New Poll Ranks Charlotte As The 4th Best City in America

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New Poll Ranks Charlotte As The 4th Best City in America

In a recent poll by Clever, Charlotte ranked as the No. 4 best city in America.

The cumulative score is based on how Americans ranked the 50 most-populous US metros, including Charlotte, in the following metrics:

  • Most desirable: No. 2

  • Most underrated: No. 1

  • Prettiest place: No. 7

  • Nicest residents: No. 2

  • Best food: No. 20

  • Least desirable: No. 42

  • Ugliest place: No. 40

  • Rudest residents: No. 35

  • Most annoying residents: No. 28

Nashville has the highest cumulative score, ranking No. 1 for nicest residents and No. 4 for most desirable city.

Positive Traits Negative Traits
Overall Rank Metro/City Most Desirable Rank Most Underrated Rank Prettiest Place Rank Nicest Residents Rank Best Food Rank Least Desirable Rank Ugliest Place Rank Rudest Residents Rank Most Annoying Residents Rank
1 Nashville, TN 4 11 14 1 11 43 49 45 47
2 Denver, CO 8 13 1 10 32 49 50 50 41
3 Raleigh, NC 6 4 18 6 25 46 47 43 44
4 Charlotte, NC 2 1 7 2 20 42 40 35 28
5 Virginia Beach, VA 3 1 1 3 13 20 46 28 20
6 Orlando, FL 5 22 13 10 21 26 44 32 22
7 Memphis, TN 23 17 32 17 19 38 35 42 43
8 Jacksonville, FL 16 12 23 20 30 33 40 35 28
9 New Orleans, LA 28 47 17 16 2 25 45 40 32
10 Austin, TX 11 3 19 5 8 15 25 18 15
11 Louisville, KY 31 16 37 24 33 43 40 39 46
12 Richmond, VA 29 23 35 29 35 50 48 37 41
13 Tampa, FL 1 5 5 7 10 11 20 11 9
14 Phoenix, AZ 19 33 19 30 38 32 35 44 48
15 Atlanta, GA 7 9 11 4 7 9 15 13 14
16 San Diego, CA 15 20 10 18 26 22 33 23 24
17 Boston, MA 13 6 9 8 6 18 17 7 4
18 San Antonio, TX 22 17 28 19 15 26 23 21 33
19 Seattle, WA 13 7 6 9 17 13 16 15 10
20 Las Vegas, NV 9 39 12 22 4 17 25 18 17
21 Miami, FL 10 45 4 27 18 14 40 16 18
22 Providence, RI 30 27 25 34 37 37 30 30 39
23 Portland, OR 27 31 22 31 33 31 33 34 26
24 Hartford, CT 25 26 33 38 44 39 37 33 36
25 Kansas City, MO 43 37 45 39 29 47 39 48 37
26 Dallas, TX 18 28 26 15 14 16 28 11 16
27 Salt Lake City, UT 33 19 21 24 46 26 31 27 27
28 San Francisco, CA 17 28 3 13 3 3 12 6 3
29 Minneapolis, MN 49 45 44 41 44 47 38 49 48
30 Indianapolis, IN 45 37 50 43 50 45 32 46 50
31 Houston, TX 24 42 39 26 23 21 27 26 23
32 Columbus, OH 44 32 48 44 41 40 21 41 44
33 Washington, DC 20 21 8 13 12 1 3 2 2
34 St. Louis, MO 35 15 31 21 15 12 9 14 13
35 Birmingham, AL 35 13 30 10 27 8 7 17 11
36 San Jose, CA 34 23 33 40 31 19 29 20 21
37 Oklahoma City, OK 41 39 49 34 46 35 14 47 40
38 Baltimore, MD 32 8 24 23 24 7 5 8 8
39 Cincinnati, OH 46 30 42 48 40 34 22 31 34
40 Pittsburgh, PA 40 23 40 37 35 26 8 25 28
41 Milwaukee, WI 48 33 47 44 48 36 18 38 37
42 New York, NY 11 49 15 27 1 2 2 1 1
43 Los Angeles, CA 21 48 16 31 9 6 11 4 6
44 Sacramento, CA 38 41 36 47 41 26 24 23 25
45 Buffalo, NY 39 10 27 33 28 10 4 5 7
46 Chicago, IL 26 35 29 36 5 4 6 3 5
47 Riverside, CA 50 50 41 49 49 40 19 29 35
48 Cleveland, OH 42 36 43 44 39 22 10 22 31
49 Philadelphia, PA 37 44 38 42 22 22 13 10 19
50 Detroit, MI 47 42 45 50 43 5 1 9 12

 

North Carolina ranks as the No. 1 state in America.

Stop Driving These Ford Vehicles Immediately – Urgent Recall Issued For “Sudden Loss of Control”

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Stop Driving These Ford Vehicles Immediately – Urgent Recall Issued For “Sudden Loss of Control”

Ford is telling owners of thousands of Bronco Sport and Maverick vehicles to stop driving them immediately due to a defect that could cause a sudden loss of vehicle control.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall affects 4,653 vehicles, including certain 2021-2026 Bronco Sport models and 2022-2026 Maverick models.

The problem involves front lower control arm ball joints that may have been improperly installed or repaired during assembly.

Ford says the defect could allow the control arm to disconnect from the front wheel knuckle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Because of the safety concern, owners are being advised not to drive affected vehicles until repairs are completed.

Dealers will inspect and repair the suspension components free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning June 5, although affected VINs became searchable on May 29.

The recall is listed as NHTSA Recall Number 26V340000 and Ford Recall Number 26S36.

Owners can check their VIN through NHTSA’s recall database or contact Ford Motor Company customer service at 1-866-436-7332 for more information.

Why More Travelers Are Choosing Road Trips Over Air Travel for Weekend Getaways

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Why More Travelers Are Choosing Road Trips Over Air Travel for Weekend Getaways

For many travelers, the traditional weekend getaway has long involved airport security lines, delayed flights, rental car counters, and tightly packed schedules. Today, however, more people are rediscovering the benefits of traveling by road. Whether heading to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charleston, Asheville, or the North Carolina coast, many travelers are choosing a Luxury Sprinter Van to enjoy greater comfort, flexibility, and convenience while making the journey itself part of the experience.

The shift reflects a growing desire for stress-free travel. Rather than spending valuable vacation time navigating airports and transportation logistics, travelers are looking for ways to maximize their time with family and friends while maintaining complete control over their schedules.

For residents throughout the Charlotte region, road travel offers access to some of the Southeast’s most desirable destinations within just a few hours of home.

The Appeal of Flexible Travel

One of the biggest advantages of road trips is flexibility.

Unlike air travel, which often requires strict adherence to schedules, road travel allows travelers to adjust plans as they go. If a scenic overlook appears along the route, travelers can stop. If a charming downtown district or local restaurant catches their attention, they can explore without worrying about missing a flight.

This freedom has become increasingly valuable as travelers seek more personalized and meaningful experiences.

The Southeast Is Built for Road Trips

Charlotte is uniquely positioned for regional travel. Within a day’s drive, travelers can experience mountain retreats, coastal destinations, historic cities, wine country, lakeside communities, and outdoor adventures.

Popular destinations such as Asheville, Greenville, Charleston, Hilton Head Island, Savannah, and Gatlinburg continue to attract travelers looking for memorable weekend escapes.

Many of these destinations are best experienced by road, where travelers can enjoy scenic routes and discover hidden attractions along the way.

Comfort Has Become a Priority

As more travelers embrace longer road trips, comfort has become a major consideration.

Modern travelers expect more than simply getting from one place to another. They want spacious seating, room to relax, access to technology, and an environment that enhances the overall experience.

Whether traveling with family, friends, or business associates, comfort can significantly improve the quality of a trip. A comfortable travel environment allows passengers to socialize, work, enjoy entertainment, or simply appreciate the scenery.

Family Travel Is Changing

Families have been among the biggest drivers of the road trip resurgence.

Parents are increasingly looking for travel options that simplify logistics while creating opportunities for quality time together. Road trips allow families to travel at their own pace, bring everything they need, and enjoy shared experiences throughout the journey.

For many families, some of the most memorable vacation moments happen between destinations rather than at the destination itself.

Luxury Is Being Redefined

Today’s travelers are redefining what luxury means.

While luxury hotels and premium accommodations remain important, many people now view convenience, flexibility, and time savings as equally valuable. The ability to avoid crowded airports, create custom itineraries, and travel comfortably with loved ones has become a luxury in its own right.

This shift is changing the way people approach vacations and weekend getaways.

Why the Trend Continues to Grow

As travel preferences continue to evolve, road trips are becoming an increasingly attractive option for individuals, families, and groups seeking a more enjoyable travel experience.

The combination of flexibility, comfort, convenience, and access to incredible destinations makes road travel particularly appealing for residents throughout the Charlotte area.

While air travel will always have its place, more travelers are discovering that the journey can be just as rewarding as the destination. For those looking to explore the Southeast, reconnect with family and friends, and enjoy a more relaxed approach to travel, the open road continues to offer possibilities that few other forms of transportation can match.

Darden Restaurants Building New $9.35 Million Regional Hub in Rock Hill

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Darden Restaurants Building New $9.35 Million Regional Hub in Rock Hill
On Monday night, York County Council unanimously approved a major economic development grant for “Project Brisk”. Code name “Project Brisk” is actually GMRI, Inc. – a major subsidiary of Darden Restaurants (the parent company of Olive Garden, Capital Grille, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen).
This new Rock Hill project will bring:
– $9.35 Million investment in Rock Hill
– 80 new full-time jobs paying an average of $28.10 per hour with full benefits
– A new manufacturing and distribution facility at 3623 Lazy Hawk Rd.
The company plans to have operations up and running by October 2026, with all hires completed by the end of the year. They also have plans to potentially expand into a Mid-Atlantic regional logistics hub.

$3.75 Million Lawsuit Against Hornets Star LaMelo Ball Headed to Trial

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$3.75 Million Lawsuit Against Hornets Star LaMelo Ball Headed to Trial
A lawsuit seeking $3.75 million from Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball is headed toward trial, nearly two years after a child was allegedly injured outside Spectrum Center.
The trial is currently scheduled to begin during the week of June 15, according to court records.
The lawsuit stems from an incident that allegedly occurred after the Hornets’ “Purple and Teal Day at the Hive” event on Oct. 7, 2023.

According to the complaint, Ball was leaving Spectrum Center when fans surrounded his vehicle near a traffic light outside the arena.

The plaintiff alleges Ball drove away in a “grossly negligent and reckless manner,” causing his vehicle to strike her son’s foot.

The lawsuit claims the child suffered serious injuries and that the incident caused significant emotional and financial hardship for the family.

Ball has denied the allegations.

His attorneys are asking the court to split the trial into phases, with jurors first deciding liability before considering compensatory and potential punitive damages.

Unless the case is settled beforehand, a jury is expected to hear the dispute later this month.

Officer-Involved Shooting During Crimes Against Children Warrant at Fort Mill Apartments

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Officer-Involved Shooting During Crimes Against Children Warrant at Fort Mill Apartments

A suspect was hospitalized Tuesday morning after an officer-involved shooting at a Fort Mill apartment complex during the execution of an Internet Crimes Against Children warrant.

According to the York County Sheriff’s Office, authorities were serving the warrant at the Sycamore Apartments off Springfield Parkway when the suspect allegedly fired shots at law enforcement officers.

Deputies returned fire, striking the suspect, who was transported to a hospital for treatment.

Officials confirmed that no law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

The shooting led to a large police presence at the apartment complex and drew attention from nearby residents.

Authorities said the operation involved officers with the Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit assisting with the execution of the warrant.

As is standard procedure, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is conducting an independent investigation into the shooting.

Officials have not released the suspect’s identity, condition, or additional details about the warrant.

SLED is expected to release more information as the investigation continues.

Insurance Giant Amwins to Build New 15-Story Headquarters in Charlotte’s SouthPark

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Insurance Giant Amwins to Build New 15-Story Headquarters in Charlotte’s SouthPark

One of Charlotte’s largest privately held companies is preparing to build a major new headquarters in the heart of SouthPark.

Amwins Group will break ground later this month on a 15-story, 250,000-square-foot office tower at the former Sharon Station site on Sharon Road.

The company was founded in Charlotte in 1998 and has grown into one of the world’s largest distributors of specialty insurance products and services. Today, it employs thousands of people globally, including more than 500 in Charlotte.

The new tower will feature nine office floors above six parking levels, along with a lobby and approximately 7,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. Six existing buildings on the property are expected to be demolished next week to make way for construction.

Amwins purchased the site from Childress Klein in December 2024 for $16.8 million.

The company plans to begin moving employees into portions of the building during late 2028, with full completion expected in early 2030.

The project comes as Amwins continues expanding its business. Last month, the company completed its acquisition of NARDAC, a specialist energy and infrastructure broker, and folded the operation into its newly branded Energy, Power and Infrastructure practice.

Charlotte-based Keith Corp is developing the project, while Brasfield & Gorrie will serve as lead contractor.

The headquarters project represents one of the largest new office developments planned in SouthPark and further reinforces Charlotte’s growing reputation as a major center for financial and insurance companies.

Buc-ee’s Announces Official Groundbreaking for Its First NC Location and Largest in South East

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Buc-ee’s Announces Official Groundbreaking for Its First NC Location and Largest in South East

One of North Carolina’s most anticipated new projects is finally moving forward. Buc-ee’s has just announced it will break ground on it’s largest Buc-ees location in the South East next week.

The new location will be built at 1447 Trollingwood-Hawfields Road inside the 1,200-acre NC Commerce Park.

Plans call for a 75,000-square-foot store, roughly the size of 1.3 football fields. The site will also feature 120 gas pumps and about 600 parking spaces.

The project is expected to bring between 200 and 300 full-time jobs, along with around 100 part-time positions. Hourly pay could range from $18 to $33, depending on the role.

Buc-ee’s has developed a strong national following, with 54 locations currently open. Expansion is underway across multiple states, including several new markets.

However, the large-scale development is expected to significantly impact traffic. A study estimates the site could generate more than 2,000 vehicle trips per hour during peak Saturday periods.

Unlike traditional truck stops, the location will not accommodate tractor-trailers.

Currently, South Carolina has one Buc-ee’s, which opened in Florence in 2020. The Mebane site is expected to be significantly larger than that location.

For North Carolina and the greater Charlotte region, the project signals continued growth along key travel corridors. It also highlights increasing demand for large-format travel centers that combine fuel, food, and retail into one destination.

EPA Reviewing Google’s Proposal to Release Millions of Engineered ‘Sterile’ Mosquitoes

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EPA Reviewing Google’s Proposal to Release Millions of Engineered ‘Sterile’ Mosquitoes

Millions of specialized “Google mosquitoes” could soon be released in parts of the United States as part of sweeping new effort to fight the spread of dangerous diseases.

The Environmental Protection Agency recently announced it received an application from Google requesting an Experimental Use Permit for mosquitoes carrying a naturally occurring bacteria called Wolbachia. Because of the project’s potential national significance, the EPA is accepting public comments through June 5.

The proposal comes from Google’s Debug program, which aims to suppress disease-carrying mosquito populations without using pesticides or genetic modification.

The mosquitoes are infected with Wolbachia, a naturally occurring bacteria found in many insects. When released males mate with wild females, the eggs fail to hatch, causing the mosquito population to decline over time.

Google says the technology builds on the Sterile Insect Technique, a pest-control method used for decades on agricultural pests. The company developed automated systems and AI-powered technology to sort male mosquitoes from females before release.

The target species is Aedes aegypti, a mosquito known for spreading diseases such as dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and chikungunya.

Supporters point to results in Singapore, where similar releases reportedly reduced mosquito populations by as much as 90% and significantly lowered dengue cases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Wolbachia cannot make people or animals sick and notes that similar programs have already been used in locations including California, Texas, Puerto Rico, Australia, Mexico, and Singapore.

The EPA will review public comments before deciding whether to approve the large-scale mosquito release program.

2026 Hurricane Season Starts Today — Here Are All the Storm Names

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2026 Hurricane Season Starts Today — Here Are All the Storm Names

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season officially starts today and runs through Nov. 30.

Forecasters at Colorado State University predict an active season in the Atlantic due to global weather patterns, including:

  • 13 named storms
  • 6 hurricanes
  • 2 major hurricanes

Experts say a developing El Niño could increase wind shear across the Atlantic.

The first named storm of 2026 will be Arthur.

Hurricane names rotate every six years through lists maintained by the World Meteorological Organization.

Here are the Atlantic storm names through 2031:

2026: Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hanna, Isaias, Josephine, Kyle, Leah, Marco, Nana, Omar, Paulette, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky, Wilfred

2027: Ana, Bill, Claudette, Danny, Elsa, Fred, Grace, Henri, Imani, Julian, Kate, Larry, Mindy, Nicholas, Odette, Peter, Rose, Sam, Teresa, Victor, Wanda

2028: Alex, Bonnie, Colin, Danielle, Earl, Farrah, Gaston, Hermine, Idris, Julia, Karl, Lisa, Martin, Nicole, Owen, Paula, Richard, Shary, Tobias, Virginie, Walter

2029: Arlene, Bret, Cindy, Don, Emily, Franklin, Gert, Harold, Idalia, Jose, Katia, Lee, Margot, Nigel, Ophelia, Philippe, Rina, Sean, Tammy, Vince, Whitney

2030: Alberto, Brianna, Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Francine, Gordon, Holly, Isaac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Miguel, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sara, Tony, Valerie, William

2031: Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dexter, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Molly, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van, Wendy

Storm names can be permanently retired if a hurricane becomes especially deadly or destructive.

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