Here’s When Fall Colors Are Predicted To Peak in North Carolina in 2025

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Here’s When Fall Colors Are Predicted To Peak in North Carolina in 2025

North Carolina is gearing up for one of the most vibrant fall color displays in years.

As cooler temperatures begin to settle across the state, North Carolina’s mountains, valleys, and Piedmont regions are expected to transform into breathtaking displays of orange, red, and yellow hues.

Whitewater Falls in NC

The Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Mountains, known for their stunning views, will once again draw thousands of visitors eager to experience the beauty of the fall season.

Fall colors in North Carolina typically begin appearing in the higher elevations at the end of September, with the peak season running through October.

According to the official fall foliage from SmokyMountains.com, colors are expected to peak throughout most of the mountains and in Mecklenburg county the week of October 20th (about a week later than last year’s fall colors).

CMPD Announces 45-Year-Old Woman Dies After Tragic Shooting in SouthPark

Charlotte Stories
-
0
CMPD Announces 45-Year-Old Woman Dies After Tragic Shooting in SouthPark

A 45-year-old woman was shot and killed Monday morning near SouthPark Mall in Charlotte, marking yet another deadly incident in one of the city’s busiest commercial areas.

Police identified the victim Tuesday as Dwanneich Hammonds, confirming that her family had been notified.

According to a press release from CMPD, officers responded to an assault with a deadly weapon call around 6:57 am on the 4400 block of Barclay Downs. They found Hammonds suffering from a gunshot wound. She was taken to a hospital, where she later died.

No arrests have been made, and detectives have not released a motive. CMPD’s Homicide Unit is investigating, with help from Crime Scene Search and Victim Services.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Akers at 704-432-TIPS or submit tips anonymously through Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or via the P3 Tips app.

CMS Unveils Groundbreaking AI Policy Aimed at Enhancing Learning – Public Hearing Tonight

Charlotte Stories
-
0
CMS Unveils Groundbreaking AI Policy Aimed at Enhancing Learning – Public Hearing Tonight

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will hold a public hearing tonight, Oct. 14, on its proposed AI school policy, inviting parents, students, and educators to weigh in before an Oct. 28 board vote.

The new policy would implement AI literacy across all grades and subjects and responsible AI use in classrooms. AI would help teachers automate tasks, analyze student performance, and adapt teaching methods, freeing up time for direct student engagement.

Key points in the proposed policy include (read tonight’s full AI agenda draft here):

  • AI must be used to support—not replace—teachers and staff.

  • An AI Review Committee will approve all systems handling student or employee data.

  • Tools must comply with privacy laws including FERPA and COPPA.

  • AI cannot make final decisions on grades, discipline, or hiring without human oversight.

  • Students and teachers must cite AI use in their work.

  • AI must be equitable, accessible, and bias-monitored.

  • Parents will receive annual notices of AI use in classrooms.

CMS will require mandatory training for all staff and students on responsible and ethical AI use. The policy also mandates secure data handling and annual reviews by an AI Steering Committee.

The public hearing begins at 6 p.m. at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center. If approved later this month, the policy would take effect immediately, with full rollout following teacher training and technical integration.

North Carolina Wipes Out $6.5 Billion in Medical Debt for 2.5 Million Residents

Charlotte Stories
-
0
North Carolina Wipes Out $6.5 Billion in Medical Debt for 2.5 Million Residents

Today, Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai announced that North Carolina’s Medical Debt Relief Program has erased more than $6.5 billion in medical debt for 2.5 million residents.

Sangvai said the total far surpasses early projections made when the initiative launched in July 2024. The figure includes debt cleared directly through the program and additional balances forgiven as hospitals updated policies.

“Medical debt delays access to care and easing debt is a pivotal step forward to improving the health and well-being of those who carry the emotional stress and financial weight of high costs for medical care.” said Sangvai in a press release. “We are grateful to the hospitals and providers who are helping to give a fresh start to millions of North Carolinians.”

Hospitals across the state have begun notifying patients their medical debt has been wiped out. The nonprofit Undue Medical Debt is also mailing more than 255,000 letters confirming additional relief.

Every eligible acute care hospital in North Carolina joined the program last August. To qualify for enhanced federal payments under the Healthcare Access and Stabilization Program (HASP), hospitals agreed to relieve debt for low- and middle-income patients, expand charity care, and stop reporting medical debt to credit agencies.

Neither Medicaid expansion nor HASP required new state funding. Officials say the initiative not only clears old debt but also limits new debt through stronger financial-assistance policies—marking a major step toward statewide health-care affordability and fairness.

For more information about eligibility and questions about the program, see the organization’s Frequently Asked Questions wbsite here.

Charlotte Hosting 7th Annual 5K Walk/Run to Raise Awareness for Stillbirth Prevention

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Charlotte Hosting 7th Annual 5K Walk/Run to Raise Awareness for Stillbirth Prevention

Jace’s Journey is gearing up to host the 7th Annual 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run in recognition of Stillborn Awareness. The event will take place Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Belle Johnston Community Center located at 1000 Johnston Dr in Pineville, NC. The 5K Walk/Run begins at nine thirty in the morning with the Fun Run to follow.

Seven years ago, in May 2018, Tomeka James Isaac delivered a baby boy, Jace Alexander. He had no heartbeat and Tomeka was diagnosed with HELLP Syndrome, a very serious complication that arises during pregnancy, resulting in infection of the blood and liver. As she and her husband later found out, the condition can be treated with proper diagnosis and prevent sickness or death.

Statistics. In the United States, nearly 21,000 babies are stillborn every year. One out of every 175 deliveries ends in stillbirth. Births in North Carolina average over 700 stillborn births a year.

Demographics. Black and Native American families experience stillbirth at rates twice the rate for other families. Additionally, the stillbirth rate for women in their 40s is 2-3 times the rate for women in their 20s and 30s. Tomeka can check the mark for each of the demographic points, but all preventative steps were not taken during her pregnancy.

Prevention. In the United States, it is estimated that 25% of all stillbirths are preventable;  with an astonishing 47% of stillbirths at 37 or more weeks being preventable. One of the key factors in diagnosing HELLP Syndrome is a urine test. Tomeka says she recalls not having one. She says, “I was told that I was at high risk for Preeclampsia and protein in your urine is a symptom but they never tested my urine.”,

Turning her pain into purpose, Tomeka and her husband, Brandon, founded Jace’s Journey in honor of their baby boy. They are dedicated to helping individuals and families become more aware of the importance of maternal and fetal health. The Isaacs’ experience with the misdiagnosis drives their passion to ensure that every birthing person receives equitable care and support.

In its seventh year, Jace’s Journey founders Tomeka and Brandon Isaac have continued to see the impact of their vision. Over the years, in addition to the annual 5K, the organization has also co-hosted Bereaved Mother’s Day Teas and  community baby showers,  distributed over 40 Jace’s Embrace Boxes to families impacted by infant loss, actively participated in Legislative and advocacy work to raise awareness about stillbirth prevention and maternal health disparities and hosted educational workshops that elevate the awareness of pregnancy loss as a community health issue.

The 2024 event raised over eight thousand dollars and donations continue throughout the year, including a grant award from the CareSource Foundation. Funds raised helped to facilitate ACTT workshops – which help birthing parents and families learn how to advocate for themselves within the healthcare system, community engagement events, provider training, support resources and Jace’s Embrace Boxes. The  boxes are distributed via hospitals and clinics to provide comfort and support resources to families impacted by pregnancy loss.

With the support of community and sponsors like The Shades of Blue Project, this year’s goal is to raise ten thousand dollars which will aid in the continuance of existing programs and allow for expansion. The funds raised will help to grow peer support programming, family remembrance activities, and mental health partnerships. Isaac says “Stillbirth remains a largely unspoken public health crisis, with devastating emotional impacts on families and significant racial disparities in outcomes. Through this year’s walk, we aim to break the silence, elevate awareness, and call for meaningful action to prevent preventable stillbirths and support families impacted by loss.”

The Isaacs’ experience with the misdiagnosis drives their passion to ensure that every birthing person receives equitable care. Tomeka shares “ … we’ve been able to bring much-needed awareness to our community. By fostering open dialogue around stillbirth, hosting educational workshops, and partnering with healthcare advocates, we’ve made strides in ensuring that maternal health equity remains a priority.” She also states how their work and collaborations with organizations like March of Dimes, Healthy Birth Day , and local health leaders amplifies the importance of community engagement and proactive support in addressing healthcare disparities.

Registration and sponsorship opportunities are available at www.jacesjourney.org.

For press and media inquiries, contact Tomeka James Isaac info@jacesjourney.org.

Charlotte Residents Report First Sightings of Invasive Giant Flying Joro Spiders

Steve
-
0
Charlotte Residents Report First Sightings of Invasive Giant Flying Joro Spiders

A giant, flying, invasive spider from SouthEast Asia has now been spotted in the Charlotte region, scientists confirm.

The Joro spider, known scientifically as Trichonephila clavata, originated in East Asia and arrived in the U.S. during the 2010s. It first took hold in Georgia and was first sighted in Western North Carolina a few years ago.

Researchers say the Joro spider’s survival abilities could allow it to thrive even beyond the southeastern United States. A recent study comparing it to the golden silk spider found that the Joro’s metabolism and heart rate are much higher, helping it withstand colder climates.

Data from iNaturalist.org show that Joro spiders complete their lifecycle quickly, surviving brief freezes with a 74% success rate.

Dr. Matt Bertone with NC State University’s Plant Disease and Insect Clinic urges calm, noting the Joro is far less threatening than its size suggests. “It’s not a menace,” he said. “It’s simply a new resident in our ecosystem.”

Before reporting sightings, experts advise residents to avoid confusing the Joro spider with the common black and yellow garden spider, often called the “writing spider” due to its zigzag web design.

As fall approaches, experts area asking residents across Mecklenburg, Union, and Gaston Counties to report it immediately to the N.C. Cooperative Extension center in your county. You can also submit information to NC State’s Plant Disease and Insect Clinic.

2026’s Best Colleges in North Carolina

Charlotte Stories
-
0
2026’s Best Colleges in North Carolina

With the first “early decision” college-application deadline looming on Nov. 1, and tuition and room and board at a four-year college costing $24,920 – $58,600 per year, the personal-finance company WalletHub today released its 2026’s Best College & University Rankings report.

To help college-bound seniors make the most informed school choices, WalletHub compared nearly 800 higher-education institutions in the U.S. based on 30 key measures grouped into seven categories, such as Student Selectivity, Cost & Financing and Career Outcomes. The data set ranges from student-faculty ratio to graduation rate to post-attendance median salary.

Top 10 Colleges & Universities in North Carolina

1. Duke University 6. Queens University of Charlotte
2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 7. Meredith College
3. Davidson College 8. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
4. Wake Forest University 9. Salem College
5. North Carolina State University at Raleigh 10. University of North Carolina Wilmington

 

School Snapshot: Davidson College (1 = Best; 15 = Average; 30 = Worst):

  • 2nd – Admission Rate
  • 26th – Net Cost
  • 3rd – Student-Faculty Ratio
  • 10th – On-Campus Crime
  • 12th – Gender & Racial Diversity
  • 2nd – Graduation Rate
  • 2nd – Post-Attendance Median Salary

Panthers Break Franchise Records in Thrilling Win Over Cowboys

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Panthers Break Franchise Records in Thrilling Win Over Cowboys

Bryce Young and Rico Dowdle led the Carolina Panthers to a record-setting 30-27 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium.

Young threw three touchdowns and completed 17 of 25 passes for 199 yards, while Dowdle delivered a career-best performance with 239 total yards and a touchdown. His 183 rushing yards and 56 receiving yards made him the first Panthers player ever to record back-to-back 200-yard scrimmage games, breaking Christian McCaffrey’s 2019 two-game record.

With the game tied late, Young converted a critical 4th-and-4 pass to Hunter Renfrow, setting up Ryan Fitzgerald’s 31-yard game-winning field goal as time expired.

The Panthers’ offense dominated with 410 total yards, while the defense held Dallas to just 31 rushing yards. The victory snapped a three-game losing streak to the Cowboys and lifted Carolina to a 3-3 record — their first .500 mark since 2021.

Dowdle’s historic performance also made him the first NFL player since Dalvin Cook in 2020 to post consecutive 200-yard scrimmage games, cementing his breakout season as Carolina’s new offensive star.

20 Injured and Multiple Dead After Mass Shooting in South Carolina Bar

Charlotte Stories
-
0
20 Injured and Multiple Dead After Mass Shooting in South Carolina Bar

Officials in South Carolina are investigating a mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill that left four people dead and at least 20 others injured early Sunday morning.

Deputies from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded to multiple emergency calls just before 1 a.m. after gunfire erupted inside the crowded bar. Witnesses and victims ran to nearby homes and businesses to escape the chaos as law enforcement arrived.

Four victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while several others were transported to nearby hospitals in critical condition. Officials confirmed that more than twenty people sustained injuries during the incident. Authorities have not yet released the victims’ names pending notification of family members.

“This is a tragic and difficult incident for everyone. We ask for your patience as we continue to investigate this incident. Our thoughts are with all of the victims and their loved ones,” the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release.

Detectives are now pursuing several persons of interest connected to the shooting and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Investigators are still working to determine a motive and identify all those involved.

If you have any information, please call the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office at 843-524-2777.

Keeping Charlotte Shining: Why Professional Window Cleaning Makes a Difference

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Keeping Charlotte Shining: Why Professional Window Cleaning Makes a Difference

Charlotte is known for its modern skyline, stunning residential neighborhoods, and fast-growing business scene. With so many new developments and beautiful homes, maintaining a clean and polished appearance has become a priority for residents and business owners alike. That’s why many turn to Charlotte’s window cleaning professionals who bring expertise, safety, and reliability to every glass surface they handle.

Clean windows may seem like a small detail, but they have a big impact on how a property looks and feels. For homeowners, spotless glass means more natural light, better curb appeal, and a brighter atmosphere indoors. For business owners, sparkling windows send a strong message of professionalism and attention to detail. After all, in a city that values both growth and appearance, first impressions truly matter.

Why Professional Window Cleaning Is Essential

Over time, windows collect dust, dirt, pollen, and even hard-water stains that can dull their clarity. Charlotte’s humid climate and frequent weather changes make this buildup happen even faster. Regular cleaning not only enhances appearance but also prevents long-term damage. Dirt and mineral deposits can etch into glass, leading to scratches and expensive replacements if not properly maintained.

Professional cleaners use specialized equipment, eco-friendly cleaning solutions, and safety measures that go far beyond what typical DIY methods can achieve. Whether it’s a multi-story commercial building in Uptown or a family home in Ballantyne, professionals ensure every window shines without leaving streaks or residue.

Enhancing Property Value and Longevity

A clean exterior can increase property value and make a significant difference when selling or renting a space. Potential buyers and tenants are drawn to properties that appear well cared for. Clean windows are a simple yet powerful way to showcase that level of maintenance and pride.

Moreover, professional window cleaning is not just about looks—it also helps extend the lifespan of your glass, frames, and seals. By removing corrosive contaminants and pollutants, you reduce the risk of deterioration and leaks, ultimately saving money on future repairs.

Safety and Expertise You Can Trust

Cleaning windows—especially on higher floors—can be dangerous without proper training or equipment. Professional cleaners are trained in safety techniques, use harnesses, ladders, and water-fed poles designed for difficult angles and heights. Their experience ensures the job is done safely, efficiently, and without any damage to the property.

Many reputable companies in Charlotte also carry full insurance coverage, so homeowners and businesses can have complete peace of mind knowing their property is in safe hands.

Eco-Friendly Solutions for a Greener Charlotte

As Charlotte continues to grow, so does the community’s focus on sustainability. Many local cleaning professionals use biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning products that are safe for pets, plants, and the environment. These green cleaning methods not only protect the city’s natural beauty but also promote a healthier home and workspace.

Final Thoughts

Charlotte’s vibrant energy is reflected in its buildings, homes, and skyline. Keeping that sparkle alive takes commitment—and professional window cleaning plays a crucial part in it. By investing in trusted experts, residents and businesses ensure their spaces remain bright, welcoming, and well-maintained year-round.

Clean windows may seem like a minor detail, but in a city that values growth, innovation, and pride of ownership, they’re a reflection of Charlotte itself—clear, radiant, and full of life.

1...113114115...1,323Page 114 of 1,323