North Carolina’s 3 Most Loved Affordable Clothing Stores for Winter

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As the temperature drops, shoppers are wrapping up in more than just scarves – they are rethinking how and where they spend. From Raleigh to Greensboro, local boutiques and resale stores are seeing a flurry of cold-weather shoppers eager to stay warm without breaking the bank.

A new survey by Advance America, based on responses from 3,002 shoppers, reveals the independent clothing stores most beloved for affordable winter fashion. In North Carolina, the top 3 were as follows:

#1. KK Bloom Boutique, Charlotte
KK Bloom Boutique is a women’s fashion destination in Charlotte, offering a curated selection of stylish dresses, luxe staples, and candy-colored jewelry. The boutique caters to women of all ages, providing pieces that blend classic elegance with contemporary flair. Whether you’re seeking a chic outfit for a night out or versatile staples for everyday wear, KK Bloom ensures a personalized shopping experience with attentive service.

#2. Hip Replacements Clothing, Asheville
Hip Replacements Clothing is an independent downtown Asheville boutique featuring alternative, vintage-inspired, and ethically sourced apparel. Locally owned since 1995, it celebrates individuality through small-batch designs and locally made pieces. The shop’s eclectic, cozy layering options match Asheville’s creative mountain vibe. As cold air rolls down from the Blue Ridge, Hip Replacements offers warmth with personality and a touch of nostalgia.

#3. Boem, Charlotte
Boem is a locally owned boutique in Charlotte, specializing in boho-chic women’s clothing, accessories, and shoes. The store offers a curated selection of pieces that embody a relaxed, artistic vibe, perfect for creating a versatile and stylish wardrobe. With a focus on quality and individuality, Boem provides a shopping experience that reflects the creative spirit of the city.

Panthers Fall 20–9 as Offense Collapses and Fight Breaks Out Against 49ers

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The Carolina Panthers stayed competitive on Monday Night Football but couldn’t overcome an unbalanced offense and missed opportunities in a 20–9 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The defeat drops Carolina to 6–6, still only a half-game behind Tampa Bay entering Week 13.

A week after Bryce Young threw a franchise-record 448 yards, the Panthers managed just 230 total yards. Young went 18-of-29 for 169 yards, tossing a touchdown to Tetairoa McMillan but also two interceptions.

Carolina ran the ball only nine times, never finding the balance needed to challenge San Francisco’s injury-depleted but sharp defense.

San Francisco controlled the tempo with long, grinding drives and heavy reliance on Christian McCaffrey, who topped 125 scrimmage yards and became just the third running back in NFL history with 50 games of at least 50 receiving yards. The 49ers converted more than half of their third downs while keeping possessions alive for extended stretches.

Carolina’s defense gave the offense every chance, intercepting Brock Purdy three times in the first half. But the Panthers turned those takeaways into only three points, including one drive ending in a costly Young interception in the end zone.

Despite missing stars like Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, San Francisco held Carolina to 1-for-7 on third down, disrupting any attempt at a comeback.

To top off a truly disappointing night and set up an agonizing flight home, a fight erupted when San Francisco’s Jauan Jennings swung on Panthers safety Tre’von Moehrig — appearing to retaliate for a groin punch Moehrig delivered moments earlier.

The Panthers now look ahead to Week 13 against the LA Rams, needing to quickly correct their offensive imbalance if they hope to stay in the playoff race.

Local SC Cheerleader Selected To Perform in New York for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

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A South Carolina high school sophomore will represent her state on one of the nation’s biggest stages this Thanksgiving.

Paityn Streater, a sophomore cheerleader at Myrtle Beach High School, will perform in front of millions during the 99th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. The parade airs Thursday at 8:30 a.m. on WMBF/NBC.

Paityn applied nearly a year ago after spotting an opportunity to join the parade’s cheerleading squad. She submitted an audition video in December and received a congratulatory letter in February confirming her selection to the Spirit of America Performance Team — a prestigious group of high school cheerleaders chosen from across the country.

 

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Bomb Squad Called to Rock Hill Bridge After Officers Find Live Grenade

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A major bridge in Rock Hill was closed early Saturday morning after police discovered a military-style grenade during a crash investigation, classified as a ‘weapon of mass destruction’ in SC law.

Officers with the Rock Hill Police Department were responding to an accident on the US-21 bridge around 3 am when they found what appeared to be a live explosive device inside a vehicle. Authorities said the grenade “appeared to be intact and live,” prompting them to immediately shut down the bridge in both directions as a precaution.

The Rock Hill Bomb Squad responded to the scene and safely collected the grenade. Technicians later determined the device was safe after disassembling it. The bridge reopened later that morning once crews cleared the scene.

This comes just weeks after another alarming grenade incident in South Carolina involving a grenade. On November 2, attorney Richard Lovelace, 79, was arrested in Conway after allegedly brandishing what appeared to be a grenade at pro-life protesters outside St. Anne’s Episcopal Church. Lovelace, who has practiced law locally for decades, is currently being held at the Horry County Jail on related charges.

While police have not released additional details about the Rock Hill incident or the vehicle’s occupants, investigators confirmed there is no ongoing danger to the public.

Tega Cay Crowned As SC’s Richest Town — While Fort Mill Fights to Stay Safe

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York County has officially claimed the top spot for wealth in South Carolina. Tega Cay, perched along Lake Wylie, has been ranked #1 in Money Inc’s “30 Richest Places to Live in South Carolina”. The lakeside community boasts median household incomes between $131,000 and $186,435, home values from $316,500 to $490,399, and a remarkably low poverty rate of just 0.5% — the lowest in the state.

Tega Cay’s appeal extends beyond its wealth. Its scenic lakefront views, recreation opportunities, and proximity to Charlotte make it one of the Carolinas’ most desirable suburban destinations.

Sitting just to the east of Tega Cay, Fort Mill was also ranked#7 statewide, praised for its strong incomes, high-performing schools, and proximity to Charlotte’s job market.

However, the future prosperity of Fort Mill may be in jeopardy. In what was recently ranked as the #1 most significant renewable fight in America, Fort Mill’s experimental 840,000 sqft Silfab factory could jeopardize the town’s reputation and safety if it becomes operational.

Local residents have filed multiple lawsuits against Silfab and York County, demanding the factory be relocated to a properly zoned heavy industrial site with adequate safety buffers. Despite these efforts, however, many Fort Mill families have begun moving away, fearing potential accidents or chemical exposure if the facility proceeds as planned. The Rock Hill Herald has even described it as a ‘mass exodus’ within 1 mile of Silfab plant.

In response to community concerns, the University of South Carolina conducted an Off-site Consequence Analysis (OCA) evaluating worst-case chemical release scenarios from the Silfab facility. The report identified multiple hazardous substances including 26,456 lbs of Silane gas, 22,000 lbs of anhydrous ammonia gas, 10,560 gallons of hydrochloric acid, and 15,850 gallons of hydrofluoric acid – all of which could pose catastrophic health and environmental risks if accidentally released or spilled.

In addition to the 4 chemicals USC analyzed, Silfab’s own filings state that they plan on storing and using large quantities of numerous other extremely toxic and explosive chemicals, including; 9,198 lbs of sulfuric acid, 1,945 lbs of phosphorus oxychloride, 1,540 lbs of boron trichloride, 951 lbs of trimethylaluminum, 63,360 lbs of nitrous oxide, and 13,000 gallons of liquid oxygen.

For now, York County remains South Carolina’s crown jewel of prosperity but residents say that without proper zoning enforcement, safety measures, and environmental oversight, that title could be at risk.

Your Kids Aren’t Little Forever. Invest in a Pool While It Still Matters.

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We all hear it: “You only get 18 summers with your kids.” And then one day, you’re staring at a teenager who barely looks up from their phone.

Time slips fast. You don’t get a redo.

A backyard swimming pool isn’t just a luxury. It’s a commitment to making memories with your kids before it’s too late. 

Pools Bring Families Together

You don’t need a mountain of scientific studies to tell you kids crave quality time with their parents. But the research definitely backs up the positive impact spending time with you kids has on their emotional, behavioral, and cognitive development.  

A backyard pool creates easy opportunities for:

  • Laughing and playing together
  • Hosting neighborhood friends
  • Grabbing a late-night swim instead of screen time

With a pool, there’s no cooler to pack. No traffic to fight. No reason to leave home. Everything you need to create a summer full of memories is a few steps away in the backyard. 

Win Back Their Attention

When your kids are little, they follow you everywhere. They want to be near you.

Once they hit their teens, the dynamic changes. It’s hard to pry them out of their room or away from their friends. But there’s something about a pool that brings them back.

Tweens and teens will swim. They’ll hang. They’ll talk. They’ll even invite their friends over and declare the whole family “embarrassing.” 

A pool breaks the tension and opens the door to connection. You’re no longer prying for answers. You’re just together.

Real Time Beats Screen Time

It’s hard to have meaningful moments when everyone’s glued to a screen. That’s the beauty of a backyard in-ground swimming pool. 

  • You can’t swim and scroll
  • You can’t cannonball and text
  • You can’t float and post

In the pool, everyone’s present. And isn’t that what you and your kids crave from each other? Attention. Focus. Connection. 

Give them a space where that happens naturally.

When’s the last time your whole family sat outside with no distractions?

Low Effort. High Impact.

You’re busy. House projects, work emails, laundry, and cooking. It’s never-ending.

But stepping outside to swim or sit poolside doesn’t require a plan. No bookings. No prep.

Throw on a swimsuit. Grab a towel. Go outside. That’s it.

Build the Backyard of Your Dreams

A pool is more than a pool. It’s the heart of your backyard. It’s where stories get told and laughter lives.

Even if your kids are grown, investing in a custom built pool gives you space to enjoy time with grandkids.

You can host family weekends. Keep everyone close. Give them a reason to come home.

Years from now, your kids won’t remember all the YouTube videos they watched. They will remember the pool parties, the cookouts, the nights they stayed out past bedtime swimming under the stars. 

Create an Outdoor Retreat for Your Family

Most families don’t use their yard like they could. It’s boring and uninviting. It doesn’t add value to your property or your life. 

We fix that.

At Ivy Creek Pools & Patios, we design custom concrete swimming pools that fit your lifestyle:

  • Tanning ledges and shallow depths for young kids

  • Spa integration and heaters for extended use

  • Sleek, modern designs with smart lighting and automation

We’re not just local pool builders. We’re your partner in making memories that last. 

Don’t Waste a Summer

Planning a pool takes time. Don’t let another precious summer go by. Start now so you’re ready next season for ultimate family fun and connection. 

Schedule your phone consultation today to get started.

5 important reasons to have a quality mouthguard when participating in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, often known as BJJ, is a grappling-based martial art that focuses on technique and strategy rather than size or strength. Its main goal is to help someone control an opponent through balance, timing, and efficient movements. Instead of relying on punches or kicks, BJJ emphasises holds, positioning, and submissions, making it a practical and more thoughtful form of self-defence than some other disciplines. Because the techniques allow smaller people to handle larger opponents through smart positioning and proper body mechanics, many beginners find it empowering.

Training in the sport takes place on padded mats, where students practice drills, learn specific techniques, and eventually try them in controlled sparring sessions. These sessions are supervised by instructors so that students can build skills safely and gradually. Beyond the physical workout, BJJ encourages patience and confidence, especially if wearing a quality Brazilian Jiu Jitsu mouthguard.

  • A mouthguard protects teeth from accidental impact, as even though BJJ doesn’t involve striking, close contact, movement, and pressure can lead to accidental bumps during training. A high-quality mouthguard adds a protective layer that cushions the teeth and reduces the risk of chipping or shifting. This is especially important during rolling, where unexpected movement happens quickly, without time to offer natural protection.
  • American football is another sport where a mouthguard might be deemed essential, as a good mouthguard can help absorb pressure around the jaw. When training becomes intense or when someone clenches their teeth without realising it, the mouthguard creates a softer barrier. Over time, this can reduce strain and make training more comfortable, especially for beginners who are still getting used to new positions and can be caught unawares.
  • Much of any martial art is about gaining confidence. Feeling protected makes it easier to relax and focus on learning techniques, rather than worrying about impact, which in turn immediately offers an opponent a distinct advantage in a bout. When students don’t worry about minor accidental contact, they can pay attention to balance, timing, and movement, whereas a solid mouthguard can make BJJ more enjoyable by helping beginners train with less hesitation.
  • Using proper protective gear while following physical activity and exercise guidance is part of developing responsible training routines. Wearing a quality mouthguard reminds beginners to value safety and to take care of their body, which is a habit that carries over to other gear choices, warm-ups, stretching, and recovery. Building these triggers early helps support long-term progress and reduces unnecessary risks.
  • Low-quality or poorly fitted mouthguards can feel bulky, slip around, or make breathing harder, which becomes distracting during rolls, whereas a properly designed mouthguard fits snugly, stays secure, and allows natural breathing. This helps beginners concentrate on movements rather than adjusting their gear. Leading mouthguards are custom-fitted, giving a personalised feel that adds increased comfort and stability.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a thoughtful, technique-driven martial art that offers beginners a mix of physical fitness, self-defence skills, and mental growth, which can be enjoyed more in increased comfort when wearing the right mouthguard.

Shaq Thompson Unloads $9M Charlotte Estate and Sets Yet Another Record

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NFL linebacker Shaq Thompson, who spent a decade with the Carolina Panthers before joining the Buffalo Bills, has just sold his custom Charlotte estate at 5501 Carmel Park Drive for $9,000,000.

The sale marks a record-setting milestone for the Carmel Park neighborhood, achieving the highest price ever recorded in the community. It also ranks as the third most expensive home ever sold in the city of Charlotte through MLS.

Completed in 2020, the nearly 11,000-square-foot residence was envisioned by The Studio of Christopher Phelps and built by Arcadia Homes. Sited on 1.69 acres, the home features a grand two-story great room anchors the main level, flowing into the gourmet kitchen and dining areas.

The home features six bedrooms, six full baths, two half baths, two private offices, a theater and an entertainment lounge complete with a billiards area and bar.

Designed for resort-style living, the outdoor environment includes a sparkling pool and spa, covered cabana, grilling patio with fireplace and a private sports court. A detached wellness facility houses a fully equipped gym with sauna and steam shower, and a four-car garage.

York County Sheriff Asking For Residents To Join The New Citizens Police Academy

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York County is inviting residents to step behind the scenes of local law enforcement as the Sheriff’s Office opens applications for its 2026 Citizens Academy. Officials announced that 25 seats are available for next year’s class, offering residents a rare opportunity to learn how the agency operates and to share ideas that could help deputies better serve the community.

The program runs from February 9 through March 30 and is designed to strengthen trust and communication between deputies and the public. Organizers say participants will hear directly from staff across every division, gaining insight into patrol operations, investigations, detention procedures, training, and community policing efforts. The academy also aims to build long-term partnerships by encouraging open conversation about how the Sheriff’s Office can more effectively support York County’s growing population.

The class is free and open to residents 18 and older. Only the first 20 approved applicants will be accepted, making early registration essential.

Applications officially opened today, November 21, 2025 – click here to apply.

Union County School Official Arrested For Online Gambling and Embezzling Over $300k

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A Union County woman is facing charges after deputies say she stole more than $300,000 from a local school organization, including $85,000 spent on online gambling.

According to the Union County Sherriff’s office, Deputies arrested 53-year-old Rachel Cluna on Tuesday, charging her with embezzlement. Investigators said Cluna served as treasurer for the Cuthbertson High School PTSO, where the missing money was discovered.

The sheriff’s office launched its investigation on November 12 after reports of major financial irregularities. Detectives are now reviewing 14 seized electronic devices for additional evidence.

Cluna was released after posting a $100,000 bond. Her next court appearance is scheduled for April, 2026.

The investigation remains ongoing.