FAA to Slash Flights by 10% Due to Shutdown — Charlotte Douglas on Shortlist

Charlotte Stories
-
0
FAA to Slash Flights by 10% Due to Shutdown — Charlotte Douglas on Shortlist

Passengers flying through Charlotte Douglas International Airport could face fewer flights starting Friday, as the Federal Aviation Administration plans a 10% reduction in air traffic across 40 “high-volume markets” due to the ongoing government shutdown, according to the AP.

The cuts follow mounting staffing pressures. Controllers have been working unpaid since October 1 and now face intense overtime six days a week, prompting increased absences and safety concerns.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said at a press briefing that the move is proactive, not reactive — designed to preserve air-space safety as fatigue and shortages spiral.

The 10% reduction could remove as many as 1,800 flights and up to 268,000 seats across the 40 markets.

Charlotte’s airport is on the tentative list of affected hubs, alongside Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles, though the FAA has not yet published official confirmation.

Airlines based at CLT are reportedly evaluating schedules and preparing to notify passengers of potential changes. Officials are urging travelers to check flight status and arrive early for departing flights.

Ultra-Large Beaver Supermoon and Taurid Meteor Shower To Light Up Charlotte’s Sky Tonight

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Ultra-Large Beaver Supermoon and Taurid Meteor Shower To Light Up Charlotte’s Sky Tonight

Charlotte skies are about to light up tonight with the rare showing of both the Beaver Supermoon – the closest and brightest supermoon in years – as well as the Southern Taurid meteor shower. Clear skies are forecast across the Queen City, creating perfect conditions for what might become the most spectacular night sky of the year.

The moon will reach its full phase at 8:19 a.m. EST on Wednesday, just hours before reaching its closest point to Earth, or perigee, making it appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon, according to Space.com.

This supermoon also coincides with the Southern Taurid meteor shower, which is expected to light up the night with occasional bright fireballs coming from the Taurids constellation

The best time to view or photograph the supermoon will be just after sunset, when the moon rises in the east and appears tinted orange or red against the horizon. Astronomers recommend using a astrophotography tripod and adjusting exposure settings for the clearest images.

No Swim Advisory Issued After Sewage Leak Contaminates Lake Norman

Charlotte Stories
-
0
No Swim Advisory Issued After Sewage Leak Contaminates Lake Norman

Health officials have issued a No Swim Advisory for a cove on Lake Norman after approximately 700 gallons of untreated sewage may have leaked into the water near 4686 Eagle Point Lane in Denver.

The Lincoln County Health Director announced the advisory Tuesday afternoon, warning residents to avoid swimming or any bodily contact with the affected area due to elevated levels of fecal coliform bacteria. Officials say the contamination poses potential health risks until testing confirms that bacteria levels have returned to safe limits.

According to county officials, the leak occurred when a utility crew accidentally bored into a marked low-pressure line at a nearby property on 4655 Eagle Point Lane. The spill caused untreated wastewater to enter an unnamed cove off Lake Norman, prompting an immediate response from environmental and public health teams.

The Killian Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant is currently collecting and testing water samples to determine contamination levels. Warning signs have been placed around the affected area, and the results will be sent to the Lincoln County Public Utilities Department, which will notify the Health Department once conditions are deemed safe.

The public will be allowed to resume water activities in the cove only after laboratory results confirm that fecal coliform counts meet the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s acceptable risk standards.

Until further notice, officials urge residents and visitors to avoid swimming, boating, or fishing in the impacted section of Lake Norman.

Charlotte Is 2025’s 3rd Best Large Real-Estate Market

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Charlotte Is 2025’s 3rd Best Large Real-Estate Market

With mortgage rates having remained relatively stable compared to last year, the personal-finance company WalletHub released its report on 2025’s Best Real–Estate Markets.

To determine the most attractive real–estate markets in the U.S., the site compared 300 cities across 17 key metrics. The data set ranges from median home-price appreciation to job growth.

Health of Charlotte’s Real–Estate Market (1=Best; 150=Avg.):

  • 119th – Median Days on the Market
  • 41st – Median Home-Price Appreciation
  • 45th – Job Growth Rate
  • 134th – Foreclosure Rate
  • 119th – Home Price as % of Income
  • 125th – Maintenance Costs as % of Income

Ranking by City Size

Rank
(1=Best) 		 Large Cities (Score) Rank
(1=Best) 		 Midsize Cities (Score) Rank
(1=Best) 		 Small Cities (Score)
1 Irvine, CA
(70.44)		 1 McKinney, TX
(72.33)		 1 Richardson, TX
(68.11)
2 Nashville, TN
(67.49)		 2 Cary, NC
(71.33)		 2 Denton, TX
(66.52)
3 Charlotte, NC
(66.28)		 3 Durham, NC
(69.69)		 3 Allen, TX
(66.35)
4 Raleigh, NC
(66.25)		 4 Frisco, TX
(68.10)		 4 Surprise, AZ
(63.88)
5 Henderson, NV
(65.38)		 5 Gilbert, AZ
(67.82)		 5 Clovis, CA
(63.03)
6 Fort Worth, TX
(65.31)		 6 Madison, WI
(66.30)		 6 Athens-Clarke, GA
(62.92)
7 Austin, TX
(65.14)		 7 Port St. Lucie, FL
(66.25)		 7 Longmont, CO
(62.73)
8 Seattle, WA
(63.60)		 8 Murfreesboro, TN
(66.13)		 8 Hillsboro, OR
(61.60)
9 Atlanta, GA
(62.73)		 9 Charleston, SC
(65.14)		 9 Everett, WA
(61.18)
10 Tampa, FL
(61.22)		 10 Roseville, CA
(65.09)		 10 Manchester, NH
(60.83)
11 Miami, FL
(60.21)		 11 Chandler, AZ
(64.47)		 11 Santa Clara, CA
(60.55)
12 Mesa, AZ
(59.39)		 12 Knoxville, TN
(64.44)		 12 North Charleston, SC
(60.44)
13 Las Vegas, NV
(59.35)		 13 Peoria, AZ
(64.12)		 13 Carrollton, TX
(60.24)
14 San Diego, CA
(59.28)		 14 Reno, NV
(63.94)		 14 Wilmington, NC
(59.96)
15 Orlando, FL
(59.16)		 15 Jersey City, NJ
(63.25)		 15 Green Bay, WI
(59.74)
16 Colorado Springs, CO
(59.01)		 16 Boise, ID
(62.99)		 16 Quincy, MA
(59.69)
17 Dallas, TX
(58.48)		 17 Tempe, AZ
(62.11)		 17 Carlsbad, CA
(59.10)
18 Phoenix, AZ
(58.10)		 18 Bellevue, WA
(62.01)		 18 Renton, WA
(59.03)
19 Denver, CO
(57.87)		 19 Salem, OR
(61.22)		 19 Naperville, IL
(58.91)
20 Omaha, NE
(57.69)		 20 Grand Rapids, MI
(61.20)		 20 Roswell, GA
(58.52)
21 San Jose, CA
(57.22)		 21 Salt Lake City, UT
(61.09)		 21 Davie, FL
(58.49)
22 Anaheim, CA
(57.19)		 22 Sunnyvale, CA
(60.82)		 22 Spokane Valley, WA
(58.46)
23 Arlington, TX
(57.14)		 23 Plano, TX
(60.34)		 23 Yuma, AZ
(58.04)
24 Columbus, OH
(56.37)		 24 Elk Grove, CA
(60.25)		 24 Sterling Heights, MI
(57.92)
25 Oklahoma City, OK
(56.12)		 25 Irving, TX
(60.11)		 25 High Point, NC
(57.51)
26 Boston, MA
(55.92)		 26 Richmond, VA
(59.94)		 26 Ann Arbor, MI
(57.34)
27 Houston, TX
(55.92)		 27 Eugene, OR
(59.47)		 27 Vista, CA
(57.27)
28 Virginia Beach, VA
(55.76)		 28 Lincoln, NE
(59.47)		 28 Arvada, CO
(57.09)
29 Santa Ana, CA
(55.69)		 29 Grand Prairie, TX
(59.30)		 29 Kent, WA
(56.81)
30 Lexington, KY
(55.31)		 30 Vancouver, WA
(59.10)		 30 Escondido, CA
(56.66)
31 Tucson, AZ
(54.92)		 31 North Las Vegas, NV
(58.95)		 31 Visalia, CA
(56.63)
32 Aurora, CO
(54.87)		 32 Buffalo, NY
(58.56)		 32 Stamford, CT
(56.58)
33 Riverside, CA
(54.84)		 33 Rochester, NY
(58.39)		 33 Norman, OK
(56.57)
34 Bakersfield, CA
(54.76)		 34 Hialeah, FL
(58.18)		 34 Santa Maria, CA
(56.33)
35 El Paso, TX
(54.22)		 35 Ontario, CA
(58.15)		 35 Temecula, CA
(56.25)
36 Sacramento, CA
(54.10)		 36 Worcester, MA
(58.13)		 36 Allentown, PA
(56.13)
37 Fresno, CA
(53.81)		 37 Fort Wayne, IN
(57.99)		 37 Costa Mesa, CA
(55.83)
38 Portland, OR
(53.52)		 38 Huntsville, AL
(57.96)		 38 Beaverton, OR
(55.73)
39 Jacksonville, FL
(53.22)		 39 Fort Collins, CO
(57.80)		 39 Thornton, CO
(55.72)
40 Minneapolis, MN
(52.92)		 40 Spokane, WA
(57.70)		 40 Broken Arrow, OK
(55.35)
41 Wichita, KS
(52.51)		 41 Fontana, CA
(57.63)		 41 Palm Bay, FL
(55.33)
42 Albuquerque, NM
(52.42)		 42 Rancho Cucamonga, CA
(57.60)		 42 Orange, CA
(55.26)
43 Long Beach, CA
(52.31)		 43 Chula Vista, CA
(57.06)		 43 Cambridge, MA
(55.25)
44 Los Angeles, CA
(52.27)		 44 Garland, TX
(57.03)		 44 Dearborn, MI
(54.82)
45 Kansas City, MO
(51.83)		 45 St. Petersburg, FL
(56.96)		 45 West Covina, CA
(54.73)
46 Cincinnati, OH
(51.60)		 46 Chesapeake, VA
(56.79)		 46 Miami Gardens, FL
(54.72)
47 Pittsburgh, PA
(51.30)		 47 Tacoma, WA
(56.47)		 47 Lansing, MI
(54.69)
48 Louisville, KY
(51.00)		 48 Scottsdale, AZ
(56.34)		 48 Fullerton, CA
(54.58)
49 Newark, NJ
(50.56)		 49 Winston-Salem, NC
(55.55)		 49 Lynn, MA
(54.53)
50 Tulsa, OK
(50.15)		 50 Huntington Beach, CA
(55.27)		 50 Lowell, MA
(54.51)
51 Milwaukee, WI
(49.93)		 51 Springfield, MO
(55.17)		 51 Gainesville, FL
(54.37)
52 Indianapolis, IN
(49.79)		 52 Glendale, AZ
(55.02)		 52 San Mateo, CA
(54.16)
53 Stockton, CA
(49.67)		 53 Fremont, CA
(54.83)		 53 Santa Barbara, CA
(53.97)
54 New York, NY
(49.51)		 54 Garden Grove, CA
(54.75)		 54 Savannah, GA
(53.91)
55 Honolulu, HI
(49.22)		 55 Oxnard, CA
(54.51)		 55 Federal Way, WA
(53.82)
56 St. Paul, MN
(49.07)		 56 Alexandria, VA
(54.42)		 56 Westminster, CA
(53.69)
57 San Antonio, TX
(48.96)		 57 Providence, RI
(54.40)		 57 Carson, CA
(53.32)
58 Memphis, TN
(47.27)		 58 Oceanside, CA
(54.36)		 58 Lakeland, FL
(53.31)
59 Washington, DC
(46.77)		 59 Overland Park, KS
(53.62)		 59 Warren, MI
(53.21)
60 San Francisco, CA
(46.07)		 60 Tallahassee, FL
(53.49)		 60 Ventura, CA
(53.20)
61 Oakland, CA
(45.55)		 61 Santa Clarita, CA
(53.29)		 61 Burbank, CA
(53.20)
62 Corpus Christi, TX
(45.33)		 62 Corona, CA
(53.19)		 62 Rockford, IL
(53.19)
63 Detroit, MI
(43.84)		 63 Salinas, CA
(52.91)		 63 Miramar, FL
(53.10)
64 Chicago, IL
(43.61)		 64 Greensboro, NC
(52.88)		 64 South Gate, CA
(53.05)
65 Cleveland, OH
(42.79)		 65 Moreno Valley, CA
(52.46)		 65 Yakima, WA
(53.05)
66 Philadelphia, PA
(37.08)		 66 Lakewood, CO
(52.45)		 66 Mission Viejo, CA
(52.92)
67 Baltimore, MD
(33.77)		 67 Glendale, CA
(52.44)		 67 Simi Valley, CA
(52.92)
68 New Orleans, LA
(24.00)		 68 San Bernardino, CA
(52.30)		 68 Santa Monica, CA
(52.91)
69 Laredo, TX
(52.28)		 69 Torrance, CA
(52.85)
70 Modesto, CA
(52.21)		 70 Greeley, CO
(52.84)
71 Fayetteville, NC
(52.10)		 71 Pasadena, CA
(52.62)
72 Aurora, IL
(51.96)		 72 Norwalk, CA
(52.55)
73 Hayward, CA
(51.25)		 73 Vacaville, CA
(52.52)
74 Pembroke Pines, FL
(51.20)		 74 El Monte, CA
(52.00)
75 Cape Coral, FL
(50.90)		 75 Elizabeth, NJ
(51.94)
76 Amarillo, TX
(50.67)		 76 Westminster, CO
(51.89)
77 Akron, OH
(49.47)		 77 Kenosha, WI
(51.79)
78 Yonkers, NY
(49.34)		 78 Mesquite, TX
(51.73)
79 Augusta, GA
(48.77)		 79 Centennial, CO
(51.62)
80 Norfolk, VA
(48.50)		 80 Thousand Oaks, CA
(51.56)
81 Santa Rosa, CA
(48.15)		 81 Plantation, FL
(51.39)
82 Newport News, VA
(47.99)		 82 Rialto, CA
(51.18)
83 Anchorage, AK
(47.96)		 83 Sandy Springs, GA
(51.15)
84 Lancaster, CA
(47.65)		 84 Downey, CA
(50.93)
85 Springfield, MA
(47.45)		 85 Livonia, MI
(50.81)
86 Palmdale, CA
(47.29)		 86 Albany, NY
(50.78)
87 Paterson, NJ
(46.41)		 87 El Cajon, CA
(50.60)
88 Fort Lauderdale, FL
(46.34)		 88 Daly City, CA
(50.49)
89 Birmingham, AL
(45.41)		 89 Fairfield, CA
(50.48)
90 Des Moines, IA
(44.61)		 90 Sunrise, FL
(50.45)
91 Hollywood, FL
(44.38)		 91 Murrieta, CA
(50.41)
92 Little Rock, AR
(43.69)		 92 Boca Raton, FL
(50.39)
93 Toledo, OH
(41.26)		 93 Pomona, CA
(50.37)
94 Columbus, GA
(39.66)		 94 Chico, CA
(50.35)
95 St. Louis, MO
(39.14)		 95 New Bedford, MA
(50.28)
96 Montgomery, AL
(38.59)		 96 Inglewood, CA
(50.21)
97 Mobile, AL
(36.74)		 97 West Palm Beach, FL
(50.04)
98 Baton Rouge, LA
(33.69)		 98 Gresham, OR
(49.94)
99 Shreveport, LA
(26.85)		 99 Clearwater, FL
(49.59)
100 New Haven, CT
(49.55)

Charlotte’s 10 Worst Restaurant Health Scores in October 2025

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Charlotte’s 10 Worst Restaurant Health Scores in October 2025

The Mecklenburg County Health Department has released its latest round of inspections, and while most restaurants across Charlotte earned “A” grades this month, several local kitchens struggled to meet state standards.

Below are the 10 lowest restaurant health inspection scores in Charlotte for October 2025 — starting with the best of the worst and working down to the month’s lowest score.

#10 – Cedarland Restaurant

📍 4832 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
📅 Inspection Date: 10/2/2025 – Score: 88.5 (B)
View full report →

Inspectors found multiple sanitation and equipment issues, including damaged cutting boards and pest activity in the prep area.

  • “Observed flies flying around prep area.”

  • “Observed bag of onions sitting on the floor in storage area.”

  • “Observed gasket of WIC torn and lid of prep top unit detached.”

  • “Observed skillets with interiors that are deteriorating and are not smooth and easily cleanable.”

#9 – Taco Boy LoSo

📍 3700 South Blvd, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28217
📅 Inspection Date: 10/8/2025 – Score: 88 (B)
View full report →

Inspectors found expired foods and poor date marking practices, with repeat violations from previous visits.

  • “Observed multiple items past the 7-day allotted period for date marking… including roasted corn, chipotle ranch, and garlic Dijon.”

  • “Observed food employee touch cut avocados with bare hands.”

  • “Observed flying pests throughout kitchen.”

#8 – Cedarland Restaurant (Second Visit)

📍 4832 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
📅 Inspection Date: 10/9/2025 – Score: 87.5 (B)
View full report →

Cedarland appeared twice this month, with continued cleaning and pest issues.

  • “Observed dicer and meat slicer stored with food debris.”

  • “Observed final rinse of the dish machine fluctuates between 130–150°F.”

  • “Observed flying insects on the wall above the 3-comp sink.”

  • “Observed handwashing sink water at 77°F.”

#7 – Easy Like Sunday

📍 1600 E Woodlawn Rd, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28209
📅 Inspection Date: 10/9/2025 – Score: 87.5 (B)
View full report →

The popular brunch spot lost points for overcrowded storage and improper cooling practices.

  • “Observed cooked onions cooling in the walk-in cooler at 72°F after being cooked at 8AM.”

  • “Observed potatoes under a heat lamp at 98°F.”

  • “Observed raw beef patties stored above ready-to-eat cake.”

  • “Facility must develop a plan for correcting these non-compliant items… or permit action may be taken.”

#6 – Pisco GastroLounge

📍 116 W 5th St, Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28202
📅 Inspection Date: 10/10/2025 – Score: 84.5 (B)
View full report →

  • “Observed several TCS foods held out in ambient temperatures… walk-in cooler unable to maintain below 41°F.”

  • “Observed two containers of cooked lamb shanks cooling from last night temping 48–50°F.”

  • “Observed green microbial growth on soda gun stored as clean.”

  • “Observed torn gasket and misaligned WIC door resulting in a one-inch gap.”

#5 – Honest Indian Vegetarian Restaurant

📍 8109 University City Blvd, Unit C, Charlotte, NC 28213
📅 Inspection Date: 10/20/2025 – Score: 83.5 (B)
View full report →

Inspectors noted cooling and cleanliness issues throughout the University area restaurant.

  • “Observed food debris and stickers on dishes stored as clean.”

  • “Observed dark buildup inside of ice machine.”

  • “Observed multiple items in prep units missing date marks.”

  • “Observed ants crawling on wall near cold holding station… and flying pests throughout.”

  • “Observed microbial growth on vent cover and walls in dishpit area.”

#4 – Bulla Gastrobar

📍 4310 Sharon Rd, Suite W01, Charlotte, NC 28211
📅 Inspection Date: 10/6/2025 – Score: 81.5 (B)
View full report →

The SouthPark tapas favorite received repeat violations for temperature control and equipment issues.

  • “Observed both main dish machine and small glass dish machine at 0ppm chlorine after running multiple cycles.”

  • “Observed corn purée and brisket above 41°F after cooling overnight.”

  • “Observed 2 containers of meatballs sitting out on counter below 135°F.”

  • “Observed salmon dishes without consumer advisory asterisks on the menu.”

#3 – Providence Country Club Clubhouse

📍 6001 Providence Country Club Dr, Charlotte, NC 28277
📅 Inspection Date: 10/29/2025 – Score: 81.5 (B)
View full report →

Even high-end kitchens aren’t immune to inspection troubles. Providence Country Club lost points for poor cooling and food safety oversight.

  • “Observed jar of olives growing mold in prep refrigerator.”

  • “Observed cheeses portioned on 10/25 holding above 41°F.”

  • “Observed prime rib cooling since 10/28 holding at 43°F.”

  • “Observed various unlabeled food items and coleslaw dated 10/15.”

  • “Observed food stored on the floor in the walk-in freezer.”

#2 – Runaway Streetcar (at Runaway Whiskey and Wine)

📍 2135 Thrift Rd, Suite 103, Charlotte, NC 28208
📅 Inspection Date: 10/6/2025 – Score: 78.5 (C)
View full report →

The restaurant was placed on a Risk Control Plan after inspectors found repeated violations with date marking, sanitizing, and food temperatures.

  • “Observed buffalo chicken dip cooled overnight still temping at 43°F.”

  • “Observed sanitizer basin of 3-compartment sink at <50ppm of quaternary ammonia.”

  • “Observed raw chicken in refrigerated drawers at 44°F.”

  • “Observed chemical spray bottle containing blue liquid not labeled as to its contents.”

  • “Observed fruit flies throughout the kitchen and dishwashing area.”

#1 – Harris Food Mart

📍 8400 Old Statesville Rd, Charlotte, NC 28269
📅 Inspection Date: 10/1/2025 – Score: 78 (C)
View full report →

Harris Food Mart earned the lowest score of the month after inspectors found unsafe food temperatures, improper chemical storage, and major sanitation problems.

  • “Observed wings and chicken tenders stored at 120°F and 121°F in hot holding.”

  • “Observed marinated chicken in beverage cooler at 64°F.”

  • “Observed fried chicken flour stored in an old container of car washing soap.”

  • “Observed raw marinating chicken stored above bell peppers and other produce.”

  • “Observed no soap present at hand wash sink at the start of inspection.”

  • “Observed water dripping from condenser in the WIC on top of boxed chicken.”

  • “Observed excess of waste stored outside the dumpster and open dumpster doors.”

  • “Facility warned: Failure to gain compliance on food safety violations may result in permit action.”

If you’d like to monitor health scores or do a quick search for a restaurant you’re about to eat at, check out North Carolina’s health inspection database here.

Catawba County Drug Bust Leads to Seizure of Over $1.3 Million in Meth, Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Cash

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Catawba County Drug Bust Leads to Seizure of Over $1.3 Million in Meth, Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Cash

A major federal drug bust in Catawba County has just led to the discovery of over 160 lbs of meth, fentanyl, and cocaine, as well as over $377,000 in cash, according to the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

The investigation began earlier this year when CCSO’s Narcotics Division launched an operation targeting several suspected drug traffickers in western North Carolina. As the case unfolded, a CCSO investigator assigned as a task force officer with the ATF facilitated multiple controlled drug purchases, prompting federal agents to adopt the case.

On October 23, 2025, ATF agents and local task force officers executed a federal search warrant at a residence in Granite Falls. During the raid, investigators arrested Kenneth Travis, 40, of Granite Falls, and seized a significant quantity of illegal drugs. The search uncovered 133.6 pounds of methamphetamine valued at $454,500, 28 pounds of cocaine valued at $429,100, and 2.9 pounds of fentanyl valued at $39,000. In total, the seized narcotics weighed 164.5 pounds, with an estimated street value of more than $922,000.

Officers also confiscated $377,981 in cash, bringing the total value of the operation’s seizures to over $1.3 million.

Travis faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine, seven counts of trafficking methamphetamine, and two counts of maintaining a dwelling or vehicle for drug distribution. He is being held at the Catawba County Detention Facility under a $1.2 million secured bond, with a court date set for November 13, 2025.

A second suspect, Oderia Dante Glaspy, 48, of Hickory, was also arrested and charged with conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine, two counts of trafficking, and one count of maintaining a dwelling or vehicle for drug sales. Glaspy remains in custody on a $450,000 secured bond, with the same court appearance scheduled for November 13.

Authorities say additional state and federal indictments are expected as the case develops.

The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the ATF, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Burke County Sheriff’s Office, Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, and police departments from Hickory, Maiden, and Newton.

End of an Era: Mannington Mills Closing One of Gaston County’s Last Major Textile Factories

Charlotte Stories
-
0
End of an Era: Mannington Mills Closing One of Gaston County’s Last Major Textile Factories

Nearly 300 North Carolina textile workers will soon be out of work as Mannington Mills prepares to close its carpet manufacturing plant in McAdenville, one of Gaston County’s last remaining major textile facilities.

The company filed formal closure plans with the North Carolina Department of Commerce, citing a “continual decline in demand and unfavorable market conditions” as the reason behind the decision.

Mannington Mills, a 110-year-old, family-owned flooring manufacturer based in Salem, New Jersey, announced this week it will exit the residential carpet business entirely. In addition to the North Carolina layoffs, Mannington also filed plans to eliminate 211 jobs at two facilities in Georgia.

The McAdenville facility has a deep local history. Mannington purchased it from Pharr Fibers and Yarns in 2020, five years after Pharr had been one of Gaston County’s largest private employers, with more than 1,000 workers across its operations.

The closure represents another blow to North Carolina’s once-thriving textile industry, which has seen steady decline over the past two decades as manufacturing jobs moved overseas or shifted to automated production.

Charlotte Just Joined Elite Dining Status With Our First MICHELIN Star Restaurant

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Charlotte Just Joined Elite Dining Status With Our First MICHELIN Star Restaurant

Charlotte’s dining scene reached a milestone today as Wesley Heights own restaurant Counter- earned the Queen City’s first-ever MICHELIN Star, part of the guide’s inaugural American South edition, according to a press release.

Charlotte bartender Colleen Hughes at Supperland also won the MICHELIN Exceptional Cocktails Award, putting the Queen City squarely on the culinary map.

At the ceremony unveiling the selection, the MICHELIN Guide honored 10 restaurants with One Star and one with Two Stars, plus four special awards and 50 Bib Gourmand distinctions across 228 venues and 44 cuisine types. The only Two-Star went to Emeril’s in New Orleans, while Counter- claimed a One Star for Charlotte and captured a Green Star for sustainability practices.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by c o u n t e r – (@counterclt)

Inspectors praised Counter- as “sui generis,” highlighting Chef Sam Hart’s immersive, narrative-driven tasting menus and his sourcing of ingredients from more than 20 nearby farms. They also noted the restaurant’s fermentation and preservation program as exemplary. Meanwhile, Hughes’ award recognized her innovative cocktails at Supperland that blend creativity, craft, and local flair.

This dual acknowledgement signals a significant shift for Charlotte’s culinary landscape — once regional, now gaining national prestige. As the MICHELIN Guide expands into the American South, Charlotte restaurants and mixologists are proving they belong in the conversation.

American South’s 2025 MICHELIN-Starred restaurants

MICHELIN Special Awards

Santa’s Coming to Town – And to The SouthPark Mall

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Santa’s Coming to Town – And to The SouthPark Mall

The SouthPark mall just announced that Santa will be coming to town for multiple ongoing events over the next couple months.

The Santa Photo Experience will be open through Wednesday, Dec. 24; however, hours of operation vary throughout the season. Reservations are encouraged. Make Santa reservations today by clicking here or check the website for a complete list of photo experience hours.

SouthPark shoppers may also meet Santa this season at various events including:

  • Salvation Army Angel Tree – Visit the Angel Tree in the Dining Pavilion to donate and provide Christmas gifts for children in need.
    • Nov. 14 through Dec. 6
  • Pet Photos – Bring your furry friend to the mall to pose with Santa! 
    • Sunday, Nov. 23 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. in center court
  • Jingle Bash – Enjoy a festive brunch with holiday crafts, train rides, cheerful characters, and a special gift from Santa! Reservations are required so book your spot today! More information to come on our website, 
    • Dec. 6, 9 – 11:00 a.m. at Suffolk Punch (RSVP)
  • Caring Santa® – Exclusive event for children with special needs and their families. Reservations are required for this private, sensory-friendly experience. 
    • Sunday, Dec. 7 from 9 – 10:30 a.m. in Center Court.

Panthers Shock Packers 16–13 at Lambeau With Last-Second Field Goal and Fan Brawls

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Panthers Shock Packers 16–13 at Lambeau With Last-Second Field Goal and Fan Brawls

The Carolina Panthers pulled off a stunning 16–13 upset over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, proving they can win tough games in cold conditions.

The victory lifted Carolina to 5–4, fueled by Rico Dowdle’s 130 rushing yards and two touchdowns and sealed by rookie kicker Ryan Fitzgerald’s 49-yard game-winner as time expired — his second walk-off kick this season.

Defensively, the Panthers rebounded after last week’s loss to Buffalo, holding Green Bay’s top-10 offense to one touchdown while forcing critical red-zone stops.

The Packers entered the matchup as heavy favorites, but Carolina’s balance and composure helped them silence the Lambeau Field crowd — which, as it turned out, caused trouble of its own.

According to Green Bay Police, officers handled 12 calls for service during the game, ranging from medical emergencies to fan code of conduct violations. Two fans were arrested and two others were ejected following separate incidents in the stands. Police said the crowd’s behavior kept them “busy” throughout the afternoon, adding to the tension of an already dramatic finish.

With back-to-back strong performances and improved defensive play, the Panthers are showing they can compete — and win — against the league’s best as the season heads into colder months.

1...959697...1,315Page 96 of 1,315