Boo-boo State of mind “Can this be?!”

Color close to aqua Leave shore “I’m to blame for everything” Mil. address Nada “— see!” (“Evidently!”)

Events that break ground Like K-Cup coffee pods Two-word conjunction Sol’s Greek counterpart Bangor locale Built 2011 Steve Carell film Puppeteer Lewis Opera song Gallery work Fox hangouts Nest eggs for srs.

Flanders on “The Simpsons” Quick, sharp punches Cocktail of bourbon, lemon and mint Purse Ross who ran against Clinton — in the bud It might consist of a dictionary, thesaurus and atlas Pouches Tic- — -toe “You wish!”

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82 83 84 85 87

They may get slammed Dad on “Rugrats” For takeout Fail to remain calm Annual mailing to the IRS 92 Baskers’ goals, often 94 Birth-related 95 Home for French presidents 96 Lerner’s musical col laborator 99 Kind of salute performed at military funerals 101 Cherubs, e.g.

105 Smartphone buy 107 Emulate Picabo Street 108 Mag bigwigs 109 Heroic fighter pilot of the 1940s 114 Sinister 117 Studios with easels 118 Question you might feel like asking after seeing nine key words in this puzzle?

123 Yellow turnip 124 Roast beef fast-food chain 125 Big brand of cosmetics 126 Water quality org.

127 Pack neatly 128 L.A.’s region 129 Pitfalls

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

German auto Spa sigh Material in viral genes Tiny pieces Pro — (in proportion) Post-workout feeling Multivolume Brit.

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 22 24 28 29 30 31 33 37 38 39 40 41 43 46 48 49 50 51 53 54 55 60 63 64 65

lexicon Matzo — (Passover breakfast option) In — (stuck) Soft shoes, for short Locations Actress Marlee Agenda unit Stick around to see Rig accidents Doozies Fully grown Borscht base Kind of lift for downhillers Yalies Mauna — Waste barrel Capital of South Dakota Mounted to a backing for decoration Big-eyed primates Egyptian city with pyramids Myrna of old movies Spellbound Roman 7 Finale Plow pioneer John “Mama” Cass Orang cousin Figure skater Lipinski Epochs Plate Key near Q Brewery kiln Actor Sahay who played Lester Patel on “Chuck” Lip- — (mouth the words) Pantry container Got older Alternative to Mazola or Crisco

66 Charlemagne ruled it: Abbr.

67 Bro’s sibling 68 Suit well 69 Orch. section with timpani, cymbals, etc.

71 Performs like Drake 72 Jacob’s twin 73 Twain’s Huck 74 Clamor 75 Hoodwink 76 Gets trite 77 “La Cage — Folles” 78 Muss, as hair 79 “I concur” 80 Chili dogs 83 Headliner 84 “Ciao 4 now” 86 Beat others in claiming something 88 Dojo surface 89 Old verb suffix 90 Remade musicals, e.g.

91 “Showdown” rock gp.

93 “Easy-peasy” 97 Polish capital 98 Start for Pen or dermis 100 Barely earns, with “out” 101 Informed (of) 102 Still in bed 103 Garbo of old movies 104 Singer Fitzgerald 106 Gyro wraps 110 Ship of myth 111 Sleek, in brief 112 “Fast Money” network 113 “Watermark” singer 115 A party to 116 Constellation next to Hercules 119 Oahu, e.g.: Abbr.

120 Atop, in odes 121 Scot’s dissent 122 Raised trains

CELEBRATING AMERICA’S 250TH

SAT, 7/4 @ 6:30 P.M. VS WAMPUS CATS

Good Times. Baseball. Freedom.

The BEST fireworks show in town immediately after the game!

Game at Wake Forest University’s Couch Ballpark.

Tickets $10 and free parking until the first pitch.

See the full schedule and purchase tickets at www.discoturkeys.com JULY 1-7, 2026

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chow

EAT IT!

Chow Down with Batchelor at Triad ballparks

BY JOHN BATCHELOR

W

ith summer comes baseball. All three of the Triad’s cities have enhanced their downtowns

with ballparks.

A word of caution. When I went online to buy tickets, I was taken aback by the prices. How can a minor league game cost $40-$90 for the cheapest seat? They don’t. Skip the “sponsored” sites. Scroll down to the official team site, where similar seats cost about 65% less. (This caution is valid for music events, too.)

The atmosphere in all these parks is festive. A lot of the appeal for these minor league teams is the entertainment.

And just in case you’re interested, they play baseball here, and it’s important to note that all these guys are professionals, just a step or so away from the major leagues. I don’t claim to be an expert sportswriter, but I think this is good play.

My concept of a night at the ballpark has to include food, and it looks like a lot of people share that idea. Most of the venues take credit cards, often nothing else.

And speaking of cards, I was carded for the first time in over 65 years. Bring ID. The Winston-Salem Dash play at Truist Stadium (951 Ballpark Way, WinstonSalem, NC 27101, 336-714-2287). Parking is challenging. If you’ve never been here,

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consider scoping out the area in advance.

The Cape Fear Distillery booth (“Fill Ye Sails with Spirit”) offers mixed drinks made with their own rum, gin, bourbon, vodka, and whiskey, plus slushies, along with craft beer, domestic beer, and wine, plus soda and bottled water. The food choices are popcorn and peanuts.

Home Plate Concessions offers more actual food — the Dash Dog, burgers, chicken tenders, French fries, nachos, pretzels, peanuts, and popcorn. Beer and soft drinks or water to drink.

The Dash Marketplace follows a similar theme with food — Dash Dog, chicken tenders, French fries, nachos, peanuts, and popcorn.

Cotton Candy Dreams spins up its product on site.

Foothills Brewing and Wicked Weed Brewing are well represented in their beer stands.

My favorite offerings came from one of my favorite grocery stores — Lowe’s. One stand provides sausage with onions, popcorn and peanuts, and chips, plus beer, soft drinks, and water. They also have a buffet at the Dash Pad, serving barbecue, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and hot dogs.

Domino’s has a pizza stand with cheese or pepperoni pizza along with hot dogs and chicken tenders, plus nachos, popcorn, peanuts, pretzels, and candy.

Dash Delights caught my attention

Foot Long Corn Dog from Cornwallis’ Last Stand (Greensboro) with chicken and waffles, joined by some chicken tenders configurations, grilled cheese, cheesesteak, and pulled pork sandwiches, plus the usual snacks.

Southside Concessions serves Reaper Mozzarella Sticks, toasted ravioli, corn dogs, barbecue, and chicken tenders, plus snacks.

Desserts and sweets abound. Sam’s Ice Cream serves Hershey’s products.

Kona Ice blends fruit flavorings into shaved ice. Donut Creations offers cinnamon sugar mini donuts with various flavorings, plus a donut sundae. Dash Sweets Zone has fried funnel cakes, fried Oreos, and mini-donuts, plus freshsqueezed lemonade.

First National Bank Field (408 Bellemeade St., Greensboro, NC 27401, 336268-2255) is home to the Greensboro Grasshoppers. Parking is pretty easy, free if you select the right space.

If I had to discern a theme here, it would be, “Let there be beer.” And there is beer, mostly draft in takeaway cups.

There’s a Michelob Light and Ultra stand, also serving Bud Light. Blue Moon, Yuengling, and Samuel Adams have their venues. In-state breweries are well represented: Wicked Weed, Red Oak (also serves wine), Voodoo, and New Belgium. For something a little different, Bold Rock Hard Cider is dispensed. End of Days Distillery provides cocktails.

Almost all the food comes from three stations, situated along the concourse.

They also provide soft drinks and beer.

At O. Henry’s Corner, you can get barbecue chicken, beef, or pork in a sandwich, over nachos, or on a plate.

Hot Dogs, macaroni and cheese, Bush’s Baked Beans, plus various snacks- popcorn, peanuts, nachos, chips, pretzels, and chili- all go well with, you guessed it, beer. For dessert, candy and ice cream.

General Greene’s Grill leads off with a chicken sandwich, followed by a couple of burgers and hot dogs, plus pizza. A

similar array of snacks can be ordered with soda or beer.

The longest line I saw was queued up for two Grab ‘n Go vending machines, dispensing bottled water, soft drinks, and beer in cans.

Cornwallis’ Last Stand, appropriately named, is the final station along the concourse. The chicken sandwich bats first here, too, followed by the Little Jackie Burger, the Veggie Burger, a couple of hot dogs, a foot-long corn dog, plus chicken fingers and fries. Gluten-free selections plus the usual snacks and beverages round out the offerings.

I saw two independent food stands.

Pita Delight offers gyros (lamb and beef), chicken kabobs, chicken or steak fajitas, homemade chicken salad, and hummus, plus a chicken and onion salad, a steak and onion salad, baklava for dessert.

Hoppin’ Hound Dogs is the sole source of what I consider the most important food item in a ballpark — bratwurst! Another essential is Italian sausage. Footlong hot dogs with condiments, both southern (chili, slaw, and onions) and northern (sauerkraut and beer cheese), join the Connie Mack Attack with Stouffer’s mac and cheese, pulled pork, bacon bits, and barbecue sauce.

There are several dessert vendorsFreddy’s Frozen Custard (they also serve burgers), Dippin Dots ice cream (really welcome on a summer night), and Snow Cones and cotton candy.

The High Point Rockers call Truist Point (301 N. Elm St., High Point, NC 27262, 336-888-1000) home. Parking is easy to find, conveniently located, and prices range from free to cheap.

This facility is a bit smaller than the other two, but if you work it right, the food here can be the best.

Inside the stadium, offerings are pretty standard. At The Show, you can get chicken tenders, burgers, and hot dogs, plus loaded fries and loaded nachos (chili,

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hot pour PRESENTS

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

NAME: Niya Plummer Hot Dog from Dash Delights (Winston-Salem)

Ice Cream from Sam’s (Winston-Salem)

BAR: Back Table in Greensboro AGE: 23 WHERE ARE YOU FROM? Winston-Salem HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN BARTENDING?

I’ve been bartending for about four months.

HOW DID YOU BECOME A BARTENDER?

Back Table saw my barista experience and took a chance on me!

Cara’s Cookies (High Point) cheese, and jalapeno peppers). There’s also a Cheezy Gleezy Dog- pimiento cheese, Carolina dog sauce, and bourbon rum sauce. Fries, pretzels, nachos (unloaded), peanuts, potato chips, cracker jacks, and candy round out the snacks.

Sodas, beer, several wines, water, and tea are the beverages.

Pitchen’ Kitchen, on the other side of the causeway, has the same menu, plus a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, bone-in chicken wings, and pizza by the slice.

Two freewheeling stands provide Minute Maid Frozen Lemonade and Funnel Fries or Pretzels. Two others offer fresh-squeezed lemonade and Dippin’ Dots ice cream.

The Carolina Classics BBQ stand serves a pulled pork sandwich, loaded hot dogs, brisket sliders, an all-beef hot dog, and loaded nachos, plus the usual snacks and beverages. They also have an ice cream stand.

The High Pint (“first in flights”) is a bar with multiple beers and ales, plus mixed drinks and wines. Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing Company dispenses canned beers from an ice chest. Modelo’s stand provides beers, mixed drinks, and wines.

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Restaurant-quality offerings reside alongside the entry gates, in the Stock and Grain Food Hall. Yumi is a sushi, tea, and sake house, with ramen and poke bowls, prefaced with Asian style appetizers. B3 Smokehouse is a barbecue and smoked meats facility. Atomic Rooster serves hot/spicy chicken. Smash and Sizzle serves burgers, turkey, and vegetable sandwiches. Taco Street lists an abundance of tacos in various configurations.

Bevelry is a bar, more sophisticated than the ones inside the stadium proper. Finish off with Cara’s Cookie Company, augmented with coffees, other pastries, and ice cream. Although you can’t actually get into the stadium from these venues, there is a gated seating area where you can watch the game.

Play ball! And have a good time. !

JOHN BATCHELOR has been writing about eating and drinking since 1981. Over a thousand of his articles have been published. He is also author of two travel/cookbooks: “Chefs of the Coast: Restaurants and Recipes from the North Carolina Coast,” and “Chefs of the Mountains: Restaurants and Recipes from Western North Carolina.”

Contact him at john.e.batchelor@gmail.com or see his blog, johnbatchelordiningandtravel.blogspot.com.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT BARTENDING?

I enjoy talking to people, hearing their stories, and seeing their reactions when I make them a pretty drink.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BARTENDING?

Because I’m fairly new to bartending, my biggest challenge is currently remembering all of the bar recipes off the top of my head.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DRINK TO MAKE?

One of my favorite drinks to make is an espresso martini! I love how it perfectly merges the coffee and bar aspects of Back Table!

juice and tequila. It’s an orange and lemon-based drink usually, so they just wanted an entirely different drink (laughs).

WHAT’S THE CRAZIEST THING YOU’VE SEEN WHILE BARTENDING?

One time, I was working a hardcore show, and usually at those shows they tend to create “mosh pits.” Well, of course, multiple people got hurt from moshing, but they were all so chill about it.

A guy came up to the counter with his head clearly bleeding, casually asking me for a Band-Aid. I said, “Only a Band-Aid? Are you sure you don’t need a warm, damp paper towel and some first-aid wipes at least?” His response, “Oh yeah, I guess that would be nice. I only got a roundhouse kick to the head, so I don’t need much.”

I was so baffled! He seemed to have fun at the show at least, despite his head injury.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DRINK TO DRINK?

WHAT’S THE WEIRDEST THING YOU’VE FOUND IN A BAR BATHROOM?

WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AS AN AFTER-DINNER DRINK?

WHAT’S THE BEST/BIGGEST TIP YOU’VE EVER GOTTEN?

I don’t drink that often, but my favorite alcoholic drink is a chocolate espresso martini! It’s such a nice, smooth drink and gives me energy!

A “Saturn” would be a nice after-dinner drink. It is a gin-based tiki cocktail!

WHAT’S THE STRANGEST DRINK REQUEST YOU’VE HAD?

Someone ordered a sidecar but with cranberry

One time, I found an entire McDonald’s order in the small bathroom trashcan. There was even a bag of fries on the sink.

The best tip I’ve ever gotten was to never be afraid to experiment and try something weird or different because that’s how the best drinks are made.

Now, when it comes to money … the biggest tip I’ve ever gotten was $100, but then he took it back when I wouldn’t give him my number.

JULY 1-7, 2026

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F

rom small towns to big cities, Triad elected officials are debating what to do about data centers.

In Greensboro, Ian McDowell one council member has called for a moratorium on Contributor building new ones, while another faces criticism for defending the industry without revealing her own ties to it. And in Forsyth County, Rural Hall’s mayor and council have reversed an earlier resolution against building a 130-acre “hyperscale data campus” next to their three-block downtown.

“Many communities across the state have already adopted temporary moratoriums or pause periods to study the impacts of large data centers before moving forward,” said District 2’s Cecile Crawford at the June 16 meeting of Greensboro City Council. “I’m asking that we’re brave enough to look at what it takes to build out a 6-month moratorium ordinance.”

Minutes later, Mayor Pro Tem Denise Roth stated, “I have not received nor do I receive money from any data center companies, any AI companies, or the like. I do advise [AI] companies in a number of capacities.”

Roth was responding to criticisms of her op-ed in the Sunday, June 14 editions of the Greensboro News & Record and Winston-Salem Journal, in which she wrote: “Economic justice is not only about protection from harm, but also about access to opportunity, participation, ownership, and the ability to compete in the industries that will shape the future. History teaches us that the communities closest to innovation are often the communities best positioned to benefit from it. This is why the conversation cannot simply be about what we are against.”

On social media, many criticized Roth for not disclosing that she is on the Board of Advisors for CEG Solutions, the Board of Directors of the AI Trust

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Triad debates data centers

Project iron Spur Site Plan Foundation, and is an adviser to Commonweal Ventures.

CEG Solutions is a service company and infrastructure developer that upgrades data centers to improve energy efficiency and security.

AI Trust is a D.C.-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting what it calls beneficial and secure artificial intelligence. Detractors have challenged its ties to tech and venture capital firms.

But the most controversial of these is Commonweal Ventures, a private equity firm whose portfolio includes the AI company Palantir, which created the software that allows ICE to track, map, and arrest undocumented immigrants. Critics have condemned Palantir for enabling mass surveillance and challenged its ethical and human rights practices.

Named after the magical “seeing stones” in Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings,” Palantir was co-founded by billionaire Peter Thiel, who has stated, “I no longer believe that freedom and democracy are compatible” and called environmentalists and AI critics “legionnaires of the Antichrist.”

In a June 24 op-ed, News & Record Editorial Page Editor Allen Johnson

criticized Roth for not disclosing her ties to these entities after he asked “if she had any relationships that could pose a conflict of interest.”

“Potential conflicts of interest,” wrote Johnson, “don’t always entail being paid. They also can involve relationships, personal or professional. I would expect someone with the depth and breadth of Roth’s experience to understand this.”

Roth was Greensboro city manager from 2012 to 2014. In 2015, she was appointed by Barack Obama to the General Services Administration, where she served as administrator until 2017.

At the June 16 council meeting, Roth stated that her op-ed was “not a prodata-center article” and that its point was “AI is here to stay.”

“I will tell you that my intentions are very sincere. I come from an underprivileged and under-invested community.

Having access to the future and having access to opportunity is absolutely the thing that makes the difference. And I will never be deterred from encouraging people to, in fact, look for those opportunities to improve their circumstances.”

She also expressed disagreement

with someone she did not name: “We had a speaker in our community last week who really sort of suggested that we could get rid of AI and really sort of do away with the industry, and I think that’s harmful, I really do.”

This appeared to be a reference to a June 9 community forum at College Park Baptist Church, in which Dr. Rania Masri of the North Carolina Environmental Justice Network spoke on the dangers of large data centers.

Masri sent YES! Weekly the following response to Roth.

“These proposed data centers would consume millions of gallons of water each day while North Carolina faces severe and extreme drought conditions.

Duke Energy projects that 80 percent of future energy demand growth will come from data centers, creating pressure for additional gas infrastructure and higher emissions. Air pollution from data centers could cause 1,300 premature deaths annually in the U.S. These harms will be borne by all of us — except the corporations profiting from them.”

These problems, wrote Masri, extend beyond the facilities themselves.

“The technologies these systems power are already being used to expand surveillance, suppress wages through opaque algorithms, eliminate jobs across multiple industries, and strengthen ICE detention and militarization. We should not be asked to accept greater monitoring, reduced worker power, and economic displacement for so-called technological progress.”

Masri challenged Roth’s claim that data centers can benefit underserved communities.

“Economic justice begins with clean air, safe water, dignified work, and democratic control over decisions that affect our lives. It does not mean sacrificing our health and wealth for the profits of Big Tech and Big Oil.” Greensboro council members have been publicly discussing data centers since early May. Thirty-five miles away in Rural Hall, community members have been opposing a plan for building one adjacent to their downtown.

The pushback began in March after a Drox Group LLC presentation for the “Project Iron Spur” hyperscale data

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Cecile Crawford center on 130 acres that, while technically outside city limits, are directly opposite town hall.

On March 17, community members raised concerns about noise, pollution, and massive energy and water demands. On April 1 and 2, frustrated residents packed a town hall meeting hosted by Mayor Terry Bennett to protest the project’s planned location near their neighborhoods and elementary school.

On April 13, the town council unani-

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Terry Bennett mously passed a resolution opposing the rezoning of land earmarked for the project. The crowd packed into the council chamber cheered.

They cheered again on June 7, when the Forsyth County Planning Board also recommended denying Drox Group’s rezoning request.

Many of those same community members booed on June 22, when the council reversed itself and voted to approve the rezoning.

Bennett said he and the majority of

council changed their minds after Drox Group offered to apply for the project to be annexed into Rural Hall, meaning the town would receive tax revenue from it.

“I’m not selling out,” shouted Bennett in response to accusations from the crowd. “I’m not going to argue with you about it because this is the council’s decision. I’m gonna clear the room!”

“The money that we potentially stand to receive from a data center be-

Denise Roth ing across the street would assist in a lot of issues to help the town survive,” said council member Mark Lane.

“Council has to represent every citizen in this town, not just a few that want to be loud,” said Bennett. !

IAN MCDOWELL is an award-winning author and journalist whose book “I Ain’t Resisting: the City of Greensboro and the Killing of Marcus Smith” was published in September of 2023 by Scuppernong Editions.

JULY 1-7, 2026

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Splash Bash on Elm Street w/ All Pets Considered 6.27.26 | Downtown Greensboro | Photos by Natalie Garcia

R&B Soul Picnic

6.27.26 | High Point | Photos by Rod Charles / His WIll Photography

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Bringing home the ‘Ship: Greensboro swarm celebrate championship at draft party

T

riad residents had the opportunity to celebrate Greensboro’s NBA G League recent championship last week at Mac’s Speed Shop, Chanel Davis located at 1218 Battleground Ave. in Greensboro.

Editor “Winning the first NBA G League Championship in franchise history is a moment our organization and our city will remember for a long time,” said Steve Swetoha, president of the Greensboro Swarm, in a media release. “From opening night through the final buzzer of the finals, our fans embraced this team and helped create an unforgettable season.

We’re excited to celebrate that championship together on June 23, thank the people who made it possible, and share in the excitement of the NBA Draft as the next chapter of Hornets basketball begins.”

The Greensboro Swarm, the NBA G League affiliate of the Charlotte Hornets, held its championship celebration in conjunction with its 2026 NBA Draft Party. The reception allowed fans to relive the Swarm’s historic championship season through highlights, interactive WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

activities, and giveaways before turning their attention to the 2026 NBA Draft, where the Charlotte Hornets held the Nos. 14 and 18 overall picks.

Jaylen Sims was instrumental in leading the Swarm to their first-ever NBA G League playoff berth in 2025. The Charlotte native became the Swarm’s all-time leading scorer during the 2024-25 season with 2,216 points. He thanked the fans for staying with the team during the tough time.

“I did not expect this at all. I’m speechless. I’m truly overwhelmed and grateful for you guys. I’ve been here four years, so I’ve seen when Greensboro Swarm was at the bottom and now to the top,” he said. “Thank you for staying with us through the tough times. I’m so glad we got to win the championship for you guys and for the city of Greensboro.”

In the draft, the Hornets selected center Hannes Steinbach from the University of Washington with the 14th pick.

A native of Würzburg, Germany, Steinbach averaged 18.5 points, a Big Ten-leading 11.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks in 34.6 minutes per game, starting all 30 appearances in his lone season as a Husky. He was named All-Big Ten and Big Ten AllFreshman as he led the conference in rebounds (353), ranked third in field goal percentage (57.7 FG%), and posted 22 double-doubles.

Steinbach is one of 14 freshmen in NCAA history to record 550 points and 350 rebounds in a season, joining DeMarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, Kevin Love, Robert Parish, and others. He scored a season-high 29 points on Dec. 3, 2025, versus UCLA and scored in double figures in all 30 outings.

They selected guard Christian Anderson Jr. from Texas Tech University with the 18th pick.

Anderson Jr. averaged 18.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.5 steals in 38.4 minutes per game, competing in 33 games (all starts). He was named All-Big 12 First Team, a Third-Team AllAmerican, Big 12 Most Improved Player, and was on the Wooden Award national ballot this past season. Anderson Jr. led the Big 12 in assists (244) and minutes per game (38.4) and logged a pair of 30-point games in his sophomore season.

The Atlanta native averaged 10.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.2 steals in 30.6 minutes per game, making 35 appearances (seven starts) as a freshman for the Red Raiders in 2024-25.

While the Hornets are building their team, the Swarm and its fan base are looking to bring another championship trophy back to Greensboro.

Greensboro captured its first NBA G League Championship this season after earning the No. 2 seed in the Eastern

Conference with a 24-12 record and winning five straight postseason games en route to the title, capped by a 2-0 sweep of the Stockton Kings.

Season-ticket holder Michael Lipperman said he came out to share in the celebrations and is excited for the upcoming season.

“We weren’t expecting this (a championship), but we were expecting a very good year. Next year will be a bit difficult because we will be losing a lot of players who will have other opportunities in Europe or in the NBA,” he said. “We will have to rebuild and start over to some extent. But we have the foundation with the coaching. The goal is to hope for a competitive season with players who hustle and play hard.”

Swarm Group Leader Lisa Cuff said that this is a great victory for the team.

“It’s a great win and a great victory.

They stepped up over the years and got good players, so now they are on point for winning,” she said. “I hope that they keep on winning. I’m sure the players are ready for the action.” !

CHANEL DAVIS is the editor of YES! Weekly and graduated from N.C. A&T S.U. in 2011 with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. She’s worked at daily and weekly newspapers in the Triad region.

WANNA know?

For more information or games, visit gsoswarm.com or call 336-907-3600.

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Don Martin: A career of community service

D

on Martin is a numbers guy who gravitated to the study of mathematics early in life. He is the living embodiment of who we point to when a young student asks, “When will I ever use math in real life?” The fact is that Don has been a master of equations throughout his career in Jim Longworth public service, but he always made numbers serve the human equation above all else, first as a Longworth teacher, then as superintendent, at Large and finally as a county commissioner.

Don Martin grew up in Athens, Georgia, and his future career path was informed by a mother who taught school and a father who was a sales engineer with Gulf Oil Corporation. That combination of role models served him well as he matriculated through Duke University, where he majored in physics and obtained a Masters of Arts in Teaching. He then attended the University of Kentucky, where he received

programs, and services available a doctorate in Educational Administhrough county government. Don is tration. also a regular member of the “Triad Don’s first teaching job came at Today” roundtable.

Wilkes Central High School, where I caught up with Don recently to he taught math and physics for four discuss his career in education and years. After leaving U.K., he served as government. superintendent of two different KenJim: Who or what led you to purtucky school districts before heading sue a career in teaching? up the newly-formed Rowan-SalisDon: My ending up in teaching bury school system. In 1994, he was was somewhat of an accident. I was tapped to lead the Winston-Salem/ a senior physics major in college, and Forsyth County Schools, where he I really didn’t know what I wanted to served in that position for 19 years. do when I graduated. Then I saw a He was elected to the Forsyth County bulletin board in the math departBoard of Commissioners in 2014, and ment hallway that said, “We’ll find became chairman in 2022. He is retiryou a job.” Turns out it was an ad ing from that post at the end of July.

Don Martin for Duke’s Master of Arts in TeachI first met Don over 20 years ago ing degree program. It required two when we co-produced a monthly summers and one academic year, then they found you television series that focused on issues and initiatives a regular teaching job. After completing the program, related to the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Duke found me a job at Wilkes Central. system. Many years later, we re-created that broadcast Jim: Why the change in focus from teaching to model with a monthly television series about Forsyth administration?

County, which keeps the public informed of policies,

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

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Playing the Greatest Music of All Time Local News, Weather, Traffic & Sports

stream us at wtob980.com

PROUD SPONSOR OF The Checkup with Dr. Jon - Wednesdays at 7pm Surfside with Don Mark - Saturdays Piedmont Opry with George Hamilton V

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Don: My high school principal had just finished a doctor’s degree from the University of Kentucky, and we talked a lot about his career. That inspired me to enroll in a doctoral program to become a high school principal.

Jim: You were superintendent of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools for nearly 20 years. What are some accomplishments you were proud of achieving during that tenure?

Don: As I’ve explained many times, I didn’t teach students in my office.

My job was to remove barriers so that teachers could teach those students.

To that point, I was also able to hire some really good people, and we all worked well as a team, which included principals and central office administrators, who were there to help schools be successful. I think we really did learn to do a lot with less in terms of resources.

We provided more dollars to schools with higher percentages of high poverty students, and we did that by assigning school staff based on a “weighted” student system, so that we could better accommodate the needs of all students, including those in special ed and ESL instruction. Student enrollment grew a lot during my tenure, from 38,000 to 53,000, and many new schools were built, all of which were facilitated by the passage of three successful school bond issues.

Jim: There’s a raging debate these days about parental rights when it comes to their child’s education. How involved should parents be, and should that involvement include input on instruction and textbooks?

Don: Parents should be very involved in their child’s education, but unless they have received some training in curriculum, I don’t think they should be trying to select textbooks or determine how content is taught. However, parents should feel comfortable asking questions about assignments or teacher decisions if they seem illogical.

Teachers should be able to explain what they are doing without getting defensive.

Jim: Earlier, you mentioned that school enrollment grew significantly while you served as superintendent.

Since then, there has been a steady decline, with an increase in homeschooling and private school enrollment. Do you see those trends continuing, and if so, why?

Don: First, the birth rate has declined and continues to decline, so some loss of students is predictable. Clearly, there WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

are also more choices, and some parents will gravitate to other schools.

Jim: How do you stand on vouchers for private schools?

Don: I have no problem with vouchers, but when state dollars are invested in education, then private schools who receive state funds should be subject to the same accountability testing that traditional public and charter schools do. I also believe that vouchers should not be given to parents who make over the designated income, for example, vouchers should not be awarded to those families who earn over $250k annually.

Jim: What made you want to run for office after you left the school system, and why the board of commissioners?

Don: The county commissioners provide local dollars for schools. During my tenure as superintendent, I did not think that our commissioners supported schools enough, both in terms of bond issue amounts and responsiveness to unavoidable cost increases.

Jim: What are some highlights of your time on the board?

Don: There are a lot of highlights when it comes to economic development because we supported a number of new projects with incentives, which increased business capital investment by over a billion dollars, while adding over 2,200 jobs. At the same time, we have constructed a number of new facilities, invested in our parks, created a new fire commission that will provide more equity between our volunteer fire departments, and we have adopted a funding formula for schools that assures they receive their proportionate share of new tax dollars. All this while maintaining our triple-A bond rating.

Jim: What’s the biggest challenge for local government now and in the future?

Don: I think that funding government services will be the biggest challenge because local governments are facing more and more unfunded mandates.

For example, just this year, Forsyth County will be required to double the amount it pays to administer Medicaid due to reductions in federal funds without any reduction in required responsibilities.

Also, our N.C. General Assembly will ask voters to approve a Constitutional amendment this Fall to limit property taxes at a time when the cost of fire trucks, ambulances, and patrol cars has risen considerably faster than inflation.

So eventually, services will have to be

cut in those areas in which the county has discretion.

Jim: Finally, all indications are that you would have easily won re-election to the board, so why retire now, and will you remain active in the community?

Don: In 2022, I promised my wife that I would retire from public life at age 75 and, Lord willing, I’ll reach that age next month. I certainly will remain active in the community, and that includes serving for eight more months as co-chair of the N.C. Blue Ribbon

Commission on Public Education.

On a personal note, I wish that Don wasn’t so damn good with numbers, otherwise I would try and convince him that he won’t turn 75 for another 10 years. We need his leadership for a while longer yet. !

JIM LONGWORTH is the host of Triad Today, airing on Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. on ABC45 (cable channel 7) and Sundays at 11 a.m. on WMYV (cable channel 15) and streaming on WFMY+.

NCDOT HOSTING A PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE A PROPOSAL TO CONSTRUCT A GRADE SEPARATION AT THE EXISTING CROSSING OF NCRR/NORFOLK SOUTHERN AT SOUTH ENGLISH STREET, CLOSE THE HOLTS CHAPEL ROAD AT-GRADE CROSSING AND CONSTRUCT A NEW LOCATION CONNECTOR ROAD IN GREENSBORO, GUILFORD COUNTY

STIP Project No. R-5823 GREENSBORO - The N.C. Department of Transportation is hosting a public meeting to discuss the proposal construct a grade separation at the existing crossing of NCRR/Norfolk Southern H Line at South English Street, subsequently closing the Holts Chapel Road at-grade crossing and constructing a new location connector road in Greensboro, Guilford County.

The purpose of this project is to enhance mobility and improve safety with the removal of the at-grade crossings. The purpose of this meeting is to provide interested citizens with information on the project and gather public input on the proposed design.

Project details and maps can be found on NCDOT’s project input website at publicinput.com/english-street-separation. The information will be available at the meeting allowing for one-on-one discussions with NCDOT staff, but there will be no formal presentation.

The meeting will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on July 14 at New Hope Baptist Church, 304 S English Street, in Greensboro.

People may also submit comments by phone at 984-205-6615 project code 4075, email english-street-separation@publicinput.com, or mail at the address shown below by July 31, 2026.

By Mail:

Gregory Blakeney NCDOT- Senior Rail Project Development Engineer 1553 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1553

NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled people who wish to participate in this meeting. Anyone requiring special services should contact Tony Gallagher, Environmental Analysis Unit, at 1598 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1598, 919-707-6069 or magallagher@ncdot.gov as early as possible so arrangements can be made.

Those who do not speak English, or have a limited ability to read, speak or understand English, may receive interpretive services upon request prior by calling 1-800-4816494.

Aquellas personas no hablan inglés, o tienen limitaciones para leer, hablar o entender inglés, podrían recibir servicios de interpretación si los solicitan llamando al 1-800-481-6494.

JULY 1-7, 2026

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tunes

HEAR IT!

Traditions and tunes this Fourth of July

H

appy Fourth of July, Triad music lovers! Independence Day is a somewhat loaded concept — but the sweet summer tradition of firing up Katei Cranford grills and lighting up stages remains near and dear to Contributor my heart.

As the years roll on, the Fourth of July and traditions take on new meaning — with some fading like fireworks into the night, while others burst anew, fresh and fiery as a poolside sunburn.

With that, Winston-Salem rockers will once again raise a can of PBR to the memory of Heavy Rebel Weekender.

Gone but not forgotten, elements have shimmied and sparkled anew in their own sort of way with the Burlesk Con of The Carolinas featuring former dancers from the Wiggle Room, and familiar bands now rocking the Fourth of July weekend at Gas Hill Drinking Room as part of the Camel City Shake.

Returning for a third year edition, the Burlesk Con of The Carolinas has found a home at the Hawthorne in downtown Winston-Salem — spanning three days, July 3-5, of “burlesque shows, classes, workshops, history, education, and fun!” Building on the rich history of the artform around the Carolinas, organizers emphasis a mission rooted in “acknowledgment, affirmation, and inclusion” through a series of VIP panels and historic exhibitions on Friday; costume and dance workshops, along with a star-studded competition showcase featuring Alyssa Kitt, Lyla Cascata, Lola LeSoleil, and more on Saturday; and a Sunday recovery session to “ease the glitter crash.”

Meanwhile, the Camel City Shake keeps rolling with a two-day doublefister at Gas Hill featuring Professor Twang, the bo-stevens, and It’s Snakes on July 3 and Moose Roberts, The Malamondos, and Blood Red River on July 4.

Winstoners making a whole weekend out of the holiday shouldn’t be too surprising. The city claims home to the

14 YES! WEEKLY JULY 1-7, 2026

first Independence Day celebration on record — stretching all the way back to 1783. And while EDM and Drag aren’t genres that look too hard into the past, they do look to party hard this July 4 weekend — with purveyors and offerings around the city.

At Fair Witness, the holiday goes full drag with a July 4 round of The Chatroom dedicated to “channeling our frustrations and dreams for the USA” through drag performers Valentina, Danny Havoc, Diana Grey Adams, and Veronica Darling. Taking a couple steps back to July 2, the cocktail bar’s Winston-Salem EDM residency gets delightfully snotty with a Make-Shift Country Clubbin’ dance party at Fair Witness — where folks can “chip one onto the green” tee’d up by DJs LaLunaMei, Ritter, and Lando; and brothers John Speed & MikRo.wav with Øcram.

Monstercade, meanwhile, is ready to throw dogs on the grill and cares to the wind with a far-out Independence Weenie Roast featuring Find Familiar, The Human Pippi Armstrong, and WRIST on July 3. And on July 4, DJs Øcram and LaLunaMei will keep the traditional torch burning as part of Casa Beats Collective’s inaugural “DJ’S ALL DAY” party at Monstercade on July 4. They’ll be joined on the decks

by DJs Inkari, FinalFantasyDisco, CHXC, and Yakina to serve up a mix of groovy house, dubstep, bass, and “all the vibes and hottest dance tracks to declare your independence,” alongside a cook-

out (serving up vegan options, too), flow jam, and fireworks show for those looking to “expect the unexpected.”

Cookouts keep burning over at the Den, which will host a July 4 spectacular — complete with all the dogs, burgers, and homies. “I feel really lucky to get to play shows like this with my friends,” said performer Travis Dark, relaying their excitement at performing with some of their “absolute favorite people” in one of their favorite spaces.

Dark will be joined by New Ex, Cube Link Von, HZY, Transcendental Weather, and Archer, along with an array of festive grillin’ favorites. “Come get a hot dog or a burger and let’s have a good time.”

And fans of the old Hoots Flea can celebrate the new iteration, known as Salem Flea, at the Liberty Arts Summer Jam on July 4. Located along Liberty Street (between 5th and 6th streets), the festival will feature music from Sahara Reggae Band and DJ SP, along with skate demos and a dozen or so vendors.

In Greensboro, traditions continue in new spaces with DJs killmatic and Gage Against the Machine hosting their annual Fourth of July “Rock n Roll Weekend Spectacular” benefitting the Carolina Abortion Fund, now at the Back Table. “All vinyl, all classics: rock, funk, disco, soul.” Later in the night, killmatic will stick around the South Elm Street compound for his new “The Reset” series, going down every first Saturday night at the Continental Club.

Joined by Prez and other In the Beat of the Night folks, killmatic sees the series as a celebration of simple pleasures.

“It’s an opportunity to get out of the house and dance, have a few cheap drinks, and see some people,” he said.

“I’m just gonna play what I’m feeling, so let’s find out what the Reset sounds like going forward together. Hope to see ya there!”

Over at Above Board Skate, it’s an all-ages punk affair of a July 4th Nite Off Party presented by Fruit Punk Music and Board To Death Records, featuring Jack Flowers & the Petal Tones, Lady Lychee, Narksick, and Tender Queer.

Currently on tour promoting their new album, Jack Flowers & the Petal Tones will make a pit-stop earlier in the evening for a special listening party and hang session at Dictator Records.

“We’re excited to spend Independence Day evening with the Greensboro community,” said lead singer Jack Flowers. “Meeting fans face-to-face is what makes releases like this special,” they added, with enthusiasm at the opportunity to “share stories behind the songs, and thank everyone who’s supported our music.”

Triad grills and stages are heating up as we hit the holiday zenith of the summer — here’s to good music on balmy nights. Happy Fourth of July, y’all! !

KATEI CRANFORD is a Triad music nerd who enjoys spotlighting artists and events.

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STARS] last call [SALOME’S Week of July 6, 2026

[TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your

hard work could pay off in ways that you didn’t expect but certainly deserve. Tend to a pesky health problem now so that you’ll be in top shape to tackle the new projects coming up.

[GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Planning a family event can be stressful, unless you make it clear from the start that you’re in charge. You might accept suggestions, but it’ll be your decisions that count.

[CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You still

have a way to go to bring a professional matter to a satisfactory conclusion. Meanwhile, an important personal situation could require more of your attention by week’s end.

[LEO (July 23 to August 22) There’s something about you Fine Felines that makes people want to tell you secrets. But once again, be wary of who’s doing the telling. You might not want to be this person’s confidante.

[VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Creating a fuss about a family matter might get everyone’s attention. But it might be better to talk one-on-one with family members in order to spare a loved one from unnecessary embarrassment.

[LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) You’re making progress on a career move, albeit not as quickly as you had hoped. But stay

[SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) If you feel like you’ve been unfairly treated in a workplace decision, correct the situation now while there’s still time to do so. Arm yourself with facts and go to it. Good luck!

[SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to

[1. MOVIES: Who was the only actress

[6. LITERATURE: What are the names

[2. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Which

[7. LANGUAGE: What is a polyglot?

to appear in the 1961 and 2021 film versions of “West Side Story?” month of the year has the most letters in its name?

[3. SCIENCE: What protects the Earth from solar winds?

December 21) Devising your own system of doing things might be the best way to handle an increasingly complex situation. But do it tactfully in order to avoid ruffling too many of your colleagues’ feathers.

[4. TELEVISION: What is the name of

[CAPRICORN (December 22 to

the first Ben & Jerry’s ice cream shop?

January 19) A family member’s health problem might once again require you to shift some of your current priorities around. But this time, make certain that other relatives will be around to help.

[AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Catching up on tasks that you’ve left undone will take a while to accomplish. But the sooner you complete them, the sooner you’ll be able to take on another time-sensitive project.

the bar in “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia?”

[5. U.S. STATES: Which state is home to

of the two brothers in the “Hardy Boys” novel series?

[8. FOOD & DRINK: Which herb is most often used in traditional pesto?

[9. ANATOMY: Membranes called pleurae cover the surface of which human organs?

[10. GEOGRAPHY: What is the capital of South Korea?

answer 6. Frank and Joe. 7. A person who speaks several languages.

8. Basil.

9. The lungs.

10. Seoul.

one at work resisting your ARIES charm?

Hard to believe. But seriously, Lamb, you might want to back up your ideas with some solid data, then watch the “yeas” pile on.

with it. Meanwhile, your personal life takes an unexpected (but very welcome) new turn.

by Fifi Rodriguez

1. Rita Moreno.

2. September.

3. The magnetosphere, an invisible magnetic bubble generated inside the Earth.

4. Paddy’s Pub. 5. Vermont.

[ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Is some-

[TRIVIA TEST]

© 2026 by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

[PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You might feel swamped by everything that you’re expected to do. But take a moment to come up for air, then handle things one at a time. You’ll soon get through them all.

[BORN THIS WEEK: Although you love being at home with your family and furry ones, you also enjoy traveling, exploring, and making new friends. © 2026 by King Features Syndicate

answers [CROSSWORD] crossword on page 5

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[WEEKLY SUDOKU] sudoku on page 5

JULY 1-7, 2026

YES! WEEKLY

15

2026-27 SEASON Acts and dates subject to change. For a full line up of events, and up to date news, visit our website.

Lonestar

September 11, 2026

Rocky in Concert

November 14, 2026

Lizz Wright October 8, 2026

Chris Thile and Aoife O’ Donovan December 14, 2026

Leela James October 24, 2026

The Nutcracker

December 18-20, 2026

Ranky Tanky & Lisa Fischer November 7, 2026

Improvised Shakespeare Company January 23, 2027

Discover the Thrill.

Rioult Dance February 18, 2027

Stanley Clarke & Hiromi April 22, 2027

Eliane Elias May 8, 2027

VISIT: HighPointTheatre.com for more information FOR TICKETS CALL: 336-887-3001