Deborah K. Ross

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the release of Venkata Vasamsetty from ICE custody.

Ms. Vasamsetty is a Wake County substitute teacher, a mother, and a grandmother of U.S. citizens, who has lived in this country legally for 27 years with no criminal record.

Last month, ICE arrested her and wrongfully detained her. By every measure, she is an asset to our community and poses no threat. Under this administration, thousands of other law-abiding immigrants just like her are being held in detention facilities, often without access to proper medical care and humane living conditions.

It is wrong to use the American taxpayers' dollars to detain people like Ms. Vasamsetty.

We must continue to speak out against ICE's cruel and unlawful actions. We cannot allow this administration to continue detaining our neighbors and terrorizing our communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Julia Daniels, a remarkable North Carolinian whose generosity, leadership, and love for our State touched countless lives.

Born in New Bern and raised in Raleigh, Julia dedicated herself to preserving and enriching North Carolina's culture and civic institutions. She was a champion of the arts, history, and education, helping strengthen organizations, including the North Carolina Museum of Art and the North Carolina Historical Commission.

Julia was often called a professional volunteer, but her impact went far beyond that title. To many, Julia was the embodiment of grace and service. She opened her heart to causes she believed in, inspiring generations through her kindness and civic spirit.

As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate an exceptional life and a legacy that will endure across North Carolina for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Allen Paul, a gifted journalist, author, and storyteller whose work helped preserve and illuminate the history of North Carolina.

Allen dedicated his career to telling important stories with depth, accuracy, and humanity.

Written alongside his son Mack Paul, one of his final works, ``Miracle Road: The Story of Research Triangle Park,'' captures one of the greatest economic transformations in American history: the rise of Research Triangle Park from a landscape once described as ``possums and pines'' into a global center of innovation, research, and opportunity.

The book chronicles the visionaries, scientists, business leaders, and community advocates who helped build the triangle into what it is today.

Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Allen preserved the history that shaped North Carolina's future. His contributions will continue to educate and inspire generations to come.