PlayNation Bringing First Large-Scale ‘Screen-Free Indoor Playground’ to East Charlotte

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PlayNation Bringing First Large-Scale ‘Screen-Free Indoor Playground’ to East Charlotte

Leading commercial real estate firm Collett has just announced plans to bring America’s first PlayNation ‘screen-free indoor playground’ to Charlotte.

The massive 14,000+ square-foot complex will be built inside Eastway Crossing – a premier strip mall just East of Plaza Midwood.

The project will take over a former big-box retail space at 3304 Eastway Drive, with an opening targeted for late 2026.

The concept is designed as a “screen-free” environment for kids ages 0 to 13, focusing on movement, creativity, and social interaction. Developers say the goal is to create a space where children stay active year-round while parents can actually enjoy the visit.

PlayNation will feature multiple structured play zones tailored to different age groups. Younger children will have softer, safety-focused areas, while older kids can access larger, more physically engaging play structures.

Planned features include:

  • Separate zones designed specifically for ages 0–3, 4-7, and 6–13
  • Soft-play and sensory-focused areas for toddlers and younger children
  • Large climbing structures and active play installations for older kids
  • Tactile, hands-on play elements to support motor skill development
  • On-site staff (“Play Pros”) assigned to monitor and assist in play areas
  • Dedicated birthday party rooms and group event hosting
via playnation.kids

The Charlotte location will be the brand’s first, positioning the city as a test market for future expansion.

CLT’s Largest Pokemon & Sports Card Show Coming To Town Next Month

Charlotte Stories
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CLT’s Largest Pokemon & Sports Card Show Coming To Town Next Month
Sports Wax Promotions will bring Collectors Jam to Cabarrus Arena & Event Center in Concord, North Carolina, June 5–7, 2026, for a three-day event positioned as the largest collectibles show in the Carolinas. The show will feature more than 600 tables and a packed marketplace of sports cards, wrestling collectibles, Pokémon, trading card games, comics, memorabilia, vintage toys, retro video games, Funko Pops and other pop culture collectibles.
Presented by Pristine Auction, Collectors Jam will also feature live auctions throughout the weekend, adding another high-energy element to one of the fastest-growing events in the hobby space. A major highlight of the weekend will be an appearance by NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson, expected to draw collectors, basketball fans and media attention from across the region and beyond.
“This is more than a card show — it’s a full-scale collector experience built for the hobby at every level,” said James Ferree, founder of Sports Wax Promotions. “From serious buyers and longtime collectors to families and first-time attendees, Collectors Jam brings together the energy, community and excitement that make this industry so special. We’re proud to keep building something in the Carolinas that is drawing attention from across the country.”
Sports Wax Promotions has emerged as one of the most visible collectibles event brands in the region since launching on September 4, 2021. What began as a gathering with 35 tables and 198 attendees has grown into a premier weekend-long showcase drawing thousands of collectors and enthusiasts from across the country.
The June Concord event is designed to be both a destination for dedicated hobbyists and an accessible, family-friendly weekend attraction. In addition to buying, selling and trading across the show floor, attendees can expect an active Trade Zone, buyers in the building purchasing bulk collections and singles, and giveaways throughout the weekend. The event will also feature appearances by Pikachu, Gengar and Eevee, expanding its appeal to younger fans and pop-culture audiences.
Collectors will also have access to key hobby services and brand experiences on-site. GemMint.com, a PSA-authorized dealer, will accept grading submissions during the event, while influencer participation and major industry partnerships continue to reinforce the show’s expanding national profile.
With VIP and general admission tickets available online, as well as tickets at the door, Collectors Jam is expected to bring together vendors and attendees traveling from across the country for one of the region’s biggest weekends in collectibles.
For tickets, vendor information and event updates, visit sportswaxpromotions.com.

Charlotte-Based Atrium Health Eyes $2 Billion Expansion To Reshape Healthcare in The Carolinas

Charlotte Stories
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Charlotte-Based Atrium Health Eyes $2 Billion Expansion To Reshape Healthcare in The Carolinas

Charlotte-based Atrium Health, one of the largest nonprofit hospital systems in the U.S., is preparing for a major expansion that could reshape healthcare across North Carolina. The system is pursuing a deal to take over WakeMed, bringing at least $2 billion in new investment to the Triangle.

The proposed transaction would place WakeMed under Advocate Health, one of the nation’s largest healthcare networks, of which Atrium is a part.

WakeMed’s board has already unanimously approved the deal. Wake County commissioners are expected to vote Monday on measures needed to move it forward.

If approved, Atrium would become the sole corporate member of the nonprofit that owns WakeMed, while WakeMed would remain its own legal entity.

Atrium has pledged at least $2 billion to expand services, improve care, and accelerate research. Leaders say the deal will also help attract medical talent and create thousands of jobs.

For WakeMed, the partnership could provide greater access to clinical trials and specialized care, strengthening its ability to compete with larger systems like UNC Health and Duke Health.

The agreement would also reshape governance. Wake County would appoint eight of 14 board members, with Atrium appointing the remaining six.

WakeMed’s current leadership team is expected to stay in place after the deal closes.

For Atrium, the move expands its reach into the fast-growing Raleigh market, linking North Carolina’s two largest metro regions under one system.

State law requires final approval from both Wake County commissioners and WakeMed’s board, with more details expected at a news conference Tuesday.

Rock Hill Lands Massive New Industrial Development Along I-77

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Rock Hill Lands Massive New Industrial Development Along I-77
Via The Keith Corp

A major new industrial expansion is taking shape just outside Charlotte. The Keith Corporation has just acquired 178 acres in Rock Hill for the next phase of the Legacy Park East business park.

The site could support up to 1.7 million square feet of industrial space across three to seven buildings. Plans allow for flexible layouts, including rear-load and cross-dock configurations.

Developers say the project can accommodate tenants ranging from 100,000 to 1 million square feet. The space is targeted for manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution users.

The property is zoned Industry General, allowing for a wide range of industrial uses, including “heavy industrial” that use high quantities of toxic and explosive chemicals like Silfab. Its location offers direct access to Interstate 77, connecting tenants to the broader Charlotte region and beyond.

The new phase builds on the success of the existing Legacy Park East campus. Current tenants include major names such as Pratt Industries, Ross Stores, Pepsi, Scentsy, and Elite Logistix.

Company leaders say Rock Hill remains one of the strongest-performing submarkets in the Charlotte area. They point to continued demand from companies seeking modern industrial space near a growing population base.

The site’s scale and location are key advantages. It sits near retail centers and within close reach of South Charlotte, one of the fastest-growing parts of the metro.

OceanaGold Announces $240 Million Investment in Historic Charlotte-Area Gold Mine

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OceanaGold Announces $240 Million Investment in Historic Charlotte-Area Gold Mine

With gold prices now surpassing $4,600 per ounce, the Charlotte area’s largest gold mine has just announced a historic $240 million investment, bringing 200 new jobs to our area.

OceanaGold is expanding its Haile Gold Mine near Kershaw as it ramps up production and transitions operations.

The gold mine, estimated to be sitting on over $5 billion worth of gold, already employs roughly 850 full-time workers and 150 contractors. New hires will span engineering, operations, and heavy equipment roles.

Company leaders say the investment will support both current production and future growth. The site is shifting between underground and open pit mining, increasing demand for skilled workers.

The expansion follows a strong year for the company, including record production and increased exploration activity. OceanaGold also began trading on the New York Stock Exchange in April to attract more U.S. investment.

The economic impact is substantial. A 2025 University of South Carolina study estimates the mine generates $717.5 million annually across the state, with a projected $9.3 billion impact by 2037.

The World’s Largest Flying American Flag in Gastonia Is Over 225 Feet Tall (Video)

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The World’s Largest Flying American Flag in Gastonia Is Over 225 Feet Tall (Video)

The largest flying American flag in the world measures a total of 7,410 square feet and is a hung on a pole that stands over 225 feet in the air.

It was initially erected by the Gastonia AMVETS Post 920 in 1999:

The actual flag measures 65 feet tall and 114 feet wide with a total weight of 180 pounds. It can be clearly seen from over 30 miles away.

There are 2 flags larger than this in California, but neither is flown, and there is a larger ‘free-flying’ flag that not hangs over the George Washington Bridge, that was installed in 2013.

Charlotte Announces New Water Restrictions and Fines as Drought Worsens

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Charlotte Announces New Water Restrictions and Fines as Drought Worsens

Charlotte is moving into mandatory water restrictions as drought conditions worsen and recent rainfall falls far short of what the region needs. Officials warn a hot, dry summer is ahead, increasing pressure on already strained water supplies.

Charlotte Water will officially implement Low Inflow Protocol Stage 2 beginning May 15, requiring residents to cut back on non-essential water use. At the same time, Charlotte Fire has issued an immediate burn ban due to dry conditions.

Charlotte Water says the restrictions are necessary to protect the system and maintain reliable service. The measures align with other utilities across the Catawba River basin, where water levels continue to drop.

Under the new rules, lawn watering will be limited to two days per week. Odd-numbered addresses can water on Tuesdays and Saturdays, while even-numbered addresses are limited to Wednesdays and Sundays.

Watering is only allowed before 6 a.m. or after 6 p.m., with a maximum of one inch per week including rainfall.

Additional restrictions go further. Residents cannot wash vehicles at home, fill swimming pools, or operate decorative water features without aquatic life. Limited pool top-offs are allowed during designated times.

Enforcement will also ramp up. Starting May 15, residents can report violations by calling 311 or submitting an online form. Charlotte Water says fines will begin at $100 for non-compliance.

Officials are urging both city water users and those on private wells to conserve. In some nearby areas, including parts of Belmont, river levels have already dropped significantly.

Charlotte Water says conditions will be reviewed every two weeks, but for now, the message is clear: reduce usage immediately.

For the Charlotte region, the early timing of these restrictions signals a potentially severe summer ahead, with conservation efforts now critical to protecting water supplies.

NC Police Respond to Grenade Threat at Walmart

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NC Police Respond to Grenade Threat at Walmart

A reported grenade threat triggered a Walmart evacuation and standoff in Caldwell County on Friday, ending with one man in custody.

According to the Hudson Police Department, 911 received a call around 1 p.m. from 24-year-old Alexander Little, who claimed someone in the Walmart, off Hickory Blvd just south of Lenoir, had a live grenade.

When officers arrived, they located Little inside and say he pulled out what appeared to be the device. Police immediately evacuated the store and set up a perimeter.

During the standoff, officers say Little made threatening gestures and statements suggesting he intended to detonate it. Authorities later determined the grenade was inert.

Officers used less-lethal force to take him into custody without injuries.

Little now faces charges including possession of a weapon of mass destruction, false bomb report, and going armed to the terror of the public. He is being held without bond.

Multiple agencies responded, including the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Granite Falls Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The incident briefly shut down the store and drew a large emergency response before ending safely.

Real Results: Do Customized Hair Growth Plans Actually Work?

Sharon Anderson
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Real Results: Do Customized Hair Growth Plans Actually Work?

Most people dealing with hair loss have tried at least three or four things before they find something that actually helps. A shampoo here, a supplement there, maybe an oil someone recommended. And when none of it works, the frustration isn’t just about the hair — it’s about not knowing why it’s falling out in the first place.

That’s where customized hair growth plans come in. The idea sounds logical: if hair loss has different causes for different people, the solution probably shouldn’t be the same for everyone either. But do these personalized approaches actually deliver results, or is “customized” just a marketing word?

Why One-Size-Fits-All Rarely Works for Hair Loss

Hair loss isn’t a single condition. It’s more like a symptom that can come from many different directions — hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiency, scalp inflammation, chronic stress, thyroid dysfunction, or genetic sensitivity to DHT (a hormone that shrinks hair follicles over time).

When someone buys a generic hair growth kit, it’s designed around the most common causes. But if your hair loss is driven by iron deficiency or elevated cortisol levels, a DHT-blocking shampoo isn’t going to solve much. You’re treating a different problem than the one you actually have.

This mismatch is why so many people feel like “nothing works” — when in reality, the wrong things were being tried.

What a Real Customized Plan Actually Involves

A genuinely personalized hair growth plan goes beyond a quiz that recommends a product bundle. It starts with understanding what’s happening at the root level — sometimes literally.

A thorough approach typically includes:

  • Reviewing blood work to check for deficiencies (iron, vitamin D, B12, thyroid hormones)
  • Assessing scalp health — whether there’s dandruff, excess oil, inflammation, or follicle miniaturization
  • Understanding lifestyle patterns like sleep, diet quality, and stress load
  • Mapping out family history to gauge genetic contribution

Based on this, a plan might include a combination of topical treatments, oral supplements, dietary changes, and sometimes Ayurvedic or dermatological interventions — not all at once, but sequenced in a way that makes sense for that person’s specific situation.

Do These Plans Actually Show Results?

The honest answer is: yes, but not quickly, and not without consistency.

Hair grows in cycles. The growth phase (anagen) lasts months, and when follicles are damaged or dormant, it takes time to revive them. Most people who stick with a well-designed plan start seeing reduced shedding within 8–12 weeks, and visible regrowth typically takes 4–6 months.

Reading through a Traya Hair Growth Review gives you a realistic picture of what this journey looks like for real users — the early frustration, the gradual turning point, and what actually made the difference. What stands out in many of these accounts isn’t a dramatic overnight transformation, but a slow, measurable improvement that continues as long as the underlying causes are being addressed.

That’s an important distinction. Results from a customized plan tend to last longer because the root problem is being treated — not just the visible symptom.

The Role of Topical Care in Personalized Treatment

Scalp and hair care products still play a role, but they work best when chosen for your specific hair type and scalp condition. Someone with a dry, flaky scalp has different needs than someone dealing with excess sebum and clogged follicles.

Oils, for example, aren’t universally beneficial — the wrong one can worsen buildup on an already oily scalp. Choosing the best oil for hair growth means understanding your scalp’s current state, not just picking whatever has the most reviews online.

The same logic applies to shampoos, serums, and masks. Personalization here isn’t about luxury — it’s about not doing more harm while the internal treatment does its work.

Final Thoughts

Customized hair growth plans work when they’re genuinely built around the individual — not just branded that way. The difference lies in the depth of assessment, the combination of internal and external care, and realistic timelines that match how hair biology actually functions.

If you’ve tried multiple products without results, the problem probably isn’t that nothing works. It’s that the underlying cause hasn’t been identified yet. Starting there — with the why — is almost always the better place to begin.

Spectrum to Award $23,000 to Several Nonprofits Across the Charlotte Area

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Spectrum to Award $23,000 to Several Nonprofits Across the Charlotte Area

Spectrum today announced a donation of $23,000 to seven different nonprofits in the Charlotte area through the company’s employee-driven grants program that recognizes the value of community service, Spectrum Employee Community Grants.

The recent Spectrum Employee Community Grant recipients are:

  • Autism After 18 – $1,000 to provide regular, ongoing classes, workshops, and social events for young adults with autism in the Charlotte area.
  • The Bulb Gallery – $1,000 to support mobile farmers markets that distribute fresh, nutritious produce directly in underserved neighborhoods.
  • Charlotte Bilingual Preschool – $1,000 to support free early education to children facing language and economic barriers.
  • Florence Crittenton Services – $5,000 to provide basic needs including a safe place to live, healthy meals, medical care and trauma-informed therapy for pregnant and single mothers aged 14-20.
  • Handz of Hope – $5,000 for basic need services to individuals and families in the community that are experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, and financial hardship.
  • Matthews HELP Center – $5,000 for families needing financial assistance with rent, utilities and childcare.
  • Transformation by Charlotte Angels – $5,000 to fund their Bright Futures program to provide trauma-informed mental health and wellbeing initiatives supporting children in foster care.

“Spectrum Employee Community Grants support local nonprofits that hold a meaningful connection to the Spectrum employees who nominate them, and to the communities they serve,” said Rahman Khan, Group Vice President, Spectrum Community Impact. “We’re increasing our investment in the program, in support of our employees’ dedication to volunteer work and vital community organizations that enhance the lives of local residents.”

Launched in 2019, Spectrum Employee Community Grants support nonprofits nominated by employees with a personal connection to the organization through at least one year of their own volunteer work. Recipients deliver a broad range of critical social services to underserved community members, including food pantries, homeless shelters, clothing distribution, job training for veterans and paying overdue rent and utility bills for those in crisis.

More information about Spectrum Community Employee Grants is available here.

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