Bourbon for Booty Raises Over $100,000 for Local Cancer Community

Charlotte Stories
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Bourbon for Booty Raises Over $100,000 for Local Cancer Community

The 4th Annual Bourbon for Booty raised more than $100,000 to support cancer navigation and survivorship programs funded by 24 Foundation. Held on Nov. 1 at Swinerton, the sold-out event welcomed over 175 guests for an evening of curated whiskey and wine tastings, elevated cuisine, and spirited community giving.

“We raise a glass and extend huge thanks to all the attendees, our partners, and to everyone involved in making our Fourth Annual Bourbon for Booty a tremendous success,” said Katherine Murphy, executive director of 24 Foundation. “It was an exceptional evening to help change the course of cancer for individuals and families right here in our community.”

Guests received a souvenir tasting glass and sampled from a curated lineup of 10 premium bourbons and wines, each paired with chef-crafted small bites and hors d’oeuvres by Roots Catering. The evening also featured music, and a silent and live auction, which was called by Austin Helms, auctioneer and owner of Halftime Rentals. Julian Sadur, a morning anchor with Queen City News, emceed the event.

Event partners included: CarolinaPEO, Donald Haack Diamonds, Farsiani, LKN Mechanical, NuBlue, and Swinerton. Bourbon partners included: Brad Halling Whiskey Ko., Liberty & Plenty Distillery, Montana Whiskey Co., Oaklore Distilling, and Southern Tier Distilling.

About 24 Foundation

24 Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit charity located in Charlotte, N.C. with a mission to inspire and engage communities to make an immediate impact on the lives of people affected by cancer. Funds raised support organizations dedicated to cancer navigation and survivorship including Atrium Health’s Levine Cancer Institute and Levine Children’s Hospital. Since 2002, more than 30,000 participants in its signature 24 Hours of Booty fundraiser have raised more than $31 million, with an ultimate goal of providing supportive oncology programs and services for all. For more information, call 704-365-4417 or visit 24foundation.org.

Double-Decker Toll Lanes on I-77? Charlotte Weighs Controversial $3.2 Billion Plans

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Double-Decker Toll Lanes on I-77? Charlotte Weighs Controversial $3.2 Billion Plans

Charlotte and NCDOT officials are currently weighing some dramatic options for I-77, including possible double-decker express toll lanes.

Transportation officials met with residents yesterday afternoon to gather feedback on an 11-mile, $3.2 billion plan to add toll lanes from the South Carolina line to Uptown.

Potential plans call for additional lanes, rebuilt interchanges, more access points. Some of the proposed plans even call for segments could run on elevated structures beside or above the highway.

via NCDOT

Double-deck highways have a complicated history. Mid-century projects sped traffic but often blighted neighborhoods. Seattle and San Francisco’s double-decker highways were built and then later removed elevated freeways after safety concerns and public pushback.

Embarcadero Freeway

Houston’s double-decker I-10 hasn’t done much to solve the city’s congestion problems.

Houston I-10

Charlotte officials say they will study impacts before selecting any elevated option.

A second drop-in meeting runs today from 4–7 p.m. at Silver Mount Baptist Church. Maps and engineers will be on site to answer questions. A formal public hearing is planned next year. Written comments are open through Dec. 5, 2025.

For comments or questions about the new I-77 toll lanes, call 1-800-254-0498 or email i-77south@ncdot.gov. You can also mail feedback to: Emily Richards, NCDOT Public Involvement, 1598 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1598.

Scout Motors Picks Charlotte for New US Headquarters – Snubs SC Despite $1.3 Billion in Incentives

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Scout Motors Picks Charlotte for New US Headquarters – Snubs SC Despite $1.3 Billion in Incentives

Scout Motors just announced plans to build their new US Headquarters right here in Charlotte with a $207 million investment that promises 1,200 jobs by 2030.

The new facility will be located in Plaza Midwood, housing the company’s executive, R&D, IT, sales, and marketing positions with an average annual salary of $172,878.

The decision marks a major win for North Carolina—and a sharp blow to South Carolina, which recently gave $1.3 billion in taxpayer-funded incentives to entice Scout to come to the Palmetto State to build a massive manufacturing plant. While that factory is still expected to employ around 4,000 workers, the company’s high-paying corporate and innovation positions will now move 90 miles north to Charlotte.

North Carolina’s incentive package for the new Charlotte headquarters totals about $46.5 million – a small fraction of South Carolina’s $1.3 billion incentive package. The disparity underscores Charlotte’s growing competitiveness as a hub for corporate headquarters and advanced manufacturing leadership.

Scout Motors factory under construction in Blythewood, SC

“Charlotte is the ideal home for Scout Motors — a place as dynamic as our people and brand, where heritage and pride meet progress and innovation,” said Scout Motors CEO Scott Keogh in a press release. “With a thriving talent pool, world-class universities, and a deserved reputation as a launchpad for bold ideas, Charlotte offers the momentum we need to scale quickly and sustainably. We’ll build a headquarters that reflects our culture, empowers our team and connects us to a region that’s fast becoming a national hub for mobility and manufacturing.”

Founded in 2022 and backed by Volkswagen Group, Scout Motors revives the classic American brand first produced by International Harvester from 1961 to 1980—widely regarded as one of the earliest true sport-utility vehicles.

The company’s new Charlotte headquarters is expected to open in phases beginning in 2026, cementing the Queen City’s position as a growing force in the global electric vehicle economy.

Charlotte’s Fury 325 Wins Award For The Best Steel Coaster In The World

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Charlotte’s Fury 325 Wins Award For The Best Steel Coaster In The World

Charlotte’s Fury 325 roller coaster has been named the world’s best steel coaster for the ninth year in a row, earning the prestigious Best Steel Coaster Award from Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards.

Fury 325, which debuted in 2015, towers 325 feet high and reaches speeds of 95 miles per hour. Known for its steep drops, high-speed turns, and smooth ride experience, it continues to set the standard for ‘giga-coaster’ design.

The annual Golden Ticket Awards are decided by a panel of global amusement park experts, who praised the ride’s enduring engineering excellence and popularity among thrill-seekers.

Carowinds officials highlighted the award as a point of pride for the park, which straddles the North Carolina–South Carolina line. The win also adds momentum to Carowinds’ new chapter as part of the Six Flags chain, following last year’s merger between Six Flags and Cedar Fair. The combined $8 billion company now operates 42 amusement parks and 9 resorts across North America and trades publicly on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol FUN.

The recognition extended across the Six Flags family. Sister park Six Flags Fiesta Texas earned Best New Show for Voodoo Dolls, while Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles received the Publisher’s Pick Turnstile Award for its 30th anniversary transformation. Additional honors included the Renaissance Award for Myrtle Beach’s Family Kingdom, credited with preserving the local park, and Supplier of the Year for Eli Bridge Company, a longtime Ferris wheel and ride manufacturer.

With Fury 325’s latest accolade, Charlotte remains home to one of the top thrill rides in the world — a title that continues to draw roller coaster enthusiasts from across the globe.

SC Supreme Court Rules Lawmakers Illegally Raised Their Own Pay

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SC Supreme Court Rules Lawmakers Illegally Raised Their Own Pay

The South Carolina Supreme Court has ruled that legislators violated the state constitution by approving an $18,000 pay raise for themselves this year, striking down both the increase and a $12,000 annual “in-district” expense allowance that lawmakers have received since 1994.

In its unanimous opinion, the court found that the General Assembly’s 2025 budget clause granting higher in-district compensation effectively raised lawmakers’ pay mid-session — an act explicitly banned by the state constitution. The ruling immediately halts those payments, delivering a financial setback to state legislators and eliminating allowances that have been part of their compensation for more than 30 years.

The justices emphasized that any future pay adjustments must take effect only after the next election cycle, meaning the earliest lawful increase could begin in 2027.

For voters, the decision highlights a rare judicial check on legislative authority and renews scrutiny of how public officials structure compensation within state budgets. Lawmakers who supported the raise argued it was overdue given inflation and rising demands of public service, but the court ruled that good intentions cannot override constitutional limits.

The order takes effect immediately, nullifying both the recent raise and decades of in-district payments.

Charlotte Ranks #10 in the Nation for Adult Gen Z-ers Still Living With Parents

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Charlotte Ranks #10 in the Nation for Adult Gen Z-ers Still Living With Parents

The Charlotte metro area has the 10th largest share of adult Gen Z-ers (aged 18-25) living with family members in the U.S. In contrast, Charlotte’s Millennials are increasingly making the shift to independent living – The percentage of Millennials who live with mom and dad here is lower than in most metro areas in the nation.

In our recent study, we dug into the latest IPUMS data to pinpoint the metro areas where Millennials and Gen Z-ers are primarily living with their families. Additionally, we ranked the places where young adults have a smoother path toward independent living.

Read on for more findings about multigenerational living among Charlotte’s Gen Z-ers and Millennials:

  • Gen Z-ers: In Charlotte, a substantial 76% of Zoomers are still stuck in their family homes – a figure way higher than the national average of 68%. This translates to roughly 184,000 out of 201,000 Gen Z-ers who are either facing challenges in leaving their family’s nest or consciously choosing to remain there.
  • Millennials: On the other hand, Millennials living with relatives make up only 17% of their generation, in stark contrast with the share in Los Angeles (35%) or New York (28%). In the last 5 years, a staggering 37% of Millennials living in their parental home moved out.
  • What about other metros in NC? Raleigh has the nation’s highest share of Zoomers who haven’t left the nest (87%), followed by Durham (73%) and Winston-Salem (71%). Among Raleigh’s Millennials, 11% live with family members, compared to 9% in Greensboro and Durham, and 6% in Winston-Salem.
  • Nationwide, 20% of Millennials and 68% of Gen Z-ers still live with other family members, taking longer to leave home compared to previous generations. The typical Millennial or Gen Z-er living with a family member is likely to be employed in food services, construction, education or retail.

The Role of an Immigration Solicitor: Guiding Your Move to Ireland

Sharon Anderson
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The Role of an Immigration Solicitor: Guiding Your Move to Ireland

Immigrating to a new country can be exciting, but it can also be complex, stressful, and filled with legal hurdles. Ireland, with its thriving economy, rich culture, and welcoming communities, attracts thousands of immigrants every year. Whether you’re moving for work, family, or study, the process involves more than simply booking a flight and arranging accommodation.

This is where an immigration solicitor becomes an invaluable ally. They provide legal guidance, ensure compliance with Irish immigration law, and help make the process as smooth as possible.

What Does an Immigration Solicitor Do?

An immigration solicitor in Ireland is a legal professional specialising in the laws and regulations governing entry, residency, and citizenship. Their role extends far beyond filling out forms, they offer expert guidance and representation throughout your immigration journey. Key services include:

  1. Visa Applications and Residency Permits
     Immigration solicitors assist with a variety of visas, including work permits, student visas, and family reunification visas. They ensure your application is complete, accurate, and meets all legal requirements, helping avoid delays or refusals.

  2. Citizenship and Naturalisation
     If your goal is to become an Irish citizen, a solicitor can guide you through the naturalisation process, ensuring you meet residence requirements and prepare the necessary documentation.

  3. Appeals and Refusals
     Immigration decisions are not always in your favour. If your application is refused, an immigration solicitor can advise on appeals, represent you in hearings, and submit the correct evidence to maximise your chances of success.

  4. Employment-Based Immigration
     For skilled workers, an immigration solicitor can advise on employment permits, including the Critical Skills Employment Permit, General Employment Permit, and intra-company transfer permits. They also assist employers in understanding their legal obligations when hiring non-EU workers.

  5. Family and Humanitarian Immigration
     Immigration solicitors help reunite families in Ireland, assist with spousal and partner visas, dependent children applications, and provide guidance for asylum seekers and humanitarian protection cases.

  6. Compliance and Legal Advice
     Beyond applications, immigration solicitors ensure clients understand Irish immigration law, including rights, obligations, visa expiry rules, and work restrictions. Non-compliance can have serious consequences, so expert guidance is essential.

Can You Immigrate to Ireland Without a Solicitor?

Technically, yes, many people successfully immigrate to Ireland without using a solicitor. The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) provides detailed guidance on its website, and certain straightforward applications (such as short-term student visas or certain tourist permissions) can be completed independently.

However, there are situations where hiring a solicitor is strongly recommended or even essential:

  • Complex or unusual cases — e.g., deportation threats, previous visa refusals, or overstaying in Ireland.

  • Appealing a refusal — legal representation significantly improves the likelihood of a successful appeal.

  • Family reunification or humanitarian cases — these often involve intricate documentation, cross-border considerations, and strict legal timelines.

  • Business or employment immigration — particularly for non-EU nationals, where application requirements are complex, and employer compliance is mandatory.

In short, the more complicated your situation, the more beneficial it is to have a professional advocate guiding you.

Areas of Law an Irish Immigration Solicitor Covers

Immigration solicitors in Ireland practice across multiple areas of law, reflecting the diverse needs of individuals navigating the system. These include:

  1. Immigration and Residency Law
     This is the core of their practice — advising on visas, residency permissions, work authorisations, and naturalisation.

  2. Employment Law
     Immigration and employment law intersect when it comes to permits for non-EU workers. Solicitors ensure both employees and employers comply with employment and immigration regulations.

  3. Family Law
     Family reunification visas, spousal permits, dependent children applications, and partner visas fall under this area. Knowledge of family law ensures that family rights are protected throughout the immigration process.

  4. Administrative and Judicial Review
     When an application is refused, or an immigration decision is challenged, solicitors advise on judicial review procedures, administrative law, and appeal processes before the courts.

  5. Human Rights and Asylum Law
     Immigration solicitors often handle cases involving asylum, protection visas, or humanitarian leave. These require a deep understanding of international and European human rights obligations.

  6. Corporate Immigration Compliance
     For employers bringing foreign talent into Ireland, solicitors ensure compliance with employment permits, reporting obligations, and sponsorship rules.

How an Immigration Solicitor Can Help You

The benefits of hiring a solicitor extend beyond paperwork. They include:

  • Minimising errors — Applications returned due to minor mistakes can delay your plans by months. Solicitors ensure accuracy.

  • Providing peace of mind — Navigating Irish immigration law alone can be daunting. Solicitors guide you step-by-step.

  • Representing you legally — If disputes arise or appeals are necessary, your solicitor acts as your advocate.

  • Saving time and reducing stress — Legal expertise streamlines the process, helping you focus on settling into Ireland rather than navigating bureaucracy.

Conclusion

Immigrating to Ireland can be an exciting new chapter in life, but it requires careful planning and adherence to legal requirements. While some straightforward cases can be handled without a solicitor, complex situations, appeals, family reunification, employment immigration, and asylum claims all benefit from professional guidance.

An immigration solicitor acts as your trusted partner, helping you understand the law, prepare applications, avoid pitfalls, and protect your rights. With their support, you can focus on building your life in Ireland while knowing your legal position is secure.

If you’re considering a move to Ireland, or need help with visas, residency, or appeals, consulting an experienced immigration solicitor early can make all the difference.

NOAA Issues G4 (Severe) Geomagnetic Storm Warning – Northern Lights Visible Today In Carolinas

Charlotte Stories
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NOAA Issues G4 (Severe) Geomagnetic Storm Warning – Northern Lights Visible Today In Carolinas

UPDATE 11/12/25 11:00 AM: 

Last night, the skies all across both North and South Carolina lit up with dancing waves of red and green lights as we witnessed one of the strongest North Light displays in the history of the Carolinas.

Today, another CME (Coronal mass ejection) will be arriving – once again bringing the stunning Northern Lights to the Carolinas.

Depending on the specific arrival of this third CME wave, the aurora will likely peak either just before dark or around dark here in the Charlotte region.

via NOAA Geomagnetic Forecast

 

Original Article 11/11/25 9:00 PM:

via Space Weather Prediction Center

A powerful and potentially historic geomagnetic storm, triggered by solar eruptions sending charged plasma toward Earth, could light up North Carolina’s night sky tonight.

NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center’s alert states:

Induced Currents - Possible widespread voltage control problems and some protective systems may mistakenly trip out key assets from the power grid. Induced pipeline currents intensify.
Spacecraft - Systems may experience surface charging; increased drag on low earth orbit satellites, and tracking and orientation problems may occur.
Navigation - Satellite navigation (GPS) degraded or inoperable for hours.
Radio - HF (high frequency) radio propagation sporadic or blacked out.
Aurora - Aurora may be seen as low as Alabama and northern California.

The KP index is expected to peak over 7.0 between 10am – 1pm tonight:

Northern Lights lit up the North Carolina sky several times last year after an exceptionally powerful CME from the sun blasted our magnetosphere;

If you want to get your own shots of the aurora, you’ll need a long-exposure camera. Go to a very dark place where you have an unobstructed view toward the northern sky. The best place would be a remote mountain with north-facing views.

You can find the dark spots in your area using the official light pollution map here.

Happy aurora hunting!

Gastonia Man Arrested For Possessing “Weapon of Mass Destruction”

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Gastonia Man Arrested For Possessing “Weapon of Mass Destruction”

Gastonia man James Michael Thomas, 41, is now facing a range of felony charges — including one under North Carolina’s rarely used statute prohibiting possession of a “weapon of mass death and destruction.”

Arrest Details:

Thomas, of Gastonia (zip code 28052), was booked at 1:23 am on Nov. 9, 2025, by the Gaston County Police Department, according to court records.

Law enforcement records list the following charges:

Felony – Weapon, Possess, Mass Destruction (Docket 25CR459228)

Felony – Cruelty to Animals (Docket 24CR461828)

Misdemeanor – Manufacture of Alcoholic Beverages Without Permit (Docket 25CR459228)
He is being held pre-trial and currently without bail posted.

What the Weapons Statute Covers:

The charge of “weapon of mass death and destruction” refers to North Carolina General Statute § 14-288.8. Under the law, prohibited items include:

  • Explosives or incendiaries: bombs, grenades, rockets with propellant over 4 ounces, missiles, mines.
  • Firearms readily convertible to expel projectiles by explosive or propellant and with a bore larger than one-half inch.
  • Any fully automatic firearm.
  • Any combination of parts designed or intended for use in converting a device into one of the above weapons.

The Giving Machine Returns to Charlotte – and This Year’s Need is Greater Than Ever

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The Giving Machine Returns to Charlotte – and This Year’s Need is Greater Than Ever

The Light the World Giving Machine is returning to the Charlotte area with a new home at Carolina Place Mall. From November 19 to December 7, visitors can “purchase” meaningful items that provide relief, education, and hope for people in need, both locally and globally. Offerings range from simple necessities, such as laundry detergent for a neighbor in need, to empowering resources like a goat for a family across the world. Donation amounts vary from $5 to $180, inviting individuals, families, and community groups of all sizes to participate.

This year’s Giving Machine includes the following four local charities, and two global charities:

  • Ada Jenkins Center — Strengthening families in northern Mecklenburg County with integrated services in health, education, and economic mobility.
  • Classroom Central — Equipping local teachers and students in need with free school supplies to foster learning and success.
  • Common Heart — Fighting local hunger through food pantries, grocery deliveries, and empowerment programs in Union and surrounding counties.
  • MiraVia — Providing life-affirming support for pregnant women and new mothers, including housing for student-moms pursuing education.
  • American Red Cross — Delivering disaster response, preparedness, blood services, and humanitarian aid.
  • Church World Service — Supporting refugees and communities worldwide with emergency relief and resilience-building programs.

“We are so excited to be part of the Giving Machine,” said Karen Calder, executive director of Classroom Central. “This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to really rally around our students and teachers. It may sound simple. It’s a backpack or it’s a notebook. But really, it’s that extra something that says to a child: We see you. We believe in you. You can be successful in life.”

What is a Giving Machine?

The Light the World Giving Machine is a reimagined “vending machine for good.” Instead of dispensing soda and snacks, visitors purchase much-needed items requested by trusted charities. Donors simply select an item card, such as “baby pajamas” or “winter coat”, make their payment, and watch as the card drops into a collection bin to represent their donation. A digital receipt confirms the purchase and the charity receives 100% of the donation to provide that specific kind of help, with all operational costs covered by the initiative’s sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Since the first machines appeared in 2017, donors have contributed more than $44 million, enabling participating nonprofits to deliver hundreds of thousands of essential items worldwide. In 2025, the Giving Machine will operate in 126 cities across 21 countries on six continents, with new international locations this year in Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Chile, El Salvador, Italy, Spain, and Thailand.  To learn more about this global initiative, visit GivingMachine.org.

Plan Your Visit

  • Dates & Hours: November 19–December 7, 2025 (mall hours)
  • Location: Carolina Place Mall (11025 Carolina Pl Pkwy, Pineville, NC 28134), first floor on the corner between Belk and Dick’s Sporting Goods
  • Videos, Social Channels & Events Calendar: hopp.bio/givingmachinecharlotte
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