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A lucky lottery player from New Bern just won the biggest digital instant jackpot in North Carolina lottery history today with a $6.7 million prize.

The lucky winner bought a $2 Monopoly play and instantly won the Grand Fortune jackpot. The odds of that win were 1 in 25 million.

Today’s win marks the biggest digital instant win in North Carolina since the games debuted in November of 2023. After today’s big win, the jackpot reset at $150,000 and continues to climb again.

Monopoly represents the first multi-state digital instant game offered in both North Carolina and Virginia. That means jackpots will grow higher faster and winners could come from either state.

The winner has 180 days to claim the prize.

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4/14/2025 02:05 - Brian B.

Wish I could break even, I've been so unlucky lately ??

4/12/2025 07:45 - hymien r.

Location matters with big slot wins and other winnings. Played for months and never won big, literally lost $1000’s on slots alone and never got the golden win.

4/12/2025 07:17 - Karen S.

Congratulations ??

4/12/2025 04:04 - JAMES J.

Congratulations!

4/12/2025 02:15 - hymien r.

Unfortunately because of my location within the state were we rarely get winners of large prize amounts or winners at all the digital games don’t payout.I was spending $5,$10,and more per spin and still couldn’t win. NC Lottery Hi Hymien! In higher populated areas, there are more players taking a chance to win – this is why you’ll sometimes see more frequent winners from our bigger cities. However, the odds are the same no matter where you play. It just takes a whole lot of luck to be a big winner!

4/11/2025 10:09 - Sheila C.

Congratulations I love that game

4/10/2025 11:21 - Amanda D.

I like playing the games but I feel they need pay out for for what you bet.

4/10/2025 09:58 - Tammy S.

Congra

4/10/2025 08:55 - Frances G.

I would love to win some money -- I have got to figure out how to play monopoly now

4/10/2025 08:46 - Sherlyn R.

Did I win? Xtvz40, if not congratulations.

4/10/2025 08:11 - hazel h.

Hallelujah!!!!HALLELUJAH!!!! HALLELUJAH!!!!

4/10/2025 08:08 - hazel h.

I am very happy for you. Congratulations!!!! GOD DID IT!!!! HALLELUJAH!!!!!

4/10/2025 04:10 - Benjamin A.

Congratulations

4/10/2025 03:23 - Jermaine B.

I was playing same game 5,10,20 a spin couldn't win anything was chasing like everyone else was SMH!!!!!

4/10/2025 03:01 - Darryl R.

congrats

4/09/2025 11:32 - Terry W.

Congratulations!!! Hoping it'll be me sometime

4/09/2025 09:58 - Michael W.

WOW!

4/09/2025 08:35 - William A.

$300 is not a big win when you have spent thousands NC lottery.

4/09/2025 05:10 - Edward M.

Nooooo I just sat down to play! Guess my student loans aren’t getting paid off today lol. Props to the winner—hope they make it count!

4/09/2025 02:41 - Kelli P.

Congratulations!!! Hoping it'll be me sometime

4/09/2025 12:34 - Lakisha S.

CONGRATS!!!!!!!

4/09/2025 08:48 - Donny S.

Congratulations to the winner and to no lottery y’all are not fair cause I know I spent over 1000s of dollars playing this same game betting 5 to 10 dollars faithfully and and couldn’t even win 300 dollarsNC LotteryHi, Donny! It takes a lot of luck to be a big winner. We only want our players to play with money they have set aside for entertainment, as lottery games are meant to be played for fun, knowing it takes luck to win a prize! We're crossing our fingers for you and wishing you lots of luck in the future.

4/09/2025 06:59 - Iesha P.

CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN ??

4/09/2025 06:58 - Iesha P.

Wow congratulations hope we all win think I play to I see that winning it be there first time like dang like can I win that game went on to long I play 24/7 still nothing that's crazy good luck everyone

4/09/2025 06:35 - Justin D.

I was beginning to think it was a complete sham.

4/09/2025 06:31 - Miranda P.

Congratulations to the winn. Question? How does one buy a "ticket" to "digital instant" game? You bid $2, isn't your win instant?

4/09/2025 01:04 - Letasha L.

Big Congrats!! Every time I logged on I gave it a go!

4/08/2025 10:49 - Sonya V.

On to the next one…

4/08/2025 10:27 - johnny l j.

Congratulation on the win.

4/08/2025 10:20 - Cassandra W.

Congrats to you!!!!

4/08/2025 10:19 - Miranda P.

Congratulations big time. Where do you buy a $2 ticket ?? to this game? I thought this was all digital?

4/08/2025 10:01 - SOWANDA D.

Congratulations to all winners.

4/08/2025 09:34 - Kimberly F.

I was chasing it to God is Good the only King and the only God who can turn 2 dollar to 6 mil a powerful man and I thank him everyday and can't do anything without him by my side Jesus you are amazing I love the Lord congratulations to the winner only God can bless you like that

4/08/2025 09:08 - Duane C.

Congratulations

4/08/2025 08:52 - Cherie S.

Congratulations!

4/08/2025 08:50 - donna j.

Just WOW !!!!! Huge congratulations.My dream is to hit big like that . So happy for you .Thats really awesome

4/08/2025 08:41 - William A.

These games are so tight. You’re a lot better off buying scratch offs. The odds on these games are terrible!

4/08/2025 08:38 - Patricia G.

Congrats to the winner! But, I'm confused. Why do they say a $2 ticket was purchased? Playing 'digital instants' is considered buying a scratch off as opposed to playing a slot machine?

4/08/2025 07:53 - George B.

Congrats!!

4/08/2025 07:13 - Antrinette P.

Congratulations

4/08/2025 07:01 - Fail T.

Praise God!!! The winner is truly blessed and highly favored!!!!!

4/08/2025 06:46 - Floyd P.

Congrats to the winner. However, I learned something new...did not know the game was considered "multi-state." I thought the Digital Instants were specific to NC. Why play them if competing against other states, you can play Powerball or Mega Millions if that's what you want. I won't be playing this game again. I must have missed NCEL posting this game was not there's alone. All other Instants the same way?NC LotteryHi, Floyd! Currently, Monopoly is our only game shared with another state. No matter whether you play in NC or in VA, your odds of winning are the same, but this shared game allows the jackpot to grow even higher!

4/08/2025 06:29 - Aretha N.

Congratulations, that game is so hard to win on really we thought it would be like monopoly go. It’s not it to hard.

4/08/2025 06:07 - Dana J.

Congratulations! So happy for you!

4/08/2025 06:05 - Mohammed A.

Congrats winner

4/08/2025 05:47 - Denecica B.

Congratulations! That game always sent me a wild goose chase.

4/08/2025 05:26 - Jimmy H.

Good job

4/08/2025 05:05 - Randolph K.

Congraduation! Im from New Bern please adopt me hahaha

4/08/2025 04:39 - James F.

Congrats New Bern! Those of us who play take the same chances. Glad someone finally won!

4/08/2025 04:20 - gracie l.

nice

4/08/2025 03:41 - Rebecca Kay R.

Congratulations!

4/08/2025 03:01 - Jay R.

Congratulations.. I know I was chasing that 6 million dollar jackpot

4/08/2025 02:55 - Destiny B.

Wow!!Congratulations from Fayetteville!

4/08/2025 02:31 - Malissa S.

Congrats to the winner! There needs to be multiple winners with a jackpot this high.It went on way to long!

4/08/2025 01:55 - Angela A.

Oh well congrats to whomever. I was actually playing at the time it got hit for .50 and went to the third wheel, but only WON $25 after I had been playing for $2 and $5 only to lose $400. @NCEL how is the odds on this game the same for each player when VA can MAX play $50 a spin and NC MAX play is $30 a spin?NC LotteryEach lottery sets the wager amounts for their own Digital Instants games. Our Monopoly game allows for wagers from $0.50-$30. With games that include progressive jackpots, the odds of winning are set for a $1 play, for the MONOPOLY game, that means odds to win the Progressive Jackpot are 1 in 50,000,000 for a $1 play. Those odds change according to the price per play. For instance, a $5 play has odds of 1 in 10,000,000. A $30 play has odds of 1 in 1,666,666.67. And while we don’t offer this play price, a $50 play would have odds of 1 in 1,000,000. So, while a player’s odds do change per price point, the increase in odds to win is consistent with the increase in price.

NEW BERN, N.C. (WITN) - A district attorney is denouncing a lawsuit filed against his wife that accuses her of assaulting a student while she was principal at an Eastern Carolina elementary school.

Craven County District Attorney Scott Thomas released a statement regarding the lawsuit that was filed in Durham County by Laquita Koonce. The lawsuit alleges Sherri Thomas dragged the woman’s seven-year-old by her hoodie at James W. Smith Elementary School in Cove City on January 26, 2023.

“This lawsuit, filed two years after the incident was reviewed by three agencies at the time and dismissed by all three, is not about my wife it’s about me. It’s being pushed now by people who are opposed to me and my work as district attorney prosecuting criminals. We believe certain individuals persuaded the mother to file this lawsuit now in an effort to harass and intimidate me in my work as district attorney. Unfortunately, as DA people don’t just come after me, they sometimes come after my family as well. This matter will be handled in civil court and an answer to the complaint will be filed to present the truth about this incident and other matters. We’re actually glad to now be able to publicly speak about this entire situation,” Scott Thomas said in a statement to WITN.

The lawsuit claims that after art class, Sherri Thomas pulled the girl on her knees from the classroom, down hallways, through the office, into the cafeteria, and was caught on cameras. Thomas resigned from the school in June of 2023 due to a health issue.

A separate statement provided to WITN on behalf of Sherri Thomas defends her actions that day and says that Thomas in her role as principal had a duty to maintain order at the school and that “many allegations in this civil lawsuit are false, misleading, exaggerated, and unverified.”

The statement says the student had a documented history of “frequent and extreme behavior endangering the student, others, and destroying property.”

“Ms. Thomas carried out her duties maintaining a composed, non-confrontational approach throughout. Following the incident, she successfully calmed the student who then ate lunch in Ms. Thomas’s office before she walked the student to their next class, where the student had no further issues that day,” the statement reads.

Full Statement on behalf of Sherri Thomas:

Statement on behalf of Sherri Thomas by WITN on Scribd

District Attorney Thomas also sent to WITN a press release from District Attorney Ernie Lee who looked into the case in 2023 because the case fell in Thomas’ district. Lee represents Onslow, Duplin, Jones, and Sampson counties.

Lee’s report citing multiple state statutes found that Sherri Thomas used reasonable and permissible restraint and force on the student.

District Attorney Ernie Lee report:

Craven Co. School Press Release by WITN on Scribd

Koonce in the lawsuit alleges her daughter suffered emotional distress and physical harm.

The lawsuit targets Thomas and the Craven County Board of Education, alleging negligence, assault, and violations of disability laws.

Koonce is seeking over $25,000, claiming trust was shattered for her daughter.

The lawsuit also says that the girl now fears school after what occurred.

Laquita Koonce lawsuit:

Thomas lawsuit by WITN on Scribd

WITN reached out to the Craven County School Board, and Koonce’s attorney but have not heard from them at this time.

Copyright 2025 WITN. All rights reserved.

For the 11^th straight year the state is partnering with volunteer organization to take kayaks to the salt marshes and count turtles.

Not just any turtles. Diamondback turtles.

Diamondbacks are cute little guys (6 or 7 inches is an average size) who like to dwell in clear, sandy estuaries, and unlike many of their terrapin brethren, they think either salt- or freshwater will do.

Diamonbacks are considered one of the more attractive turtles with the unique diamond-shape markings on their shells, which have made them popular as pets. They’re also quite tasty—to both people and a steadily-increasing population of raccoons in urban areas, which has been bad news for their numbers.

Found in estuaries along the Atlantic and Gulf coast, these little guys are seeing their numbers perilously dropping. Harvesting them by fisheries was a big problem though, now, nearly every state, including North Carolina, has outlawed that. But other enemies are out there: the birds and crabs that pick off the young, the raccoons mentioned above—but their biggest problem (imagine that!) is man.

The destruction of their habitat to make room for condos and other development is one of their biggest enemies. And so, inadvertently, are the crab fishermen: the turtles, who thrive on a diet of meat, are drawn into the blue crab pots where they ultimately drown. According to an NC Wildlife website:

"Terrapins are drowned each year in crab pots, especially derelict traps lost in the water. These death traps remain in the water where terrapins are attracted to the bait or to each other. If an individual enters a crab pot, others will follow and eventually drown. One crab pot, found in North Carolina, contained 29 decomposing terrapins.”

Hope Sutton, Eastern Wildlife Diversity Supervisor with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, addressed this noting that "There’s a lot of work in North Carolina to address that.” She said the commission is working with fishermen to add bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) that prevent smaller terrapins (i.e., turtles) from entering them. The devices are required by law in some states, though not in North Carolina. But, "there’s an awareness by the fishing community that there’s a problem,” she said.

To track the rise or decline of many species, a literal headcount is taken each year in sample areas. The Terrapin Tally started 11 years ago in a limited area but has grown each year to cover more territory. This year’s tally (which is still seeking volunteers: see our article here)

is the largest yet, covering several salt estuaries as far north as Cape Lookout, she said. In the future she hopes to see the Terrapin Tally reach farther north into the state’s coastal regions. The tally is in partnership with the NC Coastal Reserve & National Estuarine Research Reserve and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.

The count helps state wildlife organizations determine exactly where to place the turtles on the threatened species list (currently the are listed as a species of special concern). If the populations dips in such a way that they become endangered, the state will have more power to enact legislation to protect them. "If there’s enough data to say the population is truly at a threatened level and we don’t take much stronger action to prevent mortality, the population could crash and they could become extinct in North Carolina,” she said.

The NC Wildlife site: Here.

She noted that a petition has been presented at the federal level to ask the Fish and Wildlife Commission to list the turtles on the federal level as threatened or endangered.

Has quite a lot to say about this little turtle. "Often you will hear a diamondback before observing it in the marsh,” it notes:

"The terrapin’s powerful jaws make a popping noise as the terrapin eats the periwinkle snails and other mollusks found in the marsh grass. The hind legs are large, and the toes have extensive webs that are useful for its semi-aquatic existence. They are powerful swimmers and are feisty when picked up. Actively struggling, the diamondback is known to bite a toe or finger. The diamondback exhibits a spotted pattern on the head and along the scutes, or plates.”

Females are significantly larger than males (hence it is mainly males and very young females who drown in the traps).

Required training for the Terrapin Tally takes place this weekend and volunteers, who will work in pairs, need to have their own kayak and cell phone. For information visit the Terrapin Tally website here.

NEW BERN, NC. The popular exhibit that wowed thousands at the North Carolina History Center in celebration of the New Bern Historical Society’s 100^th Anniversary, has found a new home. It will now grace the walls of New Bern’s DoubleTree Hotel. In partnership with the DoubleTree, the Historical Society has now installed its exhibit “Through the Looking Glass, A Journey with the Storytellers” and it is open and available to the public. This exhibit features hundreds of images from New Bern’s past sharing the stories of many who made our town what it is. You’ll meet folks from Judge Gaston to Abraham Galloway and Gilbert Waters to Miss Gertrude Carraway. You’ll marvel at the many images from our past.

In 2023, the New Bern Historical Society celebrated its 100^th Anniversary. After 100 years, the Historical Society has a large collection of images and artifacts of New Bern’s history. Many of these have been hidden for years. After working for three years with the design team from Design Dimension in Raleigh, the exhibit was developed and shared with the public at the Duffy Gallery in the NC History Center. That exhibit came down in January of 2024, but the Historical Society was determined to continue to offer all these wonderful images to the public. The partnership with the DoubleTree has allowed that to happen.

Executive Director Anthony Giardino has pursued this project since taking the post. “This incredible exhibit is the result of years of leadership, planning, fundraising, and a vision to share these images with the New Bern community. Our Centennial Committee, Board of Directors, generous donors, John Haroldson and Rowena Arroza of DoubleTree Hilton, and Design Dimension are the true champions in bringing this vision to fruition. Thank you to all involved!”

Visitors to the exhibit were delighted! “I’m definitely coming back, there’s so much to see!” “This is the best exhibit I’ve seen here!” and “There is so much I never knew, and I was born here!” These are just a few of the comments from the visitor’s book during the exhibit’s 9-month life at the History Center. Now we are thrilled to have this exhibit for years to come on display at the DoubleTree Hilton.

Visitors are welcome to visit the exhibit during business hours at the DoubleTree by Hilton at the New Bern Riverfront at 100 Middle Street in New Bern.

The mission of the New Bern Historical Society is to celebrate and promote New Bern and its heritage through events and education. Offices are located in the historic Attmore-Oliver House at 511 Broad Street in New Bern. For more information, call 252-638-8558 or go www.NewBernHistorical.org or www.facebook.com/NewBernHistoricalSociety.

— Source: New Bern Historical Society

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and N.C. Guardian ad Litem District 4 is raising awareness with events and stressing the need for area child advocate volunteers.

The Guardian ad Litem program equips local volunteers to serve abused and neglected children by advocating for their best interest in court, said Antoinette Boskey, district administrator of N.C. Guardian ad Litem District 4.

The volunteers are everyday people from all walks of life who are recruited and trained to advocate for children in foster care and provide a consistent, reliable adult presence for them during a difficult time in their lives.

Boskey said the district needs more Guardian ad Litem child advocate volunteers to help end child abuse and neglect by supporting children and their families.

“Our volunteers’ first priority is to keep families together whenever safe and possible,” Boskey said. “Foster care is only a temporary solution to the problems at hand.

“We need to create long term support networks that work to care for families, make reunification a possibility, and help break the cycle for the next generation.”

Locally, N.C. Guardian ad Litem District 4 served 348 children in the foster care system in Carteret, Craven, and Pamlico counties in 2024, Boskey said. The program currently serves 248 children.

Boskey said that 81 of the children are in need of a child advocate volunteer.

Child advocate volunteers are assigned to one child or sibling group to advocate for their best interest in court, school and other settings.

They get to know the child and everyone involved in their life, such as parents, family members, foster parents, therapists, caseworkers and teachers, to develop a realistic picture of the child’s unique situation.

Volunteers engage those important to the child and family to build a network of support that provides the family with resources for after the case ends.

They also make recommendations to the judge overseeing the child’s case, with the goal of ensuring safety for children and resources for the family.

“There is always a need for more N.C. Guardian ad Litem volunteers,” said Boskey. “By becoming a volunteer, you can take your efforts beyond just awareness and do your part to help support children and families in crisis right here in our community.

“This April, consider stepping up to make a difference by becoming a N.C. Guardian ad Litem volunteer.”

When reunification is not a possibility for the children they serve, Guardian ad Litem volunteers work to find others who provide a positive, healthy and loving environment, which can include relatives, friends or other adults who are important in the child’s life to ultimately keep the child connected to their home community.

“We at N.C. Guardian ad Litem District 4 always hope for the day when Guardian ad Litem, foster care and a national month dedicated to child abuse prevention are no longer needed because all children are growing up safe, secure and supported with their families,” Boskey said. “Until then, we will continue to seek more members of the community to join our growing movement so that we can provide a N.C. Guardian ad Litem volunteer for every child who needs one.”

For more information on N.C. Guardian ad Litem, visit http://www.volunteerforgal.org/.

Area residents can also get involved with N.C. Guardian ad Litem District 4 and raise awareness for child abuse prevention by participating in the district’s special events in April.

The first event, a Child Abuse Prevention Opening Ceremony, is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, at 402 Broad St., in New Bern.

N.C. Guardian ad Litem District 4 will host a Go Blue Day on Friday, April 4. People can join in spreading awareness by wearing blue and posting their Go Blue photos on social media with the hashtag #itisyourbusiness.

N.C. Guardian ad Litem District 4 will also promote child well-being with a pinwheel garden and parade at noon on April 16. Attendees will meet at the First Citizen’s Sculpture Park at the corner of Middle and Broad streets in downtown New Bern.