Despite 27–10 Loss, Panthers Still Control NFC South Fate

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Despite 27–10 Loss, Panthers Still Control NFC South Fate

The Carolina Panthers missed a chance to clinch a playoff spot Sunday but remain alive in the NFC South race.

The Panthers fell 27–10 to the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium, dropping to 8–8. Still, the loss did not eliminate the Panthers from contention.

The defense set the tone early. Mike Jackson intercepted Sam Darnold in the end zone, and Nic Scourton forced a fumble on a sack. Carolina held Seattle, a top-seven offense, to 122 first-half yards in a 3–3 tie at halftime.

Early mistakes shifted momentum. Chuba Hubbard fumbled, and Bryce Young threw an interception in the first quarter. Seattle turned both turnovers into touchdowns.

Carolina rallied briefly when Young capped a 13-play, 69-yard drive with a 10-yard touchdown run. However, the offense struggled overall, finishing 1-for-11 on third downs, with Young limited to 54 passing yards.

Seattle sealed the game with a long fourth-quarter drive, aided by a costly Carolina penalty.

Despite the loss, the Panthers still control their destiny. Carolina leads Tampa Bay by one game entering a potential winner-take-all Week 18 showdown.

A win at Tampa Bay secures the division. Even with a loss, a rare three-team tie involving Atlanta could still hand Carolina the NFC South title due to head-to-head tiebreakers.

NWS Issues Wind Advisory Issued as Gusts Up to 40 MPH Could Hit South Carolina Today

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NWS Issues Wind Advisory Issued as Gusts Up to 40 MPH Could Hit South Carolina Today

A Lake Wind Advisory is in effect across much of central South Carolina, as strong winds create hazardous conditions on area lakes across our state.

The National Weather Service office in Columbia (NWS) issued the advisory Monday morning at 7:54 am, with conditions expected to persist until 7 pm tonight. Forecasters warn of west winds between 10 and 20 mph, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph.

The advisory covers a wide portion of the Carolinas, including northern and southern Lancaster County, Chesterfield, Kershaw, Fairfield, Lexington, Richland, Newberry, Edgefield, Saluda, Lee, Sumter, Aiken, Barnwell, Calhoun, Clarendon, Bamberg, and portions of Orangeburg County.

via NWS Forecast Office Columbia, SC

According to the NWS, the strongest impacts will be felt on lakes and open waterways, where sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph will generate rough waves. These conditions increase the risk of small craft capsizing, especially during the afternoon when gusts peak.

Officials urge boaters to exercise extreme caution and reconsider recreational trips on the water. Even experienced operators may face difficulty controlling vessels under these conditions.

Residents are encouraged to monitor local weather updates for any changes or extensions.

CDC Announces Salmonella Outbreak In The Carolinas Linked To Raw Oysters

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CDC Announces Salmonella Outbreak In The Carolinas Linked To Raw Oysters

A Salmonella outbreak linked to raw oysters has now sickened at least four people in the Carolinas, prompting an alert by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC reports 64 confirmed cases nationwide, with 20 hospitalizations. People who became ill told investigators they ate raw oysters. The CDC and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are working to determine whether a common oyster source can be identified. No recall has been issued, and the investigation remains open as of Dec. 23, 2025.

Cases span 22 states, including both the Carolinas, Georgia, Virginia, and Florida. Health officials emphasize that raw oysters can carry germs at any time of year, making contamination possible beyond traditional warm months.

The CDC urges consumers to cook oysters thoroughly to reduce illness risk. Officials warn that hot sauce and lemon juice do not kill germs, and contamination is not visible. To cook oysters safely, boil shells until they open or steam for 4 to 9 minutes. Shucked oysters should be boiled for at least 3 minutes, fried for 3 minutes at 375°F, broiled 3 inches from heat for 3 minutes, or baked at 450°F for 10 minutes. Seafood should reach an internal temperature of 145°F for 15 seconds.

Symptoms of Salmonella typically include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, beginning 6 hours to 6 days after exposure. Most people recover within 4 to 7 days without treatment. However, young children, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems face higher risks of severe illness.

Health officials advise contacting a healthcare provider immediately for high fever over 102°F, bloody diarrhea, persistent symptoms beyond three days, severe vomiting, or signs of dehydration. Consumers are also advised to prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw seafood away from other foods and surfaces.

Charlotte Couple Wins Largest Prize in Netflix’s Hit Show ‘What’s in the Box?’ History

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Charlotte Couple Wins Largest Prize in Netflix’s Hit Show ‘What’s in the Box?’ History

A Charlotte couple has just taken the top prize on Netflix’s hit competition series What’s in the Box? staring Neil Patrick Harris. 

Joey and Scott Linwell outperformed competitors throughout the season, ultimately opening the Super Box and winning $300,000 in Bitcoin, making them the show’s biggest winners to date.

Their prize haul included major travel experiences, such as a northern Europe holiday featuring the Northern Lights, a Mediterranean cruise, and a $25,000 Paris shopping spree. A key alliance decision also worked in their favor, eventually netting them full-season Carolina Panthers tickets through a late-game prize swap.

In the final episode, the Charlotte-based pair qualified directly for the Super Box challenge. After a tense final round driven by chance and strategy, they secured all three keys and locked in the season’s top prize.

Off camera, Joey and Scott are longtime residents of Charlotte with a fairly big Instagram following who collaborate on real estate, design, and creative projects.

South Charlotte Private Schools Announces Surprising Closure

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South Charlotte Private Schools Announces Surprising Closure

Calvary Christian Academy, a long-standing K–9 private school in south Charlotte, announced it will close at the end of the 2025–26 school year after failing to secure a permanent new campus. The school, which is associated with the iconic Calvary Church, had planned to expand into a full K–12 program and rebrand as The Oaks Christian School.

School board members sent out a press release saying they spent months searching for a “permanent, long-term home” that would allow the new K–12 model to grow. However, despite extensive efforts, board members concluded no viable location existed.

The board said it believed “every stone was turned over and every viable option pursued,” but the search ultimately came up short. The board described the decision as “profoundly sorrowful” and emphasized that transparency and stewardship guided the final outcome.

The announcement marks a significant loss for families who hoped the expanded school would continue serving the rapidly growing south Charlotte community. The board thanked parents for their trust and praised faculty and staff for “unwavering and persevering service.”

Leaders also expressed gratitude to Calvary Church, noting the longstanding partnership and shared ministry. The school and church did not immediately respond to additional requests for comment.

The academy plans to operate normally through the end of the 2025–26 year and says it will support families and staff through the transition.

Davidson Honors NBA Legend Steph Curry With Newly Renamed I-77 Interchange

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Davidson Honors NBA Legend Steph Curry With Newly Renamed I-77 Interchange

Davidson officially unveiled the newly renamed “Stephen Curry Interchange” on Interstate 77 this week, capping a year-long effort to honor one of the town’s most celebrated alumni. The moment reached national audiences Wednesday morning when Steph Curry was surprised with the grand reveal live on NBC Today.

The Town of Davidson first approved the renaming of Exit 30 in November 2023, but final authority rested with the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The request moved forward after NCDOT reviewed public feedback and adopted a resolution of support, clearing the way for the Griffith Street exit to become the Stephen Curry Interchange. The exit number — 30 — matches the number Curry has worn throughout his legendary career.

Curry’s former Davidson coach, Bob McKillop, joined the on-air surprise, celebrating the player who put the Wildcats on the national stage. Curry became a household name in 2008 when he led Davidson on a stunning run to the NCAA Elite Eight, beating Gonzaga, Georgetown, and Wisconsin. He left campus as a first-team All-American and later completed his sociology degree in 2022.

During his professional career, Curry has become one of the most decorated players in NBA history, securing four championships, two MVP awards, and nine All-Star appearances.

He was honored with the key to Charlotte last September and became the first Davidson athlete to have his number retired in 2022.

Futuristic Opie Grocery Concept Planned For Fort Mill’s New Arden Mill Development

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Futuristic Opie Grocery Concept Planned For Fort Mill’s New Arden Mill Development

As construction progresses on the long-anticipated Harris Teeter at Catawba Ridge Market, a new futuristic grocery concept may soon open nearby. Mount Pleasant-based Opie, an app-based pickup-only grocery store, has submitted plans for a new Fort Mill location at 5529 Arden Mill Drive, according to town records.

Unlike traditional stores, Opie allows customers to order online or through an app and pick up groceries without entering the store. The 7,700-square-foot building is already constructed, located just west of Arden Mill’s neighborhood entrance and beside businesses such as Emilio’s Pizza Kitchen and a UPS Store.

Founded in 2021 by a group of Citadel graduates, Opie launched in Mount Pleasant with the goal of making grocery shopping faster and more convenient. The store operates 24/7, offering app-based and drive-thru ordering with no scheduling, fees, or minimums required. The company also emphasizes sustainability, using 100% post-consumer recycled paper, smart energy systems, and recycling 99% of its cardboard.

The Arden Mill location would be near Nims Village and a Fort Mill fire station, on the opposite side of Fort Mill Parkway from the Harris Teeter-anchored Catawba Ridge development.

The Fort Mill site would be Opie’s first in the greater Charlotte region.

2 Decades and $608 Million Later – Charlotte Douglas Finally Completes Massive Terminal Lobby Expansion (TLE)

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2 Decades and $608 Million Later – Charlotte Douglas Finally Completes Massive Terminal Lobby Expansion (TLE)

After nearly two decades of planning and six years of construction, Charlotte Douglas International Airport has officially opened its new Terminal Lobby Expansion (TLE) — the largest construction project in CLT history.

“It takes hundreds of companies and thousands of people involved in planning, design, construction and management of an effort this monumental,” Charlotte Douglas CEO Haley Gentry said in a press release. “And that doesn’t even include the millions of passengers who experienced this arduous process with us. Thank you, Charlotte.”

The $608 million expansion adds 175,000 square feet of new space and modernizes another 191,000 square feet, easing crowding in one of the world’s busiest airports.

via Charlotte Douglas

The project is part of Destination CLT, the airport’s $4 billion capital program to meet growing demand.

Key Upgrades

  • 16-lane curbfront with a 146,000 sq. ft. glass canopy

  • 21-lane TSA checkpoint (with 11 automated lanes) to speed up screening

  • Eight baggage carousels and new escalators/elevators

  • Expanded ticketing counters and pre-security concessions

  • Queen Charlotte Court, anchored by a 15-foot, 3,000-pound statue

Charlotte Douglas served 9 million local passengers in 2024, up from 2.7 million when the terminal opened in 1982. Last year, the airport welcomed 58.8 million total passengers, ranking sixth globally.

via Charlotte Douglas

The new space relieves long-standing congestion and prepares the airport for continued regional growth.

Going forward, construction will continue on Concourses D and E, with completion expected by 2027. A Fourth Parallel Runway and Concourse A Phase III are also in development.

There’s A Massive 60,000 Sq Ft Nuclear Bunker Near Charlotte

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There’s A Massive 60,000 Sq Ft Nuclear Bunker Near Charlotte

If the news has been freaking you out lately, you may want to memorize the following address…

There’s a massive 60,000 square foot underground doomsday bunker sits about 30 miles due East of Charlotte, at 8670 Love Mill Rd., in Stanfield, NC;

It’s divided into a total of four floors at one end of the building, and two floors at the other, and includes; a kitchen, bathrooms, showers, a 12,000 gallon water tank, central air conditioning, and pretty much anything else you’d need to sustain 90 people for 90 days during a nuclear attack.

via Stanly County History Center

Talks of renovating and recommissioning the old bunker have been increased over the past few years as US tensions with North Korea, Russia, and Saudia Arabia have been in flux.

Charlotte Shatters Record With Hottest Christmas Day In Recorded History at 79 Degrees

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Charlotte Shatters Record With Hottest Christmas Day In Recorded History at 79 Degrees

Charlotte just experienced its hottest Christmas Day in recorded history.

At 2:52 pm, temperatures at Charlotte Douglas International Airport reached a record-breaking 79 degrees, surpassing the previous December 25th high of 77 degrees set in 1955 — a record that had stood for nearly 70 years.

via National Weather Service
via National Weather Service

A weak cold front is now set to move in from the northeast on Friday, bringing more clouds and cooler air with highs only in the mid-60s. By Saturday, temperatures will rebound quickly into the upper 70s, flirting with another potential record. Saturday’s all-time high of 77 degrees, set in 2015, could again be challenged.

A stronger cold front is expected early next week. While rain chances remain slim, the front will bring a sharp drop in temperatures, ending the Queen City’s unusually warm holiday stretch.

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