Breast Cancer Shucks: Charlotte Corn Maze Goes Pink for a Cause

Charlotte Stories
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Breast Cancer Shucks: Charlotte Corn Maze Goes Pink for a Cause

Grab your flashlights and headlamps for a pink maze of fun. Historic Rural Hill will turn its iconic corn maze pink with the launch of the inaugural Breast Cancer Shucks in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The event, presented by The McIntosh Law Firm, will take place on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Historic Rural Hill, located at 4431 Neck Road in Huntersville.

Co-founded by Kristen Hampton and Mellisa Wheeler, Breast Cancer Shucks will feature live music from The Chain (a nationally touring and authentic Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band), food trucks, a special “Pink Brew for purchase” crafted by Eleven Lakes Brewing, and vibrant pink lighting surrounding the maze. Following a brief ceremony, guests will enter the maze beginning at 7:20 p.m., with staggered start times to ensure plenty of space to explore.

“This event is about more than fun, it’s about impact” said Wheeler. “Every step through the maze helps shine a light—literally and figuratively—in the fight against breast cancer, a disease that impacts one in eight women in her lifetime and even some men. Community support can make a real difference and this event is dedicated to celebrating survivors and their families through awareness, action and even a little adventure.”

Tickets are $30 per person and include full access to all activities. Children 5 and under are free. Regular night maze ticket holders can enter with an extra $10 fee to cover the cost of the Breast Cancer Shucks event. A portion of the proceeds will support The Go Jen Go Foundation, which provides critical support to families in the greater Charlotte area who are facing the financial burden of a breast cancer diagnosis. To purchase tickets, visit https://bit.ly/BreastCancerShucks.

“We are thrilled to be the beneficiary partner of Breast Cancer Shucks and are grateful for their support,” said Susan Evren, executive director of Go Jen Go. “This is such a fun and unique way to bring our community together, celebrate breast cancer fighters, survivors and thrivers, and stand with families affected by breast cancer.”

Guests are encouraged to bring their own flashlights and headlamps to light the way.

Added Wheeler: “Let’s bring together family, friends and community to raise awareness, raise resources and raise spirits on a night filled with light, laughter, music, memories and more.”

About Historic Rural Hil

Historic Rural Hill is a private non-profit organization located in Huntersville, NC. We operate a 265 acre working farm that is owned by Mecklenburg County Parks and Rec. Rural Hill is a working farm, historic site, educational facility, nature preserve, and event site. We host events year round and many are fundraisers for the site that help us put on free community oriented events and educational programs for local schools. We also operate as the historic homestead of the Davidson family. For more information, visit ruralhill.net.

About Go Jen Go

Based in Charlotte, The Go Jen Go Foundation is a local nonprofit providing hope and critical support to families in the greater Charlotte area who are facing the financial burden of a breast cancer diagnosis. Go Jen Go’s Patient Assistance Program helps cover household expenses including housing, utilities, transportation, and groceries/necessities while a patient undergoes breast cancer treatment. In addition, its Mood Williams Camp Scholarship fund provides camp opportunities for our grantees’ children, while its Operation Spread the Joy Program uplifts families impacted by breast cancer by delivering gifts during the holiday season. Currently, the foundation supports more than 105 families per month and strives to provide assistance right when the patient needs it most. For more information, visit gojengo.org.

New Map Reveals Armadillo’s Rapid and Invasive Spread Across NC – How to Report Them

Charlotte Stories
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New Map Reveals Armadillo’s Rapid and Invasive Spread Across NC – How to Report Them

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has issued an alert asking residents to watch for nine-banded armadillos across the state.

The species, once native to Central and South America, is expanding its range northward due to warmer temperatures. Since the first confirmed North Carolina sighting in Macon County in 2007, reports have surged to over 900 across 70 counties. Verified sightings now include Gaston, Mecklenburg, Wilkes, and Madison Counties.

To track the spread, the Wildlife Commission is asking the public to email sightings to armadillo@ncwildlife.org with a photo, date, time, and location (GPS if possible).

The state hopes residents will help document the armadillo’s movement as it continues to spread eastward and northward.

Banana Ball Returns to Charlotte with $38.6M Momentum at Truist Field

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Banana Ball Returns to Charlotte with $38.6M Momentum at Truist Field

Banana Ball is swinging back into Charlotte next summer — this time to Truist Field, home of the Charlotte Knights.

The Charlotte Knights announced they’ll host three Savanna Banana Ball games from June 4–6, 2026, featuring the Firefighters vs. the Texas Tailgaters. The event marks a shift from the Bananas’ Charlotte debut at Bank of America Stadium, which sold out two nights and drew over 148,000 fans.

The CRVA reported that last year’s series brought more than 54,000 visitors from outside the region and generated a $38.6 million economic impact.

The 2026 games will be part of the new Banana Ball Championship League, a 60-game season ending with the Banana Bowl in October. Two new teams — the Indianapolis Clowns and the Loco Beach Coconuts — join the six-team league.

Banana Ball features fast-paced rules like a two-hour time limit, fan-caught foul balls for outs, and mid-inning dancing. Fans will also get a preview in April with a tour stop at UNC’s Kenan Stadium.

With its mix of sport and spectacle, the return of Banana Ball is expected to be one of Charlotte’s biggest summer draws.

Chick-fil-A Chips Are Hitting Grocery Store Shelves in Charlotte – Test Market

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Chick-fil-A Chips Are Hitting Grocery Store Shelves in Charlotte – Test Market

Exciting news for Chick-fil-A fans in Charlotte! For the first time ever, Chick-fil-A is piloting large-size bags of two new Waffle Potato Chip varieties in Charlotte area grocery stores.

Following a popular in-restaurant debut earlier this year, Chick-fil-A is bringing its new chip flavors to the snack aisle.

Available in select North Carolina Publix, Walmart and Kroger stores this October: 

  • Chick-fil-A Sauce Flavored Waffle Potato Chips: The smoky, tangy and slightly sweet flavor of the signature Chick-fil-A sauce now in a chip.

  • Original Flavor Waffle Potato Chips: A new take on a classic, waffle-cut chips with a bit of salt.

This retail launch is the latest evolution of Chick-fil-A’s growing lineup of consumer-packaged goods, which also includes bottled sauces and salad dressings. You can view the full list of retail products here.

Why Soft2Bet Solves for the Next Problem Before It Arrives

Sharon Anderson
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Why Soft2Bet Solves for the Next Problem Before It Arrives

Most companies wait for problems to show up. They scramble. Patch things together. Fix it after it breaks. But that’s not how Soft2Bet works. They look ahead — not with guesswork, but with systems that are built to handle what’s coming next, even if they can’t see the full picture yet. It’s not about being psychic. It’s about being prepared. This isn’t a business that reacts — it anticipates. And in iGaming, that’s more than useful. It’s survival.

The Quiet Power of Readiness

Soft2Bet’s real advantage isn’t in buzzwords or splashy launches — it’s in how deliberately they prepare. While many in the iGaming world rush to chase trends or roll out features half-baked, Soft2Bet invests in stability. Their recent move to AWS slashed infrastructure costs by 55% and cut product launch times nearly in half — not by moving faster for the sake of speed, but by removing bottlenecks before they became problems. Compliance? Built in from the start. Market expansion? Backed by internal systems that scale without scrambling. This isn’t about being cautious — it’s about being ready.

Why Compliance-First Thinking Pays Off Later

In iGaming, regulation isn’t something you tack on after the fact — it has to be part of the build from the start. Soft2Bet approaches compliance as part of the blueprint, not an afterthought. It’s built into how they operate from day one, and it shows in the way they work:

  1. Built-in regulatory alignment – platforms are developed with region-specific requirements in mind.
  2. Faster market entry – no scrambling to meet compliance last minute means quicker launches.
  3. Trusted by partners – regulators and collaborators know they deliver responsibly.
  4. Lower legal risk – fewer shocks, smoother operations, cleaner outcomes.
  5. Room to innovate – with compliance handled, the team can look ahead.

Culture of Preparedness

Being ready for what’s next isn’t just about servers and software — it’s about people. Inside Soft2Bet, thinking ahead isn’t a slogan — it’s part of the daily routine. Teams are encouraged to plan, test, and refine before a project even goes live. Every product rollout, from brand launches to market entries, goes through multiple stages of simulation and risk analysis — a process that has helped the company maintain uptime levels above 99.9% across all platforms. 

Leadership doesn’t push for speed at the expense of sense; they reward foresight. Developers, marketers, and compliance experts work together to spot weak points early, not after things go wrong. That’s why when Soft2Bet rolls out something new, it rarely feels experimental — it feels inevitable, like the next step in a plan that’s already several moves ahead.

Tech That Thinks Ahead

You can’t see into the future, but your tech can help you prepare for it. Soft2Bet’s systems are designed to handle change — not just endure it, but use it. A big part of that is MEGA — their modular, expandable gaming architecture. MEGA is designed with change in mind — not just to adapt, but to grow. It lets Soft2Bet launch new brands, add features, and connect external tools without having to touch the foundation. That gives them a quiet speed most people don’t notice until it matters. And with tools like real-time fraud detection and adaptable compliance layers, they’re not just solving current problems — they’re already lining up answers for the ones no one’s asked yet.

Here’s what makes MEGA stand out in the industry:

  • Plug-and-play design – new features and services can be added without downtime or drama.
  • Multi-brand capacity – supports a growing portfolio without creating chaos.
  • Scalable infrastructure – can handle higher demand without a full rebuild.
  • Customisation by market – makes adapting to new regulatory environments faster and easier.
  • Seamless third-party integration – lets them partner with new providers quickly and cleanly.

Building Before There’s Pressure

The real strength behind Soft2Bet’s setup isn’t just in how it works today — it’s in how ready it is for tomorrow. Their platform isn’t built like a tower of blocks stacked to look good from the outside. It’s layered, modular, and flexible. That means when new regulations pop up — and they always do — Soft2Bet doesn’t panic. They adjust. Quickly, smoothly, and without derailing everything else. A new market opens up? They already have the tools and processes ready to go. And that’s not luck. That’s the result of investing in tech infrastructure before the stress arrives. It’s thinking like a chess player, not a firefighter.

Coastal Storm to Slam Carolinas With Wind, Rain, and Flooding This Weekend

Charlotte Stories
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Coastal Storm to Slam Carolinas With Wind, Rain, and Flooding This Weekend

A powerful coastal storm is starting to develop off the Carolina coast, bringing dangerous conditions to beaches and coastal towns.

Although not a tropical system, the storm will produce tropical storm–like impacts. Forecasters expect strong winds, heavy rain, and dangerous surf from Charleston to the Outer Banks, with effects lingering through Monday.

Gusts could exceed 50 mph, and rainfall may total over 3 inches along the coast. Large waves and higher tides could cause moderate coastal flooding and beach erosion, particularly along Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and Wilmington.

While the storm’s core impact stays near the coast, inland areas may still see scattered showers and gusty winds. The rain may be welcome in drought-stricken regions of the Carolinas.

Key timing includes:

  • Today-Friday: Low pressure forms offshore, coastal flooding in the lowcountry
  • Saturday: Storm strengthens, bringing peak winds and rain
  • Sunday-Monday: System gradually exits, but strong winds and rip currents remain a threat

Residents and visitors are urged to prepare for flooding during high tide, monitor local alerts, and avoid entering the ocean during hazardous conditions.

In Charleston and much of the lowcountry, flooding and rain could start as early as today.

As we are still in hurricane season, officials are also recommending that all North Carolina residents prepare for possible power outages from storm.

The following emergency items are suggested for all homes in our our state;

North Carolinians Rank In-N-Out Burger As Their Most Desired Franchise

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North Carolinians Rank In-N-Out Burger As Their Most Desired Franchise

Everyone has that one brand they wish would open closer to home – whether it’s a cult-favorite fast food chain, a beloved grocery store, or a gym franchise they’ve only seen on TV.

MarketBeat carried out a survey of 3,011 respondents asking:

“Which brand do you most wish your state had – but currently doesn’t?”

In top spot, North Carolinians most want to see an In-N-Out Burger in the Tar Heel State. North Carolinians with friends out West often hear about the cult status of In-N-Out. The fresh, no-frills menu and “secret” items have become a foodie fantasy for locals who’d love to see the chain cross the Mississippi.

The second most desired brand is a La Colombe Coffee Roasters. La Colombe Coffee Roasters, the Philadelphia-based chain famous for its draft lattes and sleek cafés, has become a staple in major cities like New York, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. But North Carolina — despite its thriving coffee culture in Raleigh, Durham, and Charlotte — doesn’t have a single La Colombe café. Locals who’ve traveled north know the brand’s mix of artisan roasting and modern café design, and its absence in the Tar Heel State stands out. A La Colombe in Charlotte or the Triangle would instantly become a go-to hub for students, professionals, and coffee enthusiasts.

This was followed by the desire to bring a H-E-B to North Carolina. Texan transplants in North Carolina are vocal about missing H-E-B. With its reputation for affordable groceries, regional identity, and prepared foods, it’s one of the top-ranked “if only” stores the state doesn’t have.

Some highlights from other states were:

Coloradans crave an Aldi in their state. The German discount grocery chain beloved for low prices, efficient layouts, and strong store-brand staples has yet to open a location in Colorado. While residents regularly pay premium prices for groceries in many mountain towns and suburban areas, having Aldi could offer a more affordable alternative. For Coloradans balancing the cost of living with their love of local produce and clean brands, an Aldi would feel like a game-changer in how they shop.

Alaskans, on the other hand, would love to shop at a Trader Joe’s. The quirky grocery chain known for its affordable organics and cult snacks has built a loyal fan base in the Lower 48. Alaskans often stock up when they travel, but without any Trader Joe’s locations in the state, they miss out on the convenience and fun of shopping there locally.

Over in the Prairie State, plenty of Illinoisans come back from Texas or Oklahoma trips raving about Whataburger’s late-night burgers and spicy ketchup. Despite Chicago’s deep fast-food culture, locals still wonder why this southern staple hasn’t opened anywhere in the state.

Kentuckians love their chicken, and El Pollo Loco, the West Coast chain famous for its citrus-marinated fire-grilled chicken, has never opened in Kentucky. Known for bowls, tacos, and family meals that offer a lighter twist on fast food, it’s a staple in California and the Southwest. For Kentuckians who discover it while traveling, the absence is noticeable. Bringing El Pollo Loco to Louisville or Lexington would add a crave-worthy new flavor to the state’s fried chicken landscape.

Michiganders love their sports, and the state has plenty of sporting goods stores, but none like Big 5. The West Coast chain is known for affordable gear, especially in camping, fishing, and team sports. For Michiganders balancing summer lake trips and winter activities, Big 5’s budget-friendly range would slot perfectly into the state’s outdoor culture. Transplants from the West often point out the gap, saying Big 5 would be a hit in college towns and smaller cities.

North Dakotans would most want to see an IKEA store plant its yellow & blue flag in the state. For students and young families in Fargo or Grand Forks, IKEA is a dream. Right now, flat-pack furniture and clever storage hacks mean long road trips to Minneapolis – a pain that keeps the craving alive.

North Carolina’s Wine-Themed Railroad Is The Perfect Fall Adventure

Charlotte Stories
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North Carolina’s Wine-Themed Railroad Is The Perfect Fall Adventure

smokey-mountain-wine-train

If you’re looking for a relaxing mountain adventure, the new ‘Uncorked’ rail line might be the perfect option.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad out of Bryson City, NC recently started offering a truly luxurious railroad experience, featuring food, wine, and majestic mountain views.

Guests will travel in newly renovated first-class rail cars. A variety of hand-selected wines will be served during the ride, which are all paired with a wide range of fine cheeses and a surf and turf meal.

smokey-mountain-wine-railroad

A narrator explains each wine – where it comes from (most are selected from North Carolina wineries) and why it pairs so well with the food you’re eating, as well as unique information about the surrounding mountain views.

north-carolina-wine-railroad

As some the incredible memories, passengers will also take home photos and souvenir wine glasses from the trip.

Check out more information on the Great Smokey Mountains Railroad site here.

Historic Uptown Charlotte Building to Be Demolished for New $16M Data Center

Charlotte Stories
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Historic Uptown Charlotte Building to Be Demolished for New $16M Data Center

A nearly 100-year-old building in Uptown Charlotte will soon be demolished to make way for a new four-story data center.

Digital Realty, a major player in the data infrastructure space, purchased the property at 725 E. Trade Street—home to the historic Court Arcade Building—and an adjacent parcel for $16 million. The project will expand their existing data center footprint at 113 North Myers Street.

Originally designed in the 1920s by architect William H. Peeps, the Court Arcade was built to serve attorneys working near the Mecklenburg County Courthouse. Its Classical Revival style stands in contrast to Peeps’ other surviving Charlotte arcade, the Latta Arcade.

The proposed 12MW data center will include a mechanical yard and sit near East Fifth Street. Digital Realty already operates a 2MW, 29,200-square-foot facility on-site.

Charlotte has become a data center hub in recent years, with clusters also forming around Raleigh. These facilities improve digital services but raise environmental concerns, including energy and water consumption. As data center growth accelerates, experts urge closer examination of their impact on public health and infrastructure.

No timeline for demolition or construction has been announced.

Police Shut Down I-85 After Gaston County Man Crashes Car, Runs Into Traffic

Charlotte Stories
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Police Shut Down I-85 After Gaston County Man Crashes Car, Runs Into Traffic

A Gaston County man was arrested this week after crashing into two vehicles and fleeing across I-85 in Belmont.

Jehiel McGowan, 28, reportedly sped off during a traffic stop near Highway 273 and Exit 27, hitting two cars before abandoning his vehicle and running into nearby woods.

Police closed roads during the search, and traffic cameras showed a heavy presence near the overpass. McGowan was caught shortly after. No injuries were reported.

He now faces multiple charges, including felony trafficking synthetic cannabinoids, felony possession with intent to sell or distribute, and numerous traffic infractions.

His bond was set at $250,000.

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