Beloved Restaurant Owner’s Murder Case Moves Forward in Charlotte Court

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Beloved Restaurant Owner’s Murder Case Moves Forward in Charlotte Court

Two men charged in the 2019 murder of Scott Brooks, co-owner of Charlotte’s beloved Brooks’ Sandwich House, appeared in court today. Steven Staples faces first-degree kidnapping charges, while Terry Connor Jr. is charged with robbery.

Brooks was shot and killed on Dec. 9, 2019, while opening the restaurant early in the morning. Staples had recently been released from prison after serving over 12 years for robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.

Police say Staples committed four additional murders in the weeks following Brooks’ death, including shootings in Charlotte and Hickory. He was arrested after the final killing in January 2020 and later charged in the Brooks case.

I had the privilege of briefly interviewing Scott Brooks a few years ago. He told me he began running the small sandwich house with his brother David since 1973;

Monkey Escapes Lake Norman Zoo, Prompting Urgent Search in Troutman

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Monkey Escapes Lake Norman Zoo, Prompting Urgent Search in Troutman

Troutman residents, stay alert: a 5-year-old female capuchin monkey (the same monkey Ross owned in the show “Friends”) escaped Zootastic Park on Wednesday at 8 a.m. The agile primate, known for her distinctive dark “cap” of hair, triggered an immediate response from park officials. Owner Scott Brown, managing over 1,700 animals, explained that the unnamed monkey slipped out undetected.

Native to Central and South America, capuchins are renowned for their intelligence and tool-using skills. Consequently, Zootastic Park staff and Iredell County Animal Services launched a coordinated search across the surrounding area. Brown remains optimistic, hoping the monkey returns by Wednesday evening. If not, trained personnel are prepared to deploy a tranquilizer blow gun to ensure her safe capture.

Iredell County Animal Services issued an urgent advisory: residents should not approach, chase, or attempt to capture the monkey. Instead, immediately report sightings to 704-878-5335. Authorities emphasize public safety and the animal’s well-being as the search intensifies.

North Carolina Ranks in the Top 15 Most Fun States in America

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North Carolina Ranks in the Top 15 Most Fun States in America

With 82% of Americans planning to take a summer trip this year, the personal-finance company WalletHub today released its report on 2025’s Most Fun States in America.

To determine the states offering the greatest variety and most cost-effective options for enjoyment, WalletHub compared the 50 states across 26 key metrics. The data set ranges from movie costs to accessibility of national parks to nightlife options per capita.

Fun in North Carolina (1=Most Fun; 25=Avg.):

  • Overall Rank: 15th
  • 7th – Restaurants per Capita
  • 18th – Movie Theaters per Capita
  • 10th – Golf Courses & Country Clubs per Capita
  • 18th – Amusement Parks per Capita
  • 19th – Performing-Arts Theaters per Capita
  • 9th – Fitness Centers per Capita
  • 29th – Variety of Arts, Entertainment & Recreation Establishments

Most Fun States to Visit in America

Overall Rank  State Total Score  Entertainment & Recreation Rank  Nightlife Rank 
1 California 66.89 1 3
2 Florida 63.86 2 6
3 Nevada 58.17 8 1
4 Illinois 58.14 3 2
5 New York 56.94 5 7
6 Colorado 56.17 4 11
7 Washington 55.17 6 4
8 Texas 52.96 7 13
9 Minnesota 49.66 10 8
10 Oregon 47.98 12 10
11 Louisiana 46.68 16 9
12 Arizona 46.19 9 24
13 Pennsylvania 46.13 13 15
14 Ohio 45.58 15 12
15 North Carolina 44.94 11 25
16 Missouri 44.55 18 14
17 Wisconsin 42.98 25 5
18 Georgia 42.36 14 27
19 Maryland 42.04 17 26
20 Tennessee 41.60 22 20
21 South Carolina 41.18 19 29
22 Michigan 39.71 24 19
23 Hawaii 38.76 21 45
24 Massachusetts 38.28 27 21
25 Utah 38.25 20 48
26 Virginia 37.19 23 43
27 Oklahoma 36.52 29 23
28 New Mexico 36.16 26 36
29 South Dakota 35.87 31 18
30 Montana 35.73 35 16
31 Alaska 34.34 30 34
32 Wyoming 33.85 28 42
33 Iowa 33.28 36 17
34 Nebraska 33.19 32 32
35 Idaho 32.80 33 35
36 New Jersey 31.70 34 41
37 Indiana 31.28 39 22
38 Kentucky 29.72 38 31
39 Maine 29.04 37 44
40 North Dakota 28.54 43 37
41 Kansas 28.45 42 39
42 New Hampshire 27.06 41 49
43 Connecticut 26.91 40 50
44 Alabama 26.90 42 37
45 Vermont 24.69 47 30
46 Arkansas 24.49 45 47
47 Delaware 23.95 46 46
48 Rhode Island 23.74 48 33
49 Mississippi 21.05 49 28
50 West Virginia 19.18 50 40

Concord Named One of America’s Most Charming Downtowns by HGTV

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Concord Named One of America’s Most Charming Downtowns by HGTV

Concord has earned national recognition after HGTV placed its historic downtown among the “40 Most Charming Small-Town Downtowns in America“. The honor highlights the Cabarrus County seat’s mix of culture, history, and small-town appeal, all within a 32-minute drive from Uptown Charlotte.

HGTV praised Concord for its vibrant street art, including a Union Street mural honoring folk-rock band The Avett Brothers. The feature also spotlighted the city’s boutiques, independent art galleries, preserved architecture, and nostalgic Cabarrus Creamery.

To narrow its list, HGTV sought downtowns with historic architecture, inviting shops, local culture, and an overall sense of charm. The editors noted that many small-town gems win visitors over through festivals, family-owned eateries, and lively main streets.

According to HGTV: “Concord, North Carolina, is home to a lively historic district that wows with small-town charm and a vibrant street art scene, which includes a tribute mural on Union Street dedicated to The Avett Brothers, a popular folk rock band from Concord. Just 30 minutes northeast of Charlotte, Concord attracts visitors to its one-of-a-kind boutiques, art galleries, historic architecture and, of course, scoops from retro-style Cabarrus Creamery. Stop in the historic Cabarrus County Courthouse to admire the architectural styles and wander curated art galleries, then revel in the lush year-round gardens at Memorial Garden on Spring Street. It’s located on land bought in 1804 for the original log cabin sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church of Concord.”

Earthquake Strikes North Carolina Rainforest This Morning

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Earthquake Strikes North Carolina Rainforest This Morning

A magnitude 2.2 earthquake just struck NC rainforest this morning at 9:12am (UTC).

The quake had an extremely shallow depth of 0.1 km and an epicenter of 35.150°N 82.923°W, just west of Rosman, NC, in the heart of the NC rainforest.

Earthquakes have been increasing in frequency around the Charlotte region over the past few years. Last year, we experienced the largest earthquake in over 100 years when a 5.1 magnitude quake hit Sparta, NC, and since then, dozens of aftershocks have continued to rattle our state.

According to USGS.gov, “Moderately damaging earthquakes strike the inland Carolinas every few decades, and smaller earthquakes are felt about once each year or two.”

Have you felt any of the quakes?

Freedom Park Lights Up for 61st Annual Festival in the Park This Weekend

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Freedom Park Lights Up for 61st Annual Festival in the Park This Weekend

Charlotte’s beloved Festival in the Park will return to Freedom Park this weekend for its 61st year.

From Friday, September 19 through Sunday, September 21, the festival will transform the park into a creative hub with over 150 exhibiting artists, nearly a thousand entertainers, and plenty of food trucks, carts, and stands. Last year, attendance reached an estimated 150,000 visitors, setting the stage for another record-breaking weekend this year.

Unlike most festivals, Freedom Park’s special lighting system allows visitors to enjoy exhibits into the night, giving the event its signature glow. Festival organizers proudly note the event’s repeated recognition, including Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events and Sunshine Artists Magazine’s 200 BEST festivals.

Featured Artists

This year’s lineup spans from nationally recognized names to rising regional stars.

  • Brett Blumenthal of Charlotte, an internationally acclaimed painter and author, brings her award-winning wildlife art.

  • Rey D’Alfonso of Greenville, S.C., known for his Cuban-inspired mixed media, offers bold abstract works collected across the Southeast.

  • Karen Libecap of Alabama, famed for her miniature hyper-real paintings, presents pieces that have been featured widely online.

  • Deona Fish, an Asheville favorite, shares her whimsical Sleepy Little Dreams series, already beloved by festivalgoers.

  • Craig Dietrich, a former Navy photographer, showcases striking underwater fine-art photography printed on metal.

  • Micah Mullen of Raleigh contributes his distinctive patterned cityscapes and landscapes.

  • Jeff Laibson, equally known as a jazz composer and painter, exhibits colorful abstract works.

  • P. Muzi Branch of Richmond, Va., brings decades of arts leadership and bold visual work.

Regional contributors such as Allen Monsarrat of Knoxville, Araik Minasyan of Charlotte, and Joel Tesch of Raleigh round out the diverse roster, ensuring a mix of established and emerging voices.

Music and Performances

The Main Stage promises a packed weekend schedule:

  • Friday, September 19 — Nitara Reaves headlines with a soulful evening set (7–9 p.m.).

  • Saturday, September 20 — Performances include the Charlotte Pride Band, Charlotte Youth Ballet, Ellie Morgan with a Taylor Swift tribute, and the variety band Crystal Aria.

  • Sunday, September 21 — Charlotte Bluegrass Allstars, the Youth Orchestras of Charlotte, and the Hope of Israel Dancers close out the weekend.

From bluegrass to ballet, the entertainment complements the art, offering something for every taste.

A Lasting Impact

Festival in the Park has grown far beyond its beginnings in 1964. What started as a local celebration now draws artists and visitors from across the Southeast and beyond. For new attendees, the festival offers a relaxed introduction to Charlotte’s cultural life. For returning guests, it’s a chance to revisit traditions while discovering fresh talent.

With over six decades of history, the festival remains one of the Queen City’s signature events — a place where art, music, and community come together under the September sky.

Charlotte Douglas Just Landed A New Direct Flight To Legendary Vail, CO

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Charlotte Douglas Just Landed A New Direct Flight To Legendary Vail, CO

American Airlines is expanding seasonal nonstop service from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Vail, Colorado, giving winter travelers more access to world-class skiing.

This addition makes Charlotte one of just six East Coast cities offering direct flights to Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE). The Vail airport now serves 15 major U.S. markets, up from 14 before this announcement.

Skiers and snowboarders can now enjoy easier access to Vail’s alpine terrain, après-ski spots, and luxury resorts—all just one flight away. American’s expanded schedule also allows for better trip planning during peak snow season.

Charlotte Douglas continues to grow its reach, and this new connection reinforces its role as a gateway to premium leisure destinations across the country.

Historic Merger: Queens University of Charlotte to Join Forces with Elon University

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Historic Merger: Queens University of Charlotte to Join Forces with Elon University

In a historic announcement Tuesday, Queens University of Charlotte revealed plans to merge completely with Elon University, marking a milestone moment for higher education in North Carolina.

At the announcement on Queens’ campus, Acting President Jesse Cureton praised the merger as a “bold vision for the future” that would strengthen Queens and ensure long-term stability. Cureton emphasized that Queens’ 170-year-old core values would remain intact through the transition.

Boards of both universities voted to approve the merger, combining two institutions founded in the 1800s. Queens began in Charlotte in 1857, while Elon was established in 1889.

A New Era of Oversight

Elon University President Connie Book confirmed that Elon will assume operational oversight of Queens. In a prerecorded message, she explained that Queens’ Myers Park campus will become a new home for Elon graduate students.

Elon already maintains a strong presence in Charlotte. The university opened its Charlotte Center in South End in 2023, housing graduate and undergraduate programs. Elon also launched a flexible law school program in 2024, enrolling 36 students in its inaugural Charlotte class. Additional offerings include sport management and a physician assistant program scheduled to begin in 2027.

Balancing Scale and Resources

The merger unites a much larger, financially stronger Elon with a smaller Charlotte-based institution. Elon, located near Greensboro, has about 7,300 students and reported $1.2 billion in assets in 2024. Queens, with just under 2,000 students, reported $189 million in assets last year.

For Queens, the partnership provides financial security and access to Elon’s engaged learning model and alumni network. For Elon, the merger expands scale and strengthens its Charlotte footprint.

National Context

Across the country, small private colleges face rising costs and declining tuition revenue. Many are pressured to merge or reinvent themselves to survive. Queens has already taken steps to raise its profile, including a 2022 move to Division I athletics.

North Carolina universities increasingly view Charlotte as a critical hub, often expanding through satellite programs in law, business, and health care.

Wegmans Officially Starting Construction on First Charlotte Store After $34.7M Permit Approved

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Wegmans Officially Starting Construction on First Charlotte Store After $34.7M Permit Approved

After years of speculation and anticipation, Wegmans is officially in Charlotte.

Mecklenburg County has just approved a $34.7 million construction permit, signaling the official launch of construction on the legendary family-owned grocer’s newest location in Ballantyne.

$34.7 Million Investment in Charlotte

The approved permit — Project #470172 — covers the development of Wegmans Store #158, which will rise along North Community House Road. The new 112,162-square-foot building will be a Type 2B mercantile facility, constructed with noncombustible, unprotected materials, designated under occupancy type “M” for retail use.

This new facility will represent a major investment in Charlotte’s growing retail landscape. According to public records, Wegmans spent $15.8 million acquiring two parcels for the project from NP BCP Land and NW Offices on Six, both tied to Northwood Investors, the developer behind Ballantyne’s broader redevelopment.

First Charlotte Location, Major Regional Impact

The Ballantyne store marks Wegmans’ first-ever venture into the Charlotte market and continues the company’s strategic push beyond its traditional Northeast footprint. Wegmans currently operates 88 locations across New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Virginia.

The Charlotte store is expected to open in Q3 of 2026, just under half a mile from The Bowl at Ballantyne, with the recently opened Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, North Italia, Flower Child, Harriet’s Hamburgers, and Roosters.

Historic Low for Legette, Career High for Young in Panthers’ Arizona Heartbreaker

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Historic Low for Legette, Career High for Young in Panthers’ Arizona Heartbreaker

The Carolina Panthers came up short again on Sunday, falling 27-22 to the Arizona Cardinals in a wild road game. Despite the loss, quarterback Bryce Young posted career highs, completing 33 of 55 passes for 328 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.

Young’s performance included three second-half scoring drives that brought the Panthers back into contention. Two of his touchdowns went to wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, who hadn’t scored since the 2022 season. Rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan added 75 receiving yards in the first half.

Meanwhile, Xavier Legette had a historically bad outing. He was targeted eight times and finished with just one catch for -2 yards—the first wide receiver in NFL history to record negative receiving yards on that many targets.

The game unraveled early after a sack-fumble led to an Arizona touchdown on the Panthers’ opening drive. Another turnover helped the Cardinals jump to a 20-3 lead before halftime. The Panthers clawed back in the second half, aided by an interception, a recovered onside kick, and strong drives from Young.

Injuries added to the team’s woes. Offensive linemen Robert Hunt and Austin Corbett both left the game and did not return, weakening protection late in the contest.

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