VOLUME 148 ISSUE 5 | THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2026
CHATHAMNEWSRECORD.COM
THE CHATHAM COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
COLIN HUBBARD / AP PHOTO
UNC men’s basketball coach Hubert Davis, pictured in a game at Georgia Tech in January, was fired Tuesday.
the
BRIEF this week
Georgia could become first state with weapons detection in all public schools Georgia lawmakers may require that every public school student be checked for weapons each day. On Monday, a state Senate committee advanced a bill, pushing it closer to final passage. The proposal follows a 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder that killed four. Supporters say detectors will help spot guns and knives. There’s little research, though, that their broad use stops school shootings. There are also concerns about how much the systems cost, how to guard against false alarms and whether detectors are really needed in elementary schools. Some opponents say the state should limit kids’ access to guns instead.
Some state officials say shifting mail ballot deadline will complicate election The U.S. Supreme Court is considering whether mail ballots that arrive after Election Day should be counted. If the justices decide they should not be, it would leave little time for election officials and voters to adapt. Some election officials said some material related to November’s midterm elections has already been printed. Others said informing voters of the change would be the biggest hurdle, to ensure they are not disenfranchised. In 14 states, all mail ballots will be counted if sent by Election Day and received within a certain period of days. Another 15 states have grace periods for military and overseas ballots.
Davis out as UNC coach after first-round loss The Tar Heels blew a 19-point lead to lose in the round of 64 By Shawn Krest Chatham News & Record IN HIS FIRST PRESS conference as UNC coach, Hu-
all guys that have experienced this place and believe it and have the passion and the desire that all of us have for this university and this program and these kids in this community.” Davis made sure that his staff had assistants who had played for Dean Smith (Jeff Lebo), Bill Guthridge (Brad Frederick) and
See DAVIS, page A7
Chatham superintendent to retire at end of year Anthony Jackson has served as superintendent of Chatham County Schools since 2021 By Ryan Henkel Chatham News & Record PITTSBORO — Chatham County Schools Superintendent Anthony Jackson has announced
that he intends to retire at the end of the current school year. Jackson, who has served as superintendent of the district since 2021, made the announcement in a press release
last Wednesday, stating that his retirement would be effective July 1. “Serving as Superintendent of Chatham County Schools has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life,” Jackson said in a press release. “I am See SCHOOLS, page A3
Touch grass: Folks ‘bathe’ in nature to get respite from chaotic news cycle “I think it’s important for people to take the opportunity to exist in natural spaces.” Alan Mintz, transportation safety researcher
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bert Davis made the following declaration: “In terms of the staff, you can’t do this job unless you’re a Carolina guy,” he said. “It’s impossible. You can’t coach here. You can’t recruit here. You can’t work here unless you have been here. You’ve experienced it. You have lived it. And so in terms of the staff, it’s
Roy Williams (Sean May), “connecting the generations” as he termed it in that introductory press conference. Five years later, UNC faces a future where the coach leading the legendary program is not a Carolina guy. UNC announced Tuesday it had made a “leadership change” on the basketball team, parting ways with Davis. The Tar Heels blew a 19-point lead to VCU to lose in the NCAA Tournament round of 64 for the second straight year. It ended a half decade under Davis where
Forest therapy offers a mindful escape from news-fueled stress and anxiety By Allen G. Breed The Associated Press RALEIGH — For two hours, Claire Jefferies wanted to get away from the war in Iran and the rising gas prices and just commune with nature. And so, she treated herself to a little forest bathing. “When I’m here, it’s almost like a protective bubble around me,” the human resources di-
rector said amid oaks and flowering magnolias at the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh. “It provides a shield.” The Sunday morning session was led by certified forest therapy guide Shawn Ramsey. Jingling a tiny brass bell, she called her dozen or so charges to gather for meditation, breathing exercises and to commune with nature. “I invite you to really spend the next 10 minutes just exploring this area,” she said, her own eyes closed. “Really focusing on your breath, on your footsteps. See NATURE, page A2
COURTESY
Anthony Jackson