Former NC Governor Roy Cooper Joins High-Stakes Senate Battle

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Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper officially entered the 2026 U.S. Senate race on Monday, launching his campaign with a video announcement posted to social media. His decision follows Republican Sen. Thom Tillis’ decision not to seek reelection after sharp criticism from former President Donald Trump.

In the announcement, Cooper, a Democrat, focused on strengthening the middle class and defending Social Security and Medicaid. He said he’s “had enough” of Washington politicians raising the national debt and “disrespecting” veterans.

Cooper’s candidacy marks a major shift in a race that Democrats see as critical to regaining control of the U.S. Senate. Despite dominating recent gubernatorial races, the party has not won a North Carolina Senate seat since 2008.

In the video, Cooper highlighted his background as state attorney general and two-term governor. He noted his efforts to prosecute fraud, regulate powerful industries, and work across the aisle to expand Medicaid and balance the state budget.

His entry complicates the field for fellow Democrat and former Congressman Wiley Nickel, who launched his campaign in April. Nickel previously declined to say whether he would remain in the race if Cooper joined.

On the Republican side, RNC Chair Michael Whatley is expected to enter the race soon. Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of the former president, confirmed she would not run. In a statement Monday, the National Republican Senatorial Committee dismissed Cooper as a “Democrat lapdog.”

The race is expected to become one of the most competitive in the country, with high stakes for both parties heading into 2026.

Charlotte Setting New Historic Temperature Records as Dangerous Heat Wave Continues

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Charlotte is now battling a brutal heat wave, with temperatures reaching 102 degrees Sunday — the city’s hottest day in 13 years. Saturday hit 101 degrees, setting a new record for July 26.

Forecasts show highs between 96 and 100 degrees through Thursday, with “feels-like” temperatures of 105 to 110 degrees. Heat alerts remain in effect across the Carolinas. This could end up being the could be hottest week in Charlotte’s history.

The elderly, young children, and anyone who suffers from heat sensitivity, respiratory conditions, or heart or lung disease should limit their time outside this weekend.

If you’re planning on spending an extended amount of time outside this week, make sure you wear breathable clothes and consider getting a small fan, personal air conditioner, or evaporative cooling towel.

Relief is expected by Friday when a cold front brings cooler temperatures to the region.

Stay safe out there!

7 Moments When IGETHI Is Better Than a Glass of Wine

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Wine is not just another alcoholic drink; it is called the nectar of God. It has long held the spotlight in every social gathering, date night, and post-work rituals. But the vibe, the mode, and the preference are changing in 2025. Igethi is taking place and redefining how we unwind, socialise, and enjoy everyday moments.

Low in THC, high in chill, and refreshingly hangover-free, iGETHi offers a smooth social experience without the baggage that often comes with alcohol. Is your interest in it wellness-driven? Sober-curious? Fed up with groggy mornings? No matter the circumstances, Igethi is the newest addition to your routine. So, what are some of the situations in our lives when it is better to access Igethi than to pour a glass of wine, and every time? 

Unwinding After a Long Workday

When we have faced a marathon day in terms of meetings, to-do lists, and our minds are tired, most of us are craving something that will tell us it is time to relax. Alcohol is sometimes just the easy option, but it is usually followed by a hangover, sleepless nights, or an embarrassing second glass when you think the first one is over. It is difficult to make the right decision. 

Igethi is the better alcohol alternative and clean choice. And it does a very nice job, too, thanks to that tiny 5mg amount of THC, gradually letting you out of work mode and into evening come-down in such a gentle fashion that you even avoid getting high. You are not messy, but mellow. You do not wake up a wreck. It gives you relaxation at your choice, without any side effects.

Casual Hangouts with Friends

These are the occasions when a proper drink makes the difference. Not all want wine, and not all want to get buzzed in a minute. Igethi is both the most sociable and sippable, and the most inclusive. It initiates the discussion without making it sloppy. You are airy, free, and cozy. Better still, Igethi is open to non-drunkards who would equally like to get into the party. Igethi differs because it would divide the group between those who drink and those who do not, instead of making it a shared experience that everyone can vibe. It is a beverage that tells people: “Aim to cool, not crash.”

First Dates Where You Want to Stay Sharp and Chill

A first date is stressful enough as it is-you do not want to worry over every sentence that you say or about creating a positive impression. A glass of wine can help to ease the edge, but you can also lose touch with things and find yourself in an embarrassing position. Learn about Igethi alcohol alternative. It calms your nerves and maintains composure, combined with good mind focus. 

The minimal amount of THC will allow you to remain connected, witty, and self-confident, without the threat of getting drunk. You can be yourself, focus, and hear the other person, and you need not fear of wine breath and being too drunk. It is that sense of serene security in a can that you never knew you had.

Self-Care Nights

You have lit a candle, fired up your favorite show, and changed into the comfiest attire. It is your day. But instead of reaching for wine—which can sometimes derail your peace with sugar crashes or sleep disruptions—crack open an Igethi. It brings straight-up composure, uncompromised. No munchies that come with alcohol, no empty calories, no guilt. Nothing serious, just a bright, joyous buzz that allows you to remain within a moment. 

Igethi blocks your usual self-care activities and instead complements them. It helps you take the time to reflect and meditate or even just do nothing, in the form of a drink that helps you recharge instead of ruining your rest period.

Sunday Brunch: Skip the Bubbles, Keep the Buzz

When it comes to Igethi, it comes with the sparkle, but there is no slump. It is clean, fresh, and leaves you with a smooth boost that goes well with eggs Benedict and sundry discussions. It is also socially inclusive- perfect drink to have in hand when your friends are off booze, yet they want something entertaining. Igethi allows you to get all the buzz without missing the day. It keeps you alive, awake, and alert, so you can brunch it hard and still take the rest of your Sunday.

Family Gatherings Where You Need a Vibe, Not a Buzz

Family events are great, and you need to be honest here: they are all fabulous and so emotionally draining. A glass of wine could serve to dull the edge, but it could also fog your thoughts or make you quick to respond. Igethi makes you synchronize with your relations, instead of avoiding them. 

You remain composed and light-footed, and yet you are alert enough to get involved meaningfully. You can laugh easier at the embarrassing moments, sail through the small talk, and be perfectly present. And no danger of blabbing something you may regret at the dinner table. It makes your energy go to the ground, and this is what your family time most often requires.

Final Sip

Whether it be casual venues to a more intimate solo hangout, Igethi has shown that you do not have to be drunk to have a good time. It’s sleek, plant-based buzz, clear-cut ingredients, and sociable style. Igethi is not just a beverage, but a mindset change. Better sleep, fewer hangovers, an alternative way to party: you may be after any one of these things; what you get is a healthier form of feel-good with Igethi. This is the time to elevate your standards, and you can.

 

 

    

I-485 Collision Claims Six Lives in One of Charlotte’s Worst Crashes

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Six people died and one teenager survived after a horrific crash on I-485 near Walkers Ferry Road Saturday morning, according to officials with the Steele Creek Fire Department.

At 11:06 a.m., a Honda CRV driven by 16-year-old Paul Sauer collided with a Chrysler van, pushing both vehicles beneath a tractor-trailer. Sauer and five passengers in the van were killed, including the van’s driver, 27-year-old Samuel Holmes, and children ages 1, 3, and 8. A 16-year-old girl from the van survived and was hospitalized. The tractor-trailer driver was not injured.

Crews worked more than five hours in extreme heat to lift the truck and reach the trapped vehicles. No charges are expected, but the investigation continues.

The crash closed the outer loop of I-485 for several hours. Emergency responders are receiving mental health support following the tragic scene.

Forest Forms Opening Night Offers First Look at Fort Mill’s Newest Outdoor Art Exhibition at ASCG

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The Anne Springs Close Greenway invites art and nature lovers to an exclusive preview of Forest Forms, a new outdoor art exhibition, during a special premiere on Friday, September 12 from 5:00 to 8:00PM at the Greenway Canteen at the Lake Haigler entrance. Celebrate the debut with festive drinks, hors d’oeuvres, live music and an exclusive first look at this immersive outdoor exhibit. This one-night-only Opening Night Fundraiser invites guests to embark on an enchanting first look journey through Forest Forms, a captivating exhibit featuring eighteen large-scale sculptures by acclaimed artist Huelani Mei

The Forest Forms exhibition at the Anne Springs Close Greenway, presented in partnership with Visit York County, and part of the Charlotte International Arts Festival, opens to the public on Saturday, September 13, and will remain on display through January 11, 2026.

Forest Forms Opening Night at Anne Springs Close Greenway:
Date: Friday, September 12, 2025
Time: 5:00 – 8:00PM
Location: Greenway Canteen, Lake Haigler Entrance
Address: 2573 Lake Haigler Drive, Fort Mill, SC
Tickets: https://e.givesmart.com/events/JoO/
Learn more about Forest Forms: https://www.ascgreenway.org/visit/forest-forms

Earthquake Strikes The North Carolina Rainforest Early This Morning

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A 1.3 magnitude earthquake just struck the NC rainforest this morning at 4:41 am.

The quake had a depth of 1.9 km and an epicenter of 35.142°N 82.899°W, just west of Rosman, NC, in the heart of the NC rainforest.

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?

Update – Feds Seize 156 Pounds of Fentanyl in South Carolina – Enough To Kill 35 Million People

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UPDATE 7/24/2025:

According to a press release from the department of justice, the 2 brothers operating the tractor trailer with the fentanyl inside, were just indicted yesterday.

26-year-old Alberto Rios-Landeros and 23-year-old Chris Guadalupe Rios-Landeros have now been indicted on charges of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Both now face a maximum penalty of up to life in prison.

Original article 7/16/2025:

Federal agents recently seized over 156 pounds of fentanyl in Lexington County, South Carolina, as part of a major anti-drug operation.

According to the DEA, just two milligrams of fentanyl—about the size of a few grains of salt—can be lethal. One kilogram (2.2 pounds) of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people. Therefore, the 156 pounds seized in Lexington County—roughly 71 kilograms—could have potentially killed over 35 million people.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), working with SC state and local partners, also recovered 44 pounds of methamphetamine and a firearm. One suspect was arrested but not yet identified.

The operation is part of a nationwide crackdown that has already yielded substantial results. So far in 2025, authorities have confiscated nearly 44 million fentanyl pills, 4,500 pounds of fentanyl powder, and 65,000 pounds of methamphetamine across the country.

“Our DEA agents are doing historic work to keep our communities safe from deadly drugs like fentanyl and dismantle the cartels selling them,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi in an official Justice Department press release. “I want to remind all Americans to exercise extreme caution: a pill can kill.”

Officials say the Lexington County case highlights the scale and urgency of the ongoing fentanyl crisis. They continue to emphasize collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies in curbing drug trafficking.

Summary of Other Recent DEA Operations:

  • Lexington County, SC: Seized 156 lbs of fentanyl, 44 lbs of meth, a firearm; one arrest.

  • Gainesville, GA: Seized 705 lbs of meth hidden in cucumbers; two arrests.

  • Minneapolis, MN: Recovered 889 lbs of meth and a handgun; three arrests.

  • Kern County, CA: Shut down meth lab; seized 240 lbs of crystal meth and 151 gallons of liquid meth; five arrests.

  • Fresno, CA: Seized 24 lbs of carfentanyl disguised as pills—largest in Northern California.

  • Galveston, TX: Found 1,700 lbs of meth worth $15M hidden in a vehicle.

  • Austin, TX: Seized 783 lbs of meth inside a truck carrying blueberries.

  • IN/KY/AZ (multi-state): Confiscated 59 illegal firearms, 74 lbs meth, 11 lbs fentanyl, 11 lbs cocaine; 23 arrests.

  • Miami, FL: Seized $10M in crypto linked to the Sinaloa cartel.

  • El Paso, TX: Found 115 lbs of meth in a GPS-tracked vehicle.

  • Omaha, NE: Dismantled poly-drug ring; seized guns and fentanyl pills.

Flight Attendant Sentenced For Filming Teenage Girl in Bathroom on Flight From Charlotte

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Former American Airlines flight attendant Estes Carter Thompson III has just received an 18-year-and-six-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to attempted sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography.

On a flight from Charlotte to Boston, a 14-year-old girl was directed by Thompson to an unoccupied first-class lavatory. Investigators found that Thompson led her there and then claimed he needed to wash his hands and fix a broken toilet seat. When Thompson left, the teen entered the bathroom and noticed red stickers on the underside of the open toilet seat lid. Hidden beneath, Thompson’s iPhone was recording video, officials confirmed. The girl photographed the stickers and concealed device before exiting. She promptly reported the incident, triggering the investigation.

Thompson was then arrested in his Virginia home, where agents uncovered hundreds of AI-generated child sexual abuse images in Thompson’s iCloud account. Images of four other girls, captured on earlier flights, were also found.

The victim’s family filed a lawsuit against American Airlines, alleging the airline knew or should have known Thompson posed a danger. They claimed other crew members’ failure to seize his phone allowed potential evidence destruction. American Airlines settled with the family.

According to a press release from the Justice Department, this case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

First Raising Cane’s in Charlotte Region Coming to Rock Hill

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Raising Cane’s is entering the Charlotte region for the first time with a new restaurant planned for Rock Hill.

This marks the company’s first confirmed deal in the region as it begins expanding across Charlotte and surrounding communities, according to the Charlotte Business Journal.

The popular chicken fingers chain will build a 2,800-square-foot standalone location with a drive-thru at 520 John Ross Parkway, replacing the former Bob Evans site.

The Rock Hill location signals Raising Cane’s broader push into the Carolinas’ competitive fast-casual dining market.

North Carolina Awards $204 Million for Water Infrastructure Upgrades Across 27 Counties

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North Carolina has approved over $204 million in funding for 48 water infrastructure projects across 27 counties, aiming to enhance public health, environmental safety, and climate resilience.

The investments will improve drinking water and wastewater systems, remove PFAS contaminants, identify and replace lead service lines, and strengthen infrastructure against future storms. The funding comes from the State Revolving Funds (SRF) and federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) programs, which offer low-interest loans and grants for critical utility upgrades.

“At DEQ, we’re committed to ensuring everyone in North Carolina has access to clean water,” said Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson in a press release. “This funding will address aging infrastructure and improve public health for communities large and small.”

Key awards include:

  • Fayetteville Public Works Commission (Cumberland County): $20.5 million to install PFAS-removal technology at the Glenville Lake Water Treatment Plant.

  • Town of Bryson City (Swain County): $9.2 million to upgrade its wastewater treatment plant.

  • City of Lexington (Davidson County): $13.7 million for solids handling improvements at its regional wastewater plant.

  • City of Graham (Alamance County): $3.4 million to address PFAS at the Graham-Mebane Water Treatment Plant.

  • City of Lenoir (Caldwell County): $6.6 million for wastewater and lead service line projects.

  • City of Sanford (Lee County): $9.3 million for sewer rehabilitation and lead line inventories.

  • Town of River Bend (Craven County): $6.3 million for Phase II drinking water improvements.

Additionally, Carolina Water Service, Inc. will receive $5.5 million for six PFAS and lead mitigation projects across Cumberland, Gaston, Moore, and Pender counties.

These projects were selected from 133 eligible applications, which collectively sought $1.57 billion in funding. Awards were finalized by the State Water Infrastructure Authority during its July 16 meeting.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) notes that these investments are vital for maintaining safe, sustainable, and modern water systems statewide.

For a full list of awarded projects, visit the NCDEQ Division of Water Infrastructure website.