ALDI Just Issued A Massive Recall For Listeria Infected Apples Sold in The Carolinas

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ALDI Just Issued A Massive Recall For Listeria Infected Apples Sold in The Carolinas

A massive recall has just been issued for ALDI apples due to a widespread Listeria contamination.

According to their press release, ALDI is recalling “an assortment of apples that were available for purchase in stores starting on December 13, 2017, due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Upon notification from the supplier, ALDI immediately removed the affected products from its stores.”

The potentially infected apples were sold in ALDI stores throughout Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, South Carolina and North Carolina.

The following apples are included in the recall:

 Fuji Apples, 3 lb. bag, UPC code: 033383087139
 Gala Apples, 3 lb. bag, UPC code: 033383086897
 Golden Apples, 3 lb. bag, UPC code: 033383081175
 Honeycrisp Apples, 2 lb. bag, UPC code: 079954000015
 Honeycrisp Apples, unpackaged, PLU sticker: 3283

ALDI said that any customers who bought one of the affected apples should discard it or return it to a store for a full refund as soon as possible.

Customers who have questions about this recall may contact Jack Brown Produce Inc. at 616-887-9568, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.

Movement Mortgage Just Broke Ground On New $18 Million Fort Mill Corporate Center

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Movement Mortgage Just Broke Ground On New $18 Million Fort Mill Corporate Center

Movement Mortgage just broke ground on their new $18 million, 90,000-square-foot corporate center in Fort Mill, that will make room for over 700 new jobs.

According to their press release, the new building is being constructed next to their current headquarters and will soon be home to a larger IT team, more retail sales support, and their affiliates, including Movement Insurance. It will also include a larger gym, a fresh cafe and a new courtyard between the two headquarter buildings.

“Relationships matter and proximity matters. When we get team members face-to-face at the same location, we see exponential productivity,” Movement CEO Casey Crawford said. “Despite a contracting mortgage market, we’ve continued to take market share across the United States and we plan on continuing to grow in 2018 and well into the future. We want as many team members together in Fort Mill as possible to continue the great work that we’re doing.”

The company was originally founded in 2008 in Fort Mill with just 4 employees and have since grown to over 4,100 workers, including more than 650 at its Lancaster County headquarters. As one of the nation’s top 10 purchase mortgage lenders, Movement Mortgage now has licensed operations in 48 states.

The company will be constructing an additional 91,000-square-foot building off highway 160 as part of their expansion plans.

They will start hiring within the next few weeks, anyone interested can visit the company’s careers page here.

NASCAR Legend Richard Childress Uses Deadly Force To Defend His Davidson Home

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NASCAR Legend Richard Childress Uses Deadly Force To Defend His Davidson Home

One of the biggest names in NASCAR just shot at 3 armed men who tried to break into his Davidson County home late Sunday night.

According to the Davidson County Sheriff’s office, Richard Childress and his wife, Judy, were upstairs when they heard a loud noise on the first floor, followed by their security alarm sounding.

Three armed masked intruders had just broken the glass to the front door, unlocked the deadbolt, and broke in.

After hearing the noise, Childress retrieved his gun and rushed downstairs. When he saw the masked men with what looked like guns in their hands, he fired several shots at them. The suspects then fled the home without any signs of being injured, according to police.

When officers arrived at his home, Childress told them, “the only reason he and his wife were here today was because of God and the Second Amendment.” According to North Carolina’s Castle Doctrine, a homeowner is allowed to use deadly force against home invaders.

Police released these images of the intruders and Childress is now offering a $10,000 reward for anyone with information leading to their arrest.

If you have any information about the break-in or the intruders, please call the Sheriff’s Office or Detective Sgt. Marc Hanna at 336-242-2100.

Luke Kuechly Was Just Selected For The Pro Bowl

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Luke Kuechly Was Just Selected For The Pro Bowl

The Carolina Panthers have just announced that linebacker Luke Kuechly will be going to the Pro Bowl for the 5th consecutive season.

Luke has now tied Julius Peppers, Ryan Kalil, Steve Smith, Wesley Walls, and Michael Bateshim for the most Pro Bowl selections in franchise history.

According to the Panthers, “Kuechly has gone to the Pro Bowl every year except his rookie season in 2012, a year in which the Panthers weren’t represented in the annual all-star game.”

5th Pro Bowl for LUUUUKE!

A post shared by Carolina Panthers (@panthers) on

There were a total of 88 Pro Bowlers named on Tuesday, selected by a vote of fans, players and coaches.

The Kuechly was the only Panther to be selected for the Pro Bowl this year.

The Pro Bowl will air on ESPN and ABC Sunday, January 28 starting at 3 p.m. in Orlando, FL.

Charlotte’s New Mayor Says She Is Committed To Keeping The Panthers in Charlotte

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Charlotte’s New Mayor Says She Is Committed To Keeping The Panthers in Charlotte

Yesterday Charlotte’s new Mayor Vi Lyles released a statement saying that she is “completely motivated” to keep the Carolina Panthers in the Queen City after Jerry Richardson sells the team.

This past Sunday, Richardson announced that he will be selling the Panthers at the conclusion of the 2017-18 season. His announcement came just days after the NFL launched an internal investigation into workplace misconduct allegations.

Charlotte currently has a 6 year ‘tether’ contract in place until 2019, meaning that whoever buys the team will have to keep the team here until June of 2019, and will then have the option of moving the team to a different city after the contract expires.

Lyles and members of the City Council are now committed to ensuring that doesn’t happen.

“The City of Charlotte values its long-running relationship with the Panthers after more than 22 seasons of NFL football,” Lyles said in a statement. “The Panthers are part of Charlotte’s fabric. We’ve celebrated victories and anguished over defeats. We understand transitions are inevitable, and we look forward to working with current and future ownership.”

In his announcement, Richardson said he won’t even start looking for a buyer until after the Panthers finish the regular season and postseason (and hopefully win the Super Bowl).

Jeff Sessions Came To Charlotte To Announce “Project Safe Neighborhood Task Forces” (Video)

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Jeff Sessions Came To Charlotte To Announce “Project Safe Neighborhood Task Forces” (Video)

Attorney General Jeff Sessions just traveled to the Queen City to give a speech in front of our newly appointed Western North Carolina District Judge Andrew Murray and 75 other law enforcement officials from the CMPD, Mecklenburg Sherriff’s office, and others.

The speech was primarily focused on his new “Project Safe Neighborhood Task Forces”.

According to Justice.gov, “Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent and deter gang and gun violence. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina (USAO-WDNC), PSN has engaged in strategic planning with federal, state and local law enforcement; strengthened partnerships among law enforcement agencies to improve gang and gun violence investigations and prosecutions; engaged in public outreach; provided training to state and local law enforcement; and sought community involvement in the fight against gang and gun violence.”

Sessions said during a speech in Washinton last week that he plans on deploying up to 260 additional federal prosecutors for PSN in key cities across the country to aggressively confront violent crime.

In his Charlotte speech, Sessions ensured his audience that “Police are not the problem…they are the solution to the problem.”

He added, “I will not accept rising crime. Plain and simple, we will not allow the progress made by our women and men in blue over the past two decades to simply slip through our fingers now. We will not cede a community, a block, or a street corner to violent thugs or poison peddlers.”

You can watch Jeff Session’s speech in full here;

What are your thoughts on the new PSN Task Forces?

Jonathan Stewart Joins Forces With ITF To Change Student’s Lives in Charlotte

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Jonathan Stewart Joins Forces With ITF To Change Student’s Lives in Charlotte

When the controversy over NFL players kneeling was at its highest back in September, Jonathan Stewart wrestled with what to do. He decided that the best way he could respond would be to pour his efforts into a local non-profit here in Charlotte – Ignite The Fire (ITF).

According to their website, “Inspire the Fire Inc. is a non-profit organization committed to helping young people succeed on stage and in life. We provide students age 10-19 yrs. artistic coaching in artistic development, life skills, and community engagement.”

Natalie, Jonathan’s wife, attended one of ITF’s concerts during Elevation Church’s ‘Love Week’.

“Natalie showed me a video of them doing a concert with so much unity and passion, just pouring out everything,” Jonathan said. He jumped on board and soon decided to organize something for the kids.

The first collaborative event started with a time of sharing – the kids had a chance to express their feelings about things that are going on in their lives, what their concerns and fears are, and what they think about the current race relations in our country.

“It was just cool to hear their voice and for them to know that we are here for them and that we’re not just showing up on Sunday taking a demonstration – we’re taking action now,” Jonathan said.

After sharing their thoughts, the players joined the kids for a collaborative painting session. They worked alongside the kids to create unique paintings that would later be auctioned off at ITF’s own fundraiser.

“It’s giving them a piece of ownership and a piece of confidence to say ‘I can do anything,'” he said.

Last Sunday, several of the kids were given field passes to the Panther’s game where they witnessed Jonathan’s record-breaking 3-touchdown game.

The next day, Jonathan and his teammates, ITF, and about a dozen other local partners held the art auction for ITF in the heart of Uptown.

They raised over $40,000 for ITF through sponsorships, ticket sales, and actioning off a few dozen one-of-a-kind items, including;

Jonathan Stewart’s game-worn “my cause my cleats“, which were painted by one of the ITF students with the Bible verse reference Phil. 4:13 on the side for $1,500;

A chalk painting of Jonathan by artist Lee Baxter for $2,500

A signed photo of all the team captains for $1,750

and all of the kid’s paintings (plus about a dozen other one-of-a-kind panthers items);

Almost everything for the event was donated, including food from Fahrenheit, the event space by the New Gallery of Modern Art, photography by Kristin Byrum, and custom drinks by Bob Peters from the Punch Room. AZSN Studio and Katrina Hutchins Events helped with planning from start to finish, Elisabeth Rose made hand painted invitations, and DJ Jonathon Wylie pitched in to support the cause.

“It was amazing to see how quickly people came together and were willing to donate their time and resources. We had so many people interested in sponsoring and doing whatever they could to help support our event,” Jonathan said. “People were quickly able to grasp what ITF is about and connect to the cause. All of that is because of what Dennis has created and it inspired so many other people to do something outside of themselves to support an amazing organization.”

Team Stew plans on continuing to work with ITF to help kids across our city of find hope and inspiration in their lives.

“I’d like to continue to use my platform to help give ITF the resources it needs to continue to create more opportunities for the kids,” Jonathan said.

Tomorrow evening (Dec. 20th) they will be holding their next fundraising event at CPCC’s Pease Auditorium (1206 Elizabeth Ave) starting at 7pm – this time it will be open to the public;

Doors open at 6:30pm and tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under – don’t miss out!

When asked how Charlotteans can help inspire middle school and high school students in their communities, Jonathan said, “Encourage and take action (funding!!!) to the arts and creative outlets for kids, not just focusing strictly on sports and traditional academics.”

If you’d like to get involved with or donate to Inspire The Fire, you can find out more on their website here.

Jerry Richardson Just Gave Up Full Control Of The Panthers To Tina Becker

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Jerry Richardson Just Gave Up Full Control Of The Panthers To Tina Becker

Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson has just named Tina Becker as COO (Chief Operating Officer) and has given her full control of the organization.

“Becker is now officially one of the highest-ranking female executives of any team in the National Football League,” according to the press release.

“These have been some of the most difficult days of my 19 years with the Panthers, but I am lifted up by the strong resolve and the commitment our employees have shown to this organization,” Becker said. “Our team on the field is performing at a very high level, and I believe is bound for the Super Bowl. My immediate focus will be to ensure the corporate side of the organization performs at the same high level, while addressing the real concerns that have been raised in recent days.”

Becker originally started with the organization as a TopCat Cheerleader and was quickly promoted to the coach of the squad;

After becoming the TopCats squad coach, she continued to work her way up the ranks in the Panthers organization with incredible professionalism and wisdom, serving in almost every area, including business operations, ticketing and sponsorship, stadium operations, entertainment and fan engagement.

Before transitioning to the owner’s office in 2014, Becker served as the team’s director of entertainment for 2 years.

“Tina is the right person to lead this organization. I know she is committed to the Panthers, to the city of Charlotte and to ensuring this organization is run in a professional and progressive manner,” according to former Bank of America CEO Hugh McColl.

Campbell Soup Just Agreed To Buy This Charlotte Company For $4.7 Billion

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Campbell Soup Just Agreed To Buy This Charlotte Company For $4.7 Billion

The New Jersey-based Campbell Soup Company has just announced a purchase agreement with Charlotte-based Snyder’s-Lance for $4.7 billion.

According to their press release, Campbells will be paying $50 per share to buy Snyder’s-Lance – a premium of approximately 27% above Snyder’s-Lance’s closing stock price on Dec. 13th – the last trading day before media reports started leaking the potential transaction. Today Snyder’s-Lance stock closed at $50.04 on the NASDAQ.

The purchase will allow Campbells to drastically expand their “Global Biscuits and Snacks division”, adding Snyder’s of Hanover, Lance, KETTLE chips, Cape Cod, Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps, Pop Secret, Emerald and Late July to Cambell’s current snacking lines of Pepperidge Farm, Arnott’s and Kelsen.

“The acquisition of Snyder’s-Lance will accelerate Campbell’s strategy and is in line with our Purpose, ‘real food that matters for life’s moments.’ It will provide our consumers with an even greater variety of better-for-you snacks. The combination of Snyder’s-Lance brands with Pepperidge Farm, Arnott’s and Kelsen will create a diversified snacking leader,” commented Denise Morrison, Campbell’s President and CEO. “This acquisition will dramatically transform Campbell, shifting our center of gravity and further diversifying our portfolio into the faster-growing snacking category.”

Campbells has not yet said if they will be making any layoffs at the Syder’s-Lance headquarters in Ballantyne, or if they will keep the Syder’s-Lance name.

Syder’s-Lance currently employs about 1,300 people in Ballantyne.

The deal is expected to close in the summer of 2018.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and Stephen Curry Want To Buy The Panthers

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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and Stephen Curry Want To Buy The Panthers

After yesterday’s announcement that Jerry Richardson plans on selling the Carolina Panthers at the end of this season, several celebrities and business figures began announcing on social media their desire to buy the team.

Two of the most serious announcements undoubtedly came from legendary rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs (aka Puff Daddy) and NBA star Stephen Curry.

Diddy announced his intentions in a series of Tweets;

and a very personal video message on his Instagram account;

In his Instagram video, Diddy calls our team the “North Carolina Panthers”, says he will be the “best owner you could imagine”, and also says he will sign Colin Kaepernick and put him in the running to be next year’s starting quarterback.

Stephen Curry’s announcement was slightly more subtle…simply saying “I want in!” in response to Diddy’s tweets;

Diddy then responded back by saying “Holla at me, let’s get it!”

Given Diddy’s estimated 2017 net worth of $820 million, and the fact that Stephen Curry will make over $47 million in 2017 alone, the two may have enough money between them to buy the franchise…depending on how close their bid gets to it’s recent $2.2 billion valuation.

Update 12/18/2017 11:30am

Colin Kaepernick has just tweeted out that he wants in:

What do you think about Diddy buying the Panthers?

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