Hurricane Imelda Swerves East – Leaving Charlotte Wet but Mostly Unscathed

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Imelda, which recently intensified to a Hurricane, is now expected to impact the Charlotte region with gusty winds and heavy rain later this week — though the storm is no longer expected to make landfall in the Carolinas.

While Imelda has shifted course toward the open Atlantic, the outer bands of the storm are dragging a stream of tropical moisture across the Southeast, prompting weather advisories from Florida to North Carolina.

Rainfall and Flooding Outlook

  • 1 to 3 inches of rain are possible across the southern coast of North Carolina through Wednesday.

  • Charlotte could experience up to an inch, with no major flooding expected — though isolated nuisance flooding in low-lying spots remains possible.

Wind and Coastal Impacts

Winds will begin picking up Monday, with gusts reaching 25 mph through Tuesday. While the storm’s core will remain offshore, rip currents, rough surf, and minor beach erosion are concerns along the Carolina coast. No storm surge warnings have been issued.

Forecast Improves by Midweek

By Wednesday, both Imelda and nearby Hurricane Humberto are expected to track east and out to sea. Skies will begin clearing, with temperatures returning to the 70s during the day and 50s overnight — just in time for a busy local weekend.

Weekend Weather Looks Favorable

The extended forecast looks mostly clear and comfortable heading into the weekend — good news for fans attending the Roval NASCAR race or the Carolina Panthers home game. However, models suggest a slight chance of showers Sunday afternoon, so weather watchers should stay alert.

Earthquake Strikes South of Charlotte in The Small Town of Kershaw, SC

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An earthquake just rocked the small town of Kershaw, SC, about 40 miles south of Charlotte.

According to the USGS, the 1.8 magnitude quake had an epicenter of 34.477°N 80.639°W and a fairly deep depth of 12.8 KM.

Earthquakes have been increasing in frequency around the Charlotte region over the past few years. Last year, we experienced the largest earthquake in over 100 years when a 5.1 magnitude quake hit Sparta, NC, and since then, dozens of aftershocks have continued to rattle our state.

According to USGS.gov, “Moderately damaging earthquakes strike the inland Carolinas every few decades, and smaller earthquakes are felt about once each year or two.”

Have you felt any of the quakes?

Bojangles Welcomes Fall with New Salted Caramel Apple Crisp

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Bojangles is ushering in all the cozy fall flavors with its latest limited-time cobbler, the Salted Caramel Apple Crisp. The new seasonal sweet treat is available now through the end of the year at participating Bojangles locations.

The Salted Caramel Apple Crisp features an apple topping, cinnamon streusel, and salted caramel, served over a Bojangles’ made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuit.

“The autumn season has arrived, and while everyone else is doing pumpkin spice, we’re celebrating the season with all the Salted Caramel Apple deliciousness,” said Marshall Scarborough, Vice President of Menu and Culinary Innovation at Bojangles. “We’ve taken that timeless flavor combination and put a Bojangles twist on it. The contrasting flavors and textures of warm caramel sauce, cinnamon streusel and spiced apples are a perfect match with our buttermilk biscuit.”

This newest addition to Bojangles’ growing dessert platform, including Peach, Strawberry and Bo-Berry biscuit cobblers.

The Salted Caramel Apple Crisp is available à la carte or as a sweet add-on to any combo or family meal. Guests can order in store, through the Bojangles app for pickup or delivery or via third-party delivery platforms.

Dead Body Discovered in Landing Gear at Charlotte Douglas after European Flight

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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police are investigating after a body was discovered in the landing gear of an American Airlines plane at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on Sunday morning.

According to CMPD, the grim discovery was made shortly after 9 a.m. on September 28 while maintenance crews were working on an aircraft that had recently arrived from Europe. CMPD’s Airport Division officers responded and pronounced the stowaway dead at the scene.

Homicide Unit detectives were called in to investigate, while Crime Scene Search processed evidence from the plane. CMPD Operations Command and MEDIC also assisted at the scene. Officials have not released the individual’s identity or details about the flight.

Although rare, hiding in a plane’s wheel well is the most common method used by stowaways attempting dangerous journeys. The Federal Aviation Administration reported in 2019 that more than 77% of people who attempt to stow away in landing gear die due to extreme cold or lack of oxygen.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call CMPD at 704-432-8477 or contact Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Bryce Young’s Starting Position in Question After Embarrassing Loss To Patriots

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The Carolina Panthers showed early promise in Sunday’s matchup against the New England Patriots, but the game quickly turned disastrous. Bryce Young led an efficient opening drive, completing all four of his passes and finishing with a 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tommy Tremble.

However, New England responded with 42 unanswered points. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye dominated, tossing two touchdowns and rushing for another. The Panthers’ defense struggled to slow the Patriots’ offense, while Carolina’s own attack sputtered after the first drive.

Young was eventually pulled in the fourth quarter. Backup Andy Dalton led a final touchdown drive, but the 42–13 loss was already sealed.

Head coach Dave Canales now faces growing questions about the team’s performance and Young’s role going forward.

USDA Recalls 58 Million Pounds of Corn Dog Products After Finding Wood Contamination

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The Hillshire Brands Company has just issued a sweeping nationwide recall of roughly 58 million pounds of frozen corn dog and sausage-on-a-stick products due to finding wood in the products.

According to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the contamination was discovered after multiple consumer complaints, including five confirmed injuries. According to the FSIS, wooden sticks unintentionally entered the production line prior to battering, which led to the wooden fragments becoming embedded in the final products.

The affected items include popular Jimmy Dean and State Fair branded foods, sold online and at major retailers, school districts, food service locations, and Department of Defense facilities across the United States. Packaging dates range from November 2025 through September 2026.

FSIS warned that the products may still be in refrigerators or freezers of consumers, schools, and institutions. Authorities urge consumers not to eat the affected items. Instead, they should dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase.


Summary of Recalled Products

Below is a list of the specific products affected by the recall:

Brand Product Name Packaging Size Use/Sell By Dates
State Fair Classic Corn Dogs, Fiesta, Beef, Turkey, Whole Grain 12oz – 48 count cases Dec 2025 – Sept 2026
Jimmy Dean Pancakes & Sausage on a Stick (Original, Blueberry, Cinnamon) 30oz cartons – 28lb cases Nov 2025 – May 2026
Jimmy Dean French Toast & Sausage, Turkey Sausage on a Stick 6lb – 25lb cases Nov 2025 – May 2026
Unbranded Batter Wrapped Franks (Food Service) 6lb cases Dec 2025 – May 2026

What You Should Do

  • Check your freezer for the affected products.

  • Look for Establishment numbers “EST-582” or “P-894” on the packaging.

  • If found, do not consume the product.

  • Return the item to the retailer or safely discard it.


Contact Information

  • Consumers: Christina Self, Associate Director of Customer Care – 888-747-7611

  • Media: MaKenzie Taylor, Communications Manager – 810-391-6680

For more information, including full product distribution lists, visit: www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls

How High-Density Colocation is Powering the Future of AI and Machine Learning

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As artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) continue to transform industries, the demand for robust computational power is skyrocketing. High-density colocation is emerging as a critical solution, enabling businesses to meet the power and cooling requirements necessary for the intense workloads associated with AI and GPU computing.

The Rise of AI Workloads

AI and ML applications require significant processing capabilities, often involving complex algorithms and vast datasets. These tasks demand not only high-performance computing resources but also the ability to manage heat and power efficiently. Traditional data centers may struggle to support the energy and cooling needs of advanced AI workloads, making high-density colocation an attractive alternative.

Call me Ishmael, for I have a  to tell. You don’t love because: you love despite. She wasn’t doing a thing that I could see, except standing there leaning on the balcony railing.  

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. All human beings should try to learn before they die what they are running from, and to, and why. Man is not made for defeat.

High-density coloYou must be the change you wish to see in the world. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same. You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.cation facilities provide an environment specifically designed to handle these demands. They allow businesses to house their servers in a shared space that offers superior infrastructure, including enhanced power distribution, advanced cooling systems, and scalable resources. This setup is particularly advantageous for companies leveraging GPUs, which are essential for AI computations due to their parallel processing capabilities.

Benefits of High-Density Colocation

  1. Scalability: High-density colocation allows organizations to easily scale their operations. As AI applications grow, so too do the computational needs. Colocation facilities can quickly adapt to this growth, providing additional space and resources as required.
  2. Cost Efficiency: By sharing resources in a colocation environment, companies can significantly reduce costs compared to maintaining their own data centers. High-density setups optimize space and power usage, ensuring that businesses only pay for what they use.
  3. Enhanced Performance: With specialized infrastructure in place, high-density colocation providers can ensure optimal performance for AI workloads. The advanced cooling technologies employed in these facilities help maintain ideal temperatures, preventing overheating and maximizing uptime.
  4. Access to Expertise: Colocation providers often employ teams of experts in data center management and AI technology. This access to specialized knowledge can be invaluable for businesses looking to implement or enhance their AI strategies.

For more on how high-density colocation can benefit your organization, explore TRG’s offerings in high-density colocation and AI colocation.

The Impact of AI on Data Centers

As AI continues to evolve, its influence on data center operations becomes more pronounced. The impact of AI on data centers is significant, driving the need for facilities that can support advanced technologies. High-density colocation meets this challenge, ensuring that data centers remain agile and efficient in the face of growing AI demands.

Understanding Colocation vs. Data Centers

For those new to the concepts of colocation and traditional data centers, it’s important to understand the differences. This article explains how colocation can provide distinct advantages, especially for businesses focused on leveraging AI technologies.

Conclusion

High-density colocation is not just a trend; it’s a foundational element powering the future of AI and machine learning. As organizations seek to harness the potential of AI, investing in robust colocation solutions will be crucial for optimizing performance and efficiency. By providing the necessary infrastructure, cooling, and scalability, high-density colocation enables companies to thrive in an increasingly data-driven world.

Construction Jobs with The Fastest Wage Growth in North Carolina

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Despite cooling demand in U.S. construction—with spending down in interest-rate-sensitive sectors like housing and commercial development, and nearly 80% of contractors reporting hiring challenges—the industry’s labor gap remains significant: the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) estimates a shortfall of 439,000 workers in 2025.

Amid these labor market pressures, construction wages are rising, but not as much as one might expect—and gains vary by state and occupation. In North Carolina, the fastest increases cluster in specific trades, while others have seen far less progress.

In the 2025 edition of their Construction Jobs With the Fastest-Growing Wages report, researchers at Construction Coverage analyzed the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to identify how wages are trending across the construction industry nationally, by state, and by specific occupation.

Here are the five construction jobs with the fastest-growing wages in North Carolina:

Wage growth rank Occupation 5-year percentage change in wage (nominal) 5-year percentage change in wage (inflation-adjusted) Mean annual wage (2024) Mean annual wage (2019)
1 Hazardous Materials Removal Workers +42.7% +16.3% $44,090 $30,900
2 Helpers–Carpenters +42.3% +16.0% $42,020 $29,520
3 Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other +42.2% +15.9% $38,620 $27,150
4 Construction Laborers +41.7% +15.5% $44,210 $31,190
5 Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners +40.3% +14.3% $48,990 $34,930

 

And here are some other key takeaways from the report:

  • Wages Up, Purchasing Power Down: In 2024, construction and extraction workers earned a mean annual wage of $63,920, up 21.6% from 2019 in nominal terms but down 0.9% after adjusting for inflation.
  • West Coast Advantage: California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada combine high wages with strong growth, each topping $69,000 in cost-of-living-adjusted wages and posting 2.6–4.5% real gains since 2019.
  • Fastest-Growing Paychecks: Out of all construction jobs, quarry rock splitters (+10.2%), construction helpers (+7.5%), and paving equipment operators (+7.1%) posted the strongest inflation-adjusted wage gains over the past five years.

The full report covers all 50 U.S. states, with breakdowns of the fastest-growing construction occupations in each location—including five-year wage changes (nominal and inflation-adjusted), mean wages in 2024 vs. 2019, and total employment. We’ve also included a link to high-resolution, downloadable graphics at the bottom of this email.

No-Swim Advisory Issued For Lake Norman after 100 Gallons of Raw Sewage Spilled Into Cove

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Officials have issued a no-swim advisory for a section of Lake Norman after approximately 100 gallons of untreated sewage spilled into the lake.

The leak occurred around 4:30 pm on Wednesday afternoon on Cricket Cove Court in Denver, prompting an immediate response from local health and utility agencies.

The Lincoln County Health Director announced the advisory soon after, warning residents and visitors to avoid recreational water activities in the affected area until further notice.

The spill was caused by a utility boring crew that accidentally struck a marked low-pressure sewer line. Authorities believe some of the sewage may have entered the nearby cove, posing potential health risks due to elevated bacteria levels.

In response, the Killian Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant began collecting water samples at the site and posted warning signs along the shoreline. The samples will be analyzed and forwarded to the Lincoln County Public Utilities Department, which will then coordinate with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and the county health department to determine when the area is safe for swimming again.

Water activities will only resume once fecal coliform levels drop to levels deemed safe by state environmental standards. No injuries or illnesses have been reported as of Thursday morning, and cleanup operations are ongoing.

Fourth Costco Coming to Charlotte Region—Here’s When It Opens

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Costco will open its fourth Charlotte-area store on October 30, expanding its presence with a new warehouse in Indian Land, South Carolina. The 8800 Charlotte Highway location marks the retailer’s first entry into the fast-growing Lancaster County panhandle, just over the North Carolina border.

This opening adds to the chain’s existing stores in Tyvola Road (Charlotte), Matthews, and the Lake Norman area, offering another option for bulk shoppers in the metro. It also marks the first Costco in the Rock Hill region, giving York and Lancaster County residents a closer alternative.

According to Costco, they will operate 10 a.m.–8:30 p.m. weekdays, 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Saturdays, and 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sundays. In addition to groceries, Costco offers electronics, home goods, and other bulk retail essentials under its membership-based model. Earlier this month, the chain launched a new perk: Executive Members can now enter stores at 9 a.m., an hour earlier than regular members.

The Indian Land store anchors a retail boom along U.S. 521, joining Lowes Foods (Oct. 9) and Target (Oct. 12) just down the road. All three are located within a mile of each other and are part of the $400 million Exchange development, bringing shopping, jobs, and more congestion to one of the region’s busiest corridors.

Local officials have proposed a 1% sales tax referendum in November to help fund road improvements in response to the rapid growth.