2.7 Magnitude Earthquake Just Struck North Carolina Between Asheville and Charlotte

The largest earthquake to rattle the Carolinas so far this year just struck between Charlotte and Asheville in the small town of Mill Spring, NC.

According to USGS, today’s quake had a magnitude of 2.7 on the Richter scale and a depth of 5.6 KM.

Over the past 30 days, a total of 3 additional earthquakes shook the NC rainforest near Rosman, NC. The newest quake measured 2.0 on the Richter scale and had a depth of 1.9 km, according to the USGS.

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?

Lancaster Approves 900-Home Subdivision and Commercial Expansion in Landmark Rezoning Vote

The Lancaster City Council has just approved a sprawling rezoning plan that will allow a new 900-home residential subdivision and 46 acres of commercial development off Airport Rd. in Lancaster.

The development, led by Forestar Group, spans nearly 400 acres and is projected to generate $7.3 million in annual tax revenue once completed.

via Lancaster City Council

The plan includes five zoning changes covering residential and commercial parcels, with one commercial parcel donating 20 acres for public service or recreational use.

A traffic study approved by the South Carolina Department of Transportation indicated the road network could handle projected volumes with three new turn lanes on Airport Road and signal modifications, but no new traffic lights.

Construction is not expected to begin until at least 2027, with a buildout over 10 years.

Boeing 777 From Charlotte to Rome Forced Back After Mid-Flight Mechanical Issue

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A mechanical issue forced an American Airlines flight from Charlotte to Rome to turn back mid-journey on Wednesday night, delaying travel for hundreds of passengers.

American Airlines Flight 720, a Boeing 777-200, departed Charlotte Douglas International Airport at 6:40 p.m. and was scheduled to land in Rome, Italy, at 9:50 am, but a major mechanical issued forced the plane to turn around over the Atlantic Ocean and make an emergency landing back in Charlotte, according to FlightAware data.

This is now the 3rd Boeing aircraft to be diverted and forced to make an emergency landing in Charlotte so far this year.

The plane landed safely in Charlotte and taxied to the gate under its own power. Maintenance crews inspected the aircraft after arrival.

The rescheduled Flight 720 is now set to depart Charlotte at 4 p.m. Thursday, with an expected arrival in Rome at 7:51 a.m. Friday.

E. Coli Contamination Leads to Boil Water Advisory Across Union County

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Union County public schools, offices, and facilities will close Thursday following a citywide boil water advisory in Monroe. The closure includes all athletics, camps, and district activities.

Routine testing found E. coli in the city water system near Monroe Fire Department Station 4. The new emergency advisory now applies to the entire Monroe city water system as a precaution.

The city has isolated the impacted area, flushed the system, and notified the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. Additional testing is underway, and the advisory is expected to be lifted Thursday, August 14.

Residents using city water should boil it for at least one minute before drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, making ice, or giving it to pets. Bottled water is recommended if available.

The Union County Public Health Department has suspended permits for food establishments using Monroe city water unless they have approved emergency water plans.

The closure comes ahead of the school year, with optional teacher workdays starting August 15 and students returning August 25.

Fort Mill’s Anne Springs Close Greenway Opens Two New Bridges

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The Anne Springs Close Greenway announced yesterday the official opening  of two newly constructed pedestrian bridges, marking the completion of a critical infrastructure project that  enhances both access and environmental stewardship on its 2,100-acre property.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held this morning to celebrate the milestone, with remarks from Greenway  leadership and community partners in attendance.

The $1.77 million project replaces two key crossings that had become unusable in recent years: the former Steele Street vehicular bridge, which collapsed in January 2024, and a swinging footbridge near the prairie at  the Adventure Road Entrance. These new steel-truss pedestrian bridges are engineered for longevity, designed  to sit above the 100-year floodplain and minimize environmental disruption.

“Today’s opening marks more than just the completion of a construction project—it represents our ongoing  commitment to balancing sustainable access with land conservation,” said John Gordon, President & CEO of the  Leroy Springs & Company. “These bridges restore vital trail connections for hikers, bikers and equestrians, while  protecting the integrity of Steele Creek and the surrounding ecosystem.” 

With the new bridges in place, over 200 acres of trails previously impacted by detours and closures are once  again accessible. The improvements are expected to significantly enhance visitor experience across multiple trail  systems, particularly at the heavily trafficked Adventure Road and Blue Star entrances. In 2024 alone, more  than 100,000 visitors entered the Greenway through these gateways.

The project was funded through a combination of endowment support and generous contributions from  individuals, corporate sponsors and individual donors.

“These bridges are an investment in the future of this property and the people who cherish it,” said Gordon. “As  our region continues to grow, we’re proud to provide safe, sustainable ways for the public to connect with  nature.” 

To learn more about the Anne Springs Close Greenway and its mission, visit ascgreenway.org.

Public Backlash Halts Proposed Mooresville Earnhardt Estate Data Center

A plan to rezone 400 acres of rural Mooresville land for a large-scale data center has been withdrawn, Mayor Chris Carney announced Wednesday.

“This morning, the Town of Mooresville received official notice from Tract developers that they have withdrawn their request for a proposed data center in Mooresville. This means the item will be removed from the September 15 agenda and will not move forward,” Carney said on Facebook.

The proposal, backed by Teresa Earnhardt, widow of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, sought to transform her Patterson Farm Road property into the Mooresville Technology Park. The project promised nearly 200 full-time jobs and hundreds of millions in tax revenue over two decades.

However, strong opposition from residents — including Dale Earnhardt’s eldest son, Kerry — raised concerns about environmental impacts, property values, and the absence of a named technology company. Kerry Earnhardt publicly stated his father would be “livid” to see his name tied to the development.

Carney said the developer’s decision to fully withdraw the request removes it from the town’s meeting agenda.

41-Year-Old Gaston Man Arrested For Murder After Deadly Attack

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A 74-year-old man is dead and another is in custody after an alleged assault Tuesday morning in Gaston County.

Gaston County Police say officers responded around 8:30 a.m. to New Moon Ln, Bessemer City, where Michael Hughes died from injuries sustained in the attack.

According to officials, the Gaston County man responsible for the attack was 41-year-old Derek S. Hughes. He was arrested shortly afterward by Gaston County Police. He is charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bond.

Investigators have not confirmed whether the men were related. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective A. Bishop at 704-866-3320 or Crime Stoppers at 704-861-8000.

Top 10 Best Wedding Photographers in Charlotte

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Charlotte’s fall wedding season is almost here. The Queen City now has more venues, caterers, and photographers than ever before – great for couples who want choices, but terrible for the indecisive.

To help out the latter, we decided to ask our Instagram followers who they thought the best wedding photographer in Charlotte was.

Our poll received a total of 757 submissions and the following ranking represents the photographers who were tagged the highest number of times. While this may seem somewhat subjective, we have researched all of the following photographers to check for consistent outstanding quality, made with the help of the best cameras for wedding photography, and I can say with complete confidence that they are some of the best wedding photographers in the entire Charlotte region.

#10 (tie) Ana Meskh Photography @anameskhphoto

Ana Meskh had a total of 19 mentions on our Instagram poll, and while she has one of the smallest Instagram followings on this list, with 571 followers, she also has one of the highest engagement scores at 27.83%, with an average of 147 likes and 12 comments on each of her posts.

Ana first launched her business last March and is already demonstrating some of the most amazing talent in our city.

Her style tends to be traditional, colorful, and creative;

 

View this post on Instagram

 

#charlottewedding #charlottephotographer #charlottephotography #charlotteweddingphotographer #weddingphotographer

A post shared by Anastasiiausa (@anameskhphoto) on

 

#10 (tied) Angela Tucker @photographybyangelatucker

Angela Tucker also had 19 mentions on our poll. She has a total of 2,557 followers, but a lower engagement score of 4.8%, with an average of 112 likes and 12 comments per post.

Angela “is a wedding and portrait photographer based in Charlotte, North Carolina and available for worldwide travel.”

Her style is bright, vibrant, and elegant;

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Cheers to a chill and relaxing Saturday. ✨ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ . Planner- @theknotinitaly.it Florals- @robertofioriweddingflorist Photographer- @photographybyangelatucker . . . #charlotteweddingphotographer #ncweddingphotographer #tuscanyweddingphotographer #italyweddingphotographer #lookslikefilm #italianwedding #thatsdarling #thatsdarlingmovement #fineart #fineartphoto #loveinternationally #tuscanwedding #photographybyangelatucker #wanderingphotographers #weddinginspiration #weddingstyle #destinationphotographer #tuscanvilla #destinationweddingphotographer #destinationwedding #goldenhour @wedphotoinspiration @dreamweddingshots #dreamweddingshots @stylemepretty #SMPShareYourStory @huffpostweddings #HuffPostIDo @inspiredbythis #everydayIBT #lightandairy #thedailywedding #mastinlabs #saturdayfeels #2019wedding @ruffledblog @weddingchicks @weddingsparrow @weddingwire @martha_weddings @brides @carolinabridenc @hochzeitsguide @lookslikefilm @theknot @bridalmusings @southernbrideandgroom @southernweddings @loverly

A post shared by Angela Tucker – Photographer (@photographybyangelatucker) on

 

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We have been prepping for this day with Lisa & Jimmy for a over a year now and I’m so excited the day is finally here. Can’t wait to see you two! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ . . . #charlotteweddingphotographer #ncweddingphotographer #charlotteengagementsession #ncengagementsession #savannahweddingphotographer #charlestonweddingphotographer #charlottesvilleweddingphotographer #atlantaweddingphotographer #destinationweddingphotographer #thatsdarling #shesaidyes #photographybyangelatucker #nashvilleweddingphotographer #filmphotographer #wonderingphotographers #capturethemoments #californiaweddingphotographer #heputaringonit #imengaged #engaged #fineartphoto #thatsdarlingmovement #lightandairy #tilinsiders #prettylittlethings #septemberwedding #2020wedding #2019wedding #saturdaysareforweddings

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#8 (tied) Critsey Rowe Photography @critseyrowephotography

Critsey Rowe had a total of 20 mentions in our poll and has one of the largest Instagram followings on our list with over 21,400 followers. She currently has an engagement rate of 1.54% with an average of 317 likes and 13 comments per post.

According to her wedding photography website, she’s captured weddings all around the country, including in New York, New Jersey, California, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Mexico and Germany.

Her style is creative, bold, and classic;

 

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💕Esther and Carter didn’t let hurricane Florence steal their thunder! They took it right back and made it an epic day! ✨ Exactly one year ago on Saturday, September 15th Carter and Esther (former New Yorkers who moved south for “the weather”) got engaged and began planning their Charleston wedding; until it was canceled in an instant as hurricane Florence barrels towards the Carolinas. However, hurricane Florence didn’t stop Loetz and Walsh from celebrating what would have been their wedding day. The couple dressed up and celebrated locally in Charlotte with a photo shoot in the rain and party with friends. Their new wedding date is slated for November 30th at the William Aiken House in Charleston. They are working with local Charlotte wedding planner, Jackie Fogartie who organized the photo shoot in the rain with Critsey Rowe Photography. ” I wanted to make their day special even if they couldn’t get married. They are such a fun couple that I knew they’d want to do something fun to mark what was supposed to be their wedding day.” Fogartie has years of experience planning weddings in areas where big weather happens. September marks the kick off of hurricane season. For couples planning weddings in areas that are prone to big weather, Fogartie advises to get wedding insurance, and get it well in advance of your date. “There is liability and postponement insurance, and both are worth it. It’s not overkill, it’s smart.”

A post shared by Wedding | Portrait Photography (@critseyrowephotography) on

 

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The cutest little flower girls and ring bearer you ever did see! 💕

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#8 (tied) Makenzie Lauren @makenzielaurenphoto

Makenzie Lauren tied for 8th on our poll with 20 total mentions, in spite of her comparatively small Instagram following of 867. She has a high engagement of 13.51% with an average of 112 likes and 5 comments per post.

Makenzie’s notes on her website that she’s now engaged “to the raddest dude ever. I know, super cool. Being a wedding photographer, while also being engaged has been an awesome experience, and has given me so much insight into how a bride wants to be treated…”

Her style is rustic, vibrant, and traditional;

 

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“Take my hand take my whole life too for I can’t help falling in love with you”• • • • • • • Photographer: @makenzielaurenphoto Venue: @hiddenriverevents Makeup: @theposhpalettecharlotte Dress: @paigeandelliott Florals: @hiddenriverevents Bride: @thesydbryce Groom: @eaacosta7 • • • • • @oarsandbeanies @dirtybootsandmessyhair @wildhairandhappyhearts @junebugweddings @radlovestories @radstorytellers @authenticlovemag @belovedstories @thephotofolk #wanderingfilm #wanderingphotographers #elopementlove #elopementcollective #radlovestories #radstorytellers #rookeandrovercrew #truetoau #thephotofolk #icelandweddingphotographer #oregonelopementphotographer #photobugcommunity #authenticlovemag #dirtybootsandmessyhair #folkdream #firstandlasts #heyheyhellomay #hawaiielopementphotographer #junebugweddings #loveellope #liveauthentic #charlotteengaged #charlotteengagedlife #bohowedding #bohobride #belovedstories #happilyeverwild #thewedlocks #ecleticbrides #ashevilleweddingphotographer

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#6 We Are One Photography @weareonephoto 

The Josh and Brooke are the husband and wife team behind We Are One, earning a total of 23 recommendations on our poll. They have 2,269 total Instagram followers with an engagement score of 5.12% with an average of 111 likes and 5 comments per post.

They first started capturing weddings together when they were dating and they are now 3 years into their marriage.

Their style is creative, elegant, and bold;

 

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This moment right here, it’ll never get old.

A post shared by Weddings + Life + Legacy (@weareonephoto) on

#5 Bethany Renee Photography @bethanyreneephotos 

Bethany Renee racked up a total of 26 mentions on our Instagram poll. She has 929 followers and an engagement score of 4.15% with an average of 38 likes and 1 comment per post.

Bethany is originally from LA, but recently moved to Charlotte for the same reason that most people move to Charlotte – because we’re awesome.

Her style is colorful, classic, and vibrant, similar to a photo to oil painting;

#4 Brittany West

Brittany West is a destination elopement and destination wedding photographer with a strong focus on the intimate connection between a couple on their wedding day. When she isn’t capturing the nuptials of couples on mountain tops in places like Asheville she can be found coordinating the logistics of an elopement for couples, typically working closely with the betrothed guiding them every step of the way. The merging of wedding photographer and wedding day coordinator allows Brittany to give her clients the best wedding day possible.

#3 Quilt & Color Photography @quiltandcolorphoto

Jake and Liv are a young power couple with a growing and loyal following around the Charlotte region – a total of 27 people recommended them in our poll. They have a total of 1,166 Instagram followers and a high engagement score of 13.74%, averaging 147 likes and 13 comments per post.

They love to travel for weddings with trips still booked to Arizona, Colorado, Florida, West Virginia, and South Carolina over the next couple months.

Their style is bold, rustic, and traditional;

 

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This first look 😭😭😭 Swipe right to see the whole thing. You won’t regret it. That last pic gets me every time 🧡

A post shared by NC Wedding Photographers (@quiltandcolorphoto) on

#2 Eggleston & Co @egglestonandco

“We’re Christian and Kat Eggleston, a slightly dorky, majorly dog-obsessed husband and wife photography duo based out of the small town of Davidson, North Carolina, right above Charlotte.”

The duo brought in 31 mentions on our poll and they have 1,479 Instagram followers with an engagement score of 7.66%.

Their style is powerful, classic, and creative;

 

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Currently missing running around the Golden Coast with these two. 🖤

A post shared by Wedding Photographers (@egglestonandco) on

#1 Anchor & Veil Photography @anchorandveil

Our top recommendation via Instagram comments brought in a commanding 45 recommendations.

Devin & Kathryn Robinson are behind Anchor & Veil Photography. With over 11,800 total followers, their profile simply states, “For those who don’t want the same basic wedding photos as their friends. Grace Alone.”

Their style is epic and magical;

 

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These two got married yesterday and as you can tell, it was an awesome and exciting day!! #SparklerExit #HeDrewHerN

A post shared by Devin & Kathryn Robinson (@anchorandveil) on

Honorable Mentions

The following Charlotte wedding photographers generated slightly fewer recommendations under our post, but they are still incredibly talented photographers representing a wide variety of styles;

 

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Doesn’t get any better than looks full of love and dresses full of bugs. Who knew palmettos loved chiffon so much? 😂

A post shared by Hey there, I’m Rebecca (@rebeccastonephoto) on

Who did we miss?

Let us know your favorite Charlotte wedding photographer in the comments below!

Concord Residents Rally Against Massive New 1,900-Home “Concord Farms” Development

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Thousands of Concord residents are now pushing back against a proposed 557-acre development along George W. Liles Parkway and Weddington Road.

The D.R. Horton “Concord Farms” project calls for 730 single-family homes, 326 townhomes, 840 multifamily units, a 200-room hotel, and 306,000 square feet of commercial space.

At a July 31 public meeting, residents voiced concerns over traffic, school crowding, and infrastructure strain. Weddington Hills Elementary is already at 110% capacity. Developers floated possible traffic upgrades and a private sewer plant but offered little for school funding.

Concord has grown nearly 7% since 2020, driven by major investments from Eli Lilly, Hendrick Motorsports, and Cadillac F1.

The Change.org petition reads in part; “The George W. Liles Parkway and Weddington Road area is already grappling with high traffic volumes, often resulting in bottleneck conditions during peak hours. Adding hundreds of residential units would mean an exponential increase in local traffic. According to a 2023 study by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, similar developments have resulted in traffic increases of up to 40%. Such escalation is unsustainable for local infrastructure and creates safety risks for residents, particularly children and the elderly.”

The fate of the proposal hinges largely on whether the city grants sewer access. Until then, the debate over Concord’s future growth shows no signs of slowing.

Wawa to Open First-Ever Travel Center in North Carolina with $675 Million Investment

Wawa has announced plans to open its first-ever travel center in North Carolina, which will become its largest format facility to date. The 8,000-square-foot complex will open on Aug. 28 at 8 am at 630 Chicken Foot Rd, Hope Mills, NC.

The new prototype will be designed to serve both professional drivers and regular travelers with a new advanced high-speed diesel court for commercial trucks, weigh stations, free tractor-trailer parking, and a pet relief area.

According to Wawa, the Hope Mills location is only the beginning. The company plans to invest more than $675 million in North Carolina in the coming years, constructing additional Wawa travel centers across the state.

The grand opening celebration will feature special events and promotions – you can sign up for an exclusive invite to the event here.