One of the largest new parks in the Charlotte region is coming to Gaston County after officials purchased 562 acres along Lake Wylie that will be permanently preserved instead of developed.
County leaders say the property, known as Catawba Cove, will become a new outdoor destination featuring hiking and mountain biking trails, public access to Lake Wylie, and a new connection to the Carolina Thread Trail.
“Conserving lands for recreation strengthens local economies, improves community health and inspires future generations to the cause of conservation,” said Senior Conservation Fund Rep Amanda Byrum in a press release. “We’re thrilled that this partnership will provide a new park with first-class trails and amenities and play a crucial role in protecting water quality in the region.”
The land, formerly owned by Duke Energy, marks the culmination of a years-long conservation effort led in part by the Catawba Lands Conservancy.
Plans for the park include six miles of public trails, with portions connecting to the Carolina Thread Trail network. The new link will connect visitors to destinations along the 23-mile Matthews-Belk South Fork River Corridor, including Daniel Stowe Conservancy and Spencer Mountain.
The project is expected to expand recreational opportunities, improve public lake access, and preserve the natural landscape for generations to come.
Inmates just overpowered guards and took control of a North Carolina jail.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation said inmates overpowered staff at the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center around 5 am, taking two correctional officers hostage. A third officer escaped and alerted authorities.
Over 20 local, state, and federal agencies, including the FBI, responded to the scene as negotiators and tactical teams worked to end the standoff.
Officials said all hostages were safely released, no fatalities were reported, and everyone inside the facility is now accounted for. Several inmates and staff members suffered injuries and are receiving treatment.
The detention center housed 88 inmates at the time of the incident. Officials have since transferred inmates to other facilities while damage is assessed.
Authorities said there was never a threat to the public because the incident remained contained within the jail.
Investigators have not determined what sparked the takeover. The SBI said the investigation remains ongoing.
The Charlotte Hornets Foundation and Nourish Up announced today a $1 million investment through the Chairman’s Legacy Fund that will expand access to nutritious meals and essential support services for thousands of Mecklenburg County residents. The investment was celebrated at Nourish Up with the unveiling of Home Court Kitchen presented by the Charlotte Hornets.
Established in 2024 by Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE) Co-Chairmen Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin, the Chairman’s Legacy Fund represents ownership’s enduring commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change throughout Charlotte and the Carolinas through impactful, uplifting and generational community investments. This year’s initiative establishes a lifetime presenting partnership for Nourish Up’s new Home Court Kitchen, a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen that will dramatically expand the organization’s ability to serve homebound seniors and medically vulnerable neighbors.
Nourish Up currently delivers more than 143,000 medically tailored meals annually through its Meals on Wheels program. The new 10,000-plus-square-foot facility is expected to increase meal production capacity by up to five times while incorporating fresh, locally sourced ingredients, expanding medically tailored meal offerings, increasing volunteer engagement opportunities and improving operational efficiency. The enhanced capacity will allow more than 170,000 Mecklenburg County residents to safely age in place while receiving the nutritional support they need through grocery and meal programming.
“From day one, our vision for the Chairman’s Legacy Fund has been to invest in projects that create measurable, generational impact for the communities we serve,” said Hornets Sports & Entertainment Co-Chairmen Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin. “Home Court Kitchen presented by the Charlotte Hornets is more than a facility – it’s a commitment to dignity, health and independence for thousands of our neighbors. We are proud to partner with Nourish Up on a project that will strengthen our community today while creating a lasting legacy for future generations.”
Thursday’s unveiling event at Nourish Up featured a check presentation, ceremonial ribbon-cutting and tour of the facility. Hornets ownership, team executives, Nourish Up leadership, community partners and the Hornets 2026 NBA Draft class were in attendance to celebrate the opening of the Home Court Kitchen.
“We are deeply grateful to the Charlotte Hornets, especially the Hornets ownership group, for this extraordinary investment in our community,” said Nourish Up CEO Tina Postel. “Their belief in the Nourish Up mission to end food insecurity and build a community where everyone thrives strengthens our work and expands our impact. The new Home Court Kitchen presented by the Charlotte Hornets reflects what is possible when organizations come together with a shared commitment to ensuring every neighbor has the nourishment they need to succeed.”
The Chairman’s Legacy Fund continues to serve as a cornerstone of the organization’s community impact efforts. In its inaugural year, the Fund refurbished and transformed nine Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools gymnasiums, creating safe, inclusive state-of-the-art spaces for students. In 2025, it supported Hurricane Helene relief and recovery efforts across Western North Carolina, helping communities rebuild in the wake of the devastating storm.
With this latest investment, Hornets ownership continues to deepen its commitment to strengthening communities across the Carolinas, leveraging the power of sport, philanthropy and partnership to address critical needs and create opportunities that extend far beyond the basketball court.
Charlotte area residents in earshot of the nuclear power plants on Lake Wylie and Lake Norman are about to hear emergency siren blasts on July 1st.
The Catawba and McGuire nuclear station sirens will be tested between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and may sound for five to 30 seconds. Officials said anyone who hears them during that window does not need to take action.
Some sirens could sound more than once, and follow-up testing may continue after 1 p.m. if maintenance crews need to check certain units again.
The test covers a large network of sirens around both plants, including 89 sirens near the Catawba Nuclear Station in York County and 67 sirens near the McGuire Nuclear Station in Huntersville.
Because this is only a test, local TV and radio stations will not interrupt programming with emergency alerts. In a real emergency, those stations would broadcast public instructions.
The testing is being done with emergency management agencies in Mecklenburg, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, and Catawba counties, along with York County in South Carolina.
For people around Charlotte, Lake Norman, and Lake Wylie, the bottom line is simple: if you hear a siren late Wednesday morning, it’s probably just the scheduled nuclear warning system test.
Last night, the York County Council unanimously approved the second-reading for incentives for Octapharma’s proposed $1.5 billion U.S. headquarters and plasma therapy manufacturing campus at Palmetto Research Park in Rock Hill.
The Swiss biopharmaceutical company plans to process donated human plasma into life-saving therapies, including immunoglobulins, coagulation factors, and albumin for rare diseases, immune disorders, and critical care. The project is expected to create over 1,200 direct jobs with strong average wages.
Councilman Bump Roddey’s amendment adjusted the FILOT tax revenue split: Rock Hill Schools would forgo 31.9% (improved from 50%), York County 50%, and the City of Rock Hill 100% of its share. While this directs more funding to schools, it requires separate City of Rock Hill approval. If the City rejects the change, the incentive package — and potentially the entire project — could be at risk.
A final City vote is now a key next step. Construction is slated to begin late 2026 if all approvals move forward.
Update – June 29th at 10am:
The York County Council has called a special meeting for tonight (June 29th) at 6pm to announced who the company is and what exactly they will be doing.
According to York County, “You’ll be able to learn who the company is, hear from them directly and receive details about their future plans during a public hearing and second reading before Council, scheduled for June 29, 2026. The public will also have the opportunity to provide feedback to Council during the meeting as well. The meeting will be held at the York County Government Center, located at 6 S. Congress Street in York.”
Original Article – June 14th at 8pm:
via palmettoresearchpark.com
A mysterious company operating under the code name “Project Palmetto Rock” could soon become the largest economic development investment in York County history.
York County Council is being asked to approve a Fee-in-Lieu of Tax agreement and other incentives for the project, including special source revenue credits designed to help attract the investment. Council will also consider authorizing staff to apply for a $65 million grant from the South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development, for site preparation, road improvements, and construction-related costs.
What makes Project Palmetto Rock unusual is the reference to establishing a “corporate headquarters.” Most major pharmaceutical companies, including Eli Lilly and Company and Novo Nordisk, typically announce manufacturing facilities rather than new headquarters locations. Based on this, it’s likely the project could involve a foreign biopharmaceutical company establishing a North American headquarters, regional headquarters, or flagship U.S. campus rather than simply adding another factory.
The most likely candidates are Samsung Biologics, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and Lonza Group. All three companies have invested billions of dollars in advanced biologics manufacturing facilities in recent years and have pursued major U.S. expansion efforts.
The project is planned for land associated with the failed Panthers headquarters development near Interstate 77, which local officials have since rebranded as part of the Palmetto Research Park initiative.
The site is located within District 5, represented by York County Council Chairwoman Christi Cox.
The Panthers Fiasco — Christi Cox’s Central Role and Costly Failure
In 2020–2022, York County Council Chairwoman Christi Cox was one of the most vocal and active supporters of the Panthers project to be built in her district. Under her leadership, the County approved massive tax incentives and infrastructure commitments. When the deal began collapsing in early 2022 over Rock Hill’s failure to deliver promised bonds, Cox issued public statements insisting York County had “performed all of its obligations in good faith” and would “take all necessary measures to protect the taxpayers.”
York County and Rock Hill poured massive public resources into that project. When it collapsed in 2022, York County sued Tepper’s development entities and ultimately recovered $21 million in a settlement. But the true cost to taxpayers was far higher: forgone tax revenue, hundreds of millions in promised infrastructure, years of legal battles, demolished buildings, and a shattered reputation for economic development competence. The fiasco left local governments with empty land, broken promises, and a lingering financial hangover.
Same Playbook, New Code Name
This is part of a disturbing pattern in the region. Silfab Solar’s controversial chemical manufacturing facility in Fort Mill was originally hidden behind the code name “Project Mountie.” The massive QTS data center project was known internally as “Project Cobra.” Each time, local officials have used confidential code names to shield major deals from public scrutiny.
While Rock Hill handles this latest mystery buyer, York County — still led by Chairwoman Christi Cox — continues to demonstrate the same troubling approach to major projects.
Cox and County Manager Josh Edwards ignored the law to push forward Silfab’s toxic chemical factory directly next to elementary and middle schools, with their staff issuing all permits to Silfab after the Board of Zoning Appeals ruled their use prohibited in the Light Industrial district.
The pattern is unmistakable. Whether it was the Panthers headquarters collapse, the continued defense of Silfab’s unlawful operations, or the mishandling the QTS data centers, Chairwoman Christi Cox has repeatedly been at the center of decisions that prioritize big promises and insider deals over transparency, fiscal restraint, and public safety.
York County residents have already paid a steep price for the Panthers fiasco. With another secret code-name deal unfolding on the exact same ground — and the same leadership still in charge — taxpayers have every reason to demand full transparency and accountability before more public money and community trust are put at risk.
Meteorologists warn of a dangerous heat wave hitting the Charlotte region this week.
The National Weather Service forecasts sweltering highs Monday through Wednesday. Heat indices will soar above 100 degrees across greater Charlotte. Residents must prepare now for the intensifying threat.
🥵 Summer heat is turning up this week. Heat index values will reach the upper 90s to around 100°F today and Tuesday, with 100-105°F possible across parts of Upstate SC and northeast GA. Stay hydrated and take frequent breaks. #scwx#ncwx#gawxpic.twitter.com/7LiU6NapXe
Heat danger grows steadily over several days. Elevated overnight temperatures make recovery harder for the body. Nightly lows will climb higher as the week progresses.
North Carolina faces moderate to high extreme heat risk on July Fourth. Forecasters expect the holiday to feel dangerously hot and sticky.
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 Sunday when a cold front will bring temperatures back down into the 90s for our region.
Commuting through south Charlotte is about to get more expensive as toll lane fees are about to increase on I-485.
Beginning June 29, the North Carolina Turnpike Authority will raise tolls by up to 25 cents on five express lane segments during peak travel times.
Since opening in late February, the I-485 Express Lanes have logged more than 750,000 trips. Transportation officials say the targeted rate changes will help preserve reliable travel times as more drivers use the corridor.
The NC Quick Pass toll calculator has been updated with the new rates, and officials say additional adjustments could be made as traffic patterns change.
Drivers with an NC Quick Pass will be able to receive a 50% discount on North Carolina toll roads.
State transportation officials will continue monitoring traffic conditions and adjusting tolls as needed to keep the profits increasing.
The Charlotte Hornets have made one of the biggest moves in franchise history, trading former All-Star LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a blockbuster deal that has sparked strong reactions from fans across the Carolinas.
Many Hornets supporters quickly criticized the move online, calling it one of the franchise’s biggest mistakes in years. Others believe the trade gives Charlotte a chance to accelerate its rebuild with additional draft capital.
The Hornets traded Ball and reserve guard Josh Green to Minnesota in exchange for forward Naz Reid, an unprotected 2033 first-round draft pick, first-round pick swaps in 2028, 2029, and 2030, and three second-round picks in 2029, 2032, and 2033.
Ball leaves Charlotte after six NBA seasons that included an NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2021 and an All-Star selection in 2022. He averaged more than 20 points per game in each of the past five seasons and played 72 games last year, one of the healthiest and most productive seasons of his career.
Selected third overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, Lamelo Ball quickly became the face of the Hornets franchise. His flashy passing, deep shooting range, and high-profile family brought international attention to Charlotte and helped make him one of the league’s most recognizable young stars.
For Minnesota, the move creates a dynamic backcourt featuring Ball alongside All-Star Anthony Edwards. Reports indicated the Timberwolves were searching for another elite playmaker to strengthen their roster after concerns about keeping Edwards surrounded with championship-caliber talent.
Charlotte, meanwhile, adds one of the NBA’s top reserve forwards in Naz Reid while significantly increasing its future draft assets. The collection of picks and swaps gives the Hornets additional flexibility as they continue building for the future.
Whether the trade ultimately becomes a turning point or a missed opportunity will depend on how Charlotte develops its new assets and how Ball performs in Minnesota. For now, one thing is certain: the Hornets have moved on from the player who defined the franchise for much of the past six seasons, marking the beginning of a new era in Charlotte basketball.
Charlotte light rail riders could soon face more frequent ticket checks as city leaders move to crack down on fare evasion and improve safety across the transit system.
Charlotte City Council has approved a new “fare ambassador” program that will place uniformed inspectors on CATS trains to verify passengers have paid before riding.
The city approved a three-year, approximately $5 million contract with Block by Block to operate the program.
Charlotte City Council unanimously voted in favor of the $5 million fare ambassador program. No discussion pic.twitter.com/y1HM4qGFk8
CATS has already increased ticket checks in recent months, and officials estimate that roughly half of Blue Line riders were not paying fares earlier this year.
Officials have not yet announced when the program will begin or how many inspectors will be hired.
Shopping and dining in Charlotte are about to get more expensive. Beginning July 1, Mecklenburg County’s new 1% local sales tax officially takes effect, increasing the total sales tax rate from 7.25% to 8.25% (a 13.6% total increase).
The tax increase was approved by voters during a countywide referendum on Nov. 4, 2025. County leaders say the additional revenue will help fund transportation projects, including road improvements and transit expansion.
Starting Tuesday, the new 8.25% combined sales tax rate will apply to most purchases of tangible personal property, certain digital products, and other transactions already subject to North Carolina sales tax.
The new tax rate is made up of:
State tax: 4.75%
County tax: 2.00%
Transit tax: 0.50%
New additional county tax: 1.00%
Total sales tax:8.25%
The additional 1% tax does not apply to several items that are already taxed at special rates, including qualifying food, aircraft, boats, manufactured and modular homes, electricity, piped natural gas, telecommunications services, aviation fuel, video programming, and spirituous liquor.
The change also affects Mecklenburg County businesses. Retailers must begin collecting the new tax rate on all eligible sales beginning July 1 and use updated state sales tax forms for reporting periods after the change takes effect. Businesses that file electronically will see the new rate automatically reflected in the state’s online filing system.
For shoppers, the increase means paying an additional $1 in sales tax for every $100 spent on most taxable purchases. A $500 purchase, for example, will now cost an extra $5 in sales tax compared to last month.
The new tax makes Mecklenburg County one of the higher-taxed shopping destinations in North Carolina, with officials expecting the additional revenue to support long-term transportation investments across the county.
Inmates just overpowered guards and took control of a North Carolina jail.
The Charlotte Hornets Foundation and Nourish Up announced today a $1 million investment through the Chairman’s Legacy Fund that will expand access to nutritious meals and essential support services for thousands of Mecklenburg County residents. The investment was celebrated at Nourish Up with the unveiling of Home Court Kitchen presented by the Charlotte Hornets.
Charlotte area residents in earshot of the nuclear power plants on Lake Wylie and Lake Norman are about to hear emergency siren blasts on July 1st.
Last night, the York County Council unanimously approved the second-reading for incentives for 
The most likely candidates are 
This is part of a disturbing pattern in the region. Silfab Solar’s controversial chemical manufacturing facility in Fort Mill was originally hidden behind the code name “Project Mountie.” The massive QTS data center project was known internally as “Project Cobra.” Each time, local officials have used confidential code names to shield major deals from public scrutiny.
Meteorologists warn of a dangerous 
Commuting through south Charlotte is about to get more expensive as 
The Charlotte Hornets have made one of the biggest moves in franchise history, trading former All-Star LaMelo Ball to the 
Charlotte light rail riders could soon face more frequent ticket checks as city leaders move to crack down on fare evasion and improve safety across the transit system.
Shopping and dining in Charlotte are about to get more expensive. Beginning July 1, Mecklenburg County’s