Canada Urging Charlotte Drivers To Say No to US Tariffs

0

Drivers in Charlotte are spotting new billboards that aren’t advertising restaurants or businesses, but actually, part of a foreign country’s PR campaign against President Trump’s trade tariffs.

The billboards, which feature bold messages opposing U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, are funded by the Canadian government.

According to Global Affairs Canada, the signs are meant to raise awareness among Americans about the economic consequences of trade war.

Pictures of the billboards are now going viral all over the internet, with one post on Reddit with over 14,000 upvotes and more than 500 comments. The campaign is currently active in key swing states such as Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and now North Carolina.

The effort stems from U.S. tariffs that include a 25% duty on Canadian steel and aluminum and potential tariffs on Canadian automotive imports. Canadian officials say the campaign aims to highlight how these trade policies could negatively impact jobs, prices, and economic ties between the two countries.

Charlotte’s 10 Worst Restaurant Health Scores in March 2025

0

As Charlotte’s restaurant selection continues to grow, many establishments are scrambling to attract customers and really letting their health standards slide in the process.

Some of the most common reasons for low scores were food handlers not washing their hands properly, contaminated food containers, and improper food temperatures (many restaurants are still lacking proper infrared thermometers).

These were the worst inspection scores in Charlotte for March, 2025;

#10 Romeo’s Vegan Burgers

5518 SOUTH BV, CHARLOTTE NC 28217
Scored 88.5 (B) on 3/12/2025

They had the following violations;

  • Observed cheese sauce in WIC with mold accumulating on surface of cheese.
  • Observed numerous items in make table above 41F (see temp chart).
  • Observed container of pico and slaw beyond the 7 day holding mark.
  • Observed cooked onions held on time; facility has TPHC forms available correctly filled out but no label was or documentation was created indicating what time the onions were cooked/discarded.
  • Observed unapproved can of raid spray at three compartment sink.
  • Observed numerous sauce bottles without labels in make table.
  • Observed container of sugar in dry storage without label.
  • Observed seasoning by grill and bottle of oil without label.

#9 Queen City Grounds

644 N CHURCH ST, CHARLOTTE NC 28202
Scored 88.5 (B) on 3/20/2025

They had the following violations;

  • Observed no PIC present.
  • Observed boxes of unwashed tomatoes, peppers and onions stored over ready to eat foods.
  • Observed 3 cutting boards not washed within 4 hour period. Employees prepare food directly on boards. Boards have been in use since 6:00am.
  • Observed provolone, peppers jack, American cheeses, ham, turkey and vegan bacon holding above 41F.
  • Observed no procedures for TPHC.
  • Observed spray bottles of cleaners stored with food and single service items.
  • Observed food stored on the floor.
  • Observed stir spoons and utensils in 63F water/ sanitizer mix.

#8 Desi District Restaurant 

11812 CAROLINA PLACE PY, PINEVILLE NC 28134
Scored 88 (B) on 3/18/2025

They had the following violations;

  • Observed PIC on site did not have ANSI accredited certified food protection manager certification.
  • Observed employee rinsing container at handwashing sink.
  • Observed soap missing from handwashing sink on prep line.
  • Observed no towels at 2 handwashing sinks in kitchen.
  • Observed potato sauce and vegetable cooling in deep containers in walk in cooler between 43-48 degrees F from proper day.
  • Observed several containers or rice and sauce held on racks and table below 135 degrees F.
  • Observed TCS items in hot holding case below 135 degrees F.
  • Observed cook top cleaner stored next to produce.
  • Observed bleach stored on shelf above prep sink and bleach stored over clean linen on rack.
  • Observed potatoe sauce and vegetable cooling in deep containers in walk in cooler between 43-48 degrees F from proper day.

#7 Irie Nation

440 EAST MCCULOUGH DR., CHARLOTTE NC 28262
Scored 88 (B) on 3/27/2025

They had the following violations;

  • Observed food employee not wash hands between food preparation.
  • Observed containers, and cloths stored in hand sink in kitchen area.
  • Observed macaroni and cheese on steam table that was held below 135 F.
  • Observed food stored in walk-in cooler that was not dated and held over 24 hours.
  • Observed salmon thawing in refrigerator in bags that was not cut for thawing.
  • Observed fish thawing in standing water without agitation at prep sink in kitchen area.
  • Observed food items stored in walk-in cooler that were held below 41 F but not covered.
  • Observed stacks of containers at 3-comp sink that were stacked wet.

#6 West End Tavern 

2817 ROZZELLES FERRY RD, CHARLOTTE NC 28208
Scored 87 (B) on 3/28/2025

They had the following violations;

  • Observed no CFPM on duty during inspection. During reinspection observed repeat and other high priority violations during inspection. Little to no knowledge regarding date marking, storage order, and cold holding procedures from PICs during reinspection EHS provided education during reinspection on high priority violations.
  • Observed open bag of raw fish stored over unsealed bags of French fries in RIF.
  • Observed raw philly steak stored on top of open bag of French fries in low boy freezer.
  • Observed utensils and equipment coming out of dish washer with 0PPM.
  • Observed cooked chicken wings and bow-tie pasted in individually wrapped bags above 41F from yesterday in WIC.
  • Observed buttermilk mixture for preparing raw fish above 41F in ice bath around 11AM according to cook.
  • Observed opened tzatziki sauce, diced tomatoes, salsa, shredded lettuce, and cooked bow-tie pasta in flip top unit without any date marking.
  • Observed opened tzatziki sauce, diced tomatoes, salsa, shredded lettuce, and cooked bow-tie pasta in flip top unit without any date marking.
  • Observed reheated queso dip with incorrect date marking in WIC.

#5 American Deli 

3126 MILTON RD, CHARLOTTE, NC 28215
Scored 86 (B) on 3/24/2025

They had the following violations;

  • Observed PIC is not CFPM and had multiple repeat priority violation today.
  • Observed no CFPM on duty during the inspection.
  • Observed raw shrimp in a bowl above RTE vegetables in the reach in freezer.
  • Observed employee wash and rinse a dish and then store as clean.
  • Observed multiple TCS foods in the prep top above 41F.
  • Observed scoopers being stored in bins with dry ingredients and are touching the food.
  • Observed single service cups stored at cash register unprotected.
  • Observed prep top not holding tcs foods at 41F or below.
  • Observed facility using enlarge flour bin for chicken wings.

#4 Compare Foods Meat Market

2701 FREEDOM DR, CHARLOTTE NC 28208
Scored 86 (B) on 3/18/2025

They had the following violations;

  • Observed multiple priority violations and PIC showing a pattern of non-compliance of maintaining active managerial control duties.
  • Observed PIC don new gloves with no hand wash to repackage/restack/relocate RTE smoked Turkey slices.
  • Observed a handwashing sink blocked by a cart next to 3-comp sink.
  • Observed no paper towels at handwash sink next to beef prep table.
  • Observed no shellstock tags being maintained for required 90 days.
  • Observed ready-to-eat smoked/sliced turkey legs stored in same pushcart, unwrapped side-by side and on top.
  • Observed tray of ground turkey stored above pork chops on speed rack.
  • Observed raw steak, thin sliced beef, & marinated beef stored inside the display case above 41F.
  • Observed RTE crab legs above 41F on ice at seafood display.
  • Observed multiple chubs of ham stored in the display case with no date mark.

#3 Shanes Rib Shack

5220 NEW FASHION WY, CHARLOTTE NC 28278
Scored 85 (B) on 3/18/2025

They had the following violations;

  • Observed an employee enter the kitchen from an unknown area and immediately don gloves and attempt to prepare orders without washing their hands first.
  • Observed the cookline handwash sink at 94F.
  • Observed no paper towels provided at the kitchen cookline handwash sink and the paper towel dispenser at the front counter handwash sink to be broken.
  • Observed one dented can of peaches stored on the can rack amongst intact cans.
  • Observed bulk containers of sugar, brown sugar, flour, and BBQ sauce to be stored on a lower prep shelf and dry storage shelf without a lid.
  • Observed the majority of dishes stored as clean on the racks by the mop sink to be contaminated with sticker residue, food debris, and a layer of grease.
  • Observed the food contact surfaces of the table mounted can opener to be covered in an accumulation of food debris/grime.
  • Observed the ice deflector in the ice machine to have a buildup of black grime.
  • Observed a box of single portion sour cream tubes stored in the RIC at the kitchen entrance at a temperature of 47-50F.
  • Observed one container of coleslaw in the cookline lowboy refrigerator and 2 large pans of cooked and cooled chicken tenders in the cookline RIC that were not provided with date marks.

#2 Lula Banh Mi 

10400 CENTRUM PY, PINEVILLE NC 28134
Scored 84 (B) on 3/26/2025

They had the following violations;

  • Observed multiple priority and priority foundation violations during the inspection.
  • Observed no certified service safe manager present at the start of the inspection.
  • Observed employee beverages without lids stored on prep surfaces at the start of inspection.
  • Observed handwashing sink at front counter being used as a dump sink.
  • Observed a dented can in dry storage.
  • Observed ready to eat product stored beside uncooked pork and below unwashed vegetables in the walk-in cooler.
  • Observed ready to eat food, unwashed vegetables and washed vegetables stored together on a shelf in the walk-in cooler with no separation between products.
  • Observed multiple metal pans, metal scoops, food processor and the vertical cutter mixer stored as clean with visible food debris.
  • Observed two container of milk, cut tomatoes and cooked pork without date marks.
  • Observed boxes of dry food goods stored on floor in dry good area outside of restrooms.

#1 New York Old School Bagel & Deli

7510 PINEVILLE-MATTHEWS RD, CHARLOTTE NC 28226
Scored 83 (B) on 3/31/2025

They had the following violations;

  • Observed uncovered employee beverages under prep table.
  • Observed a food employee wipe their face and wiping their hands on the apron and returned to food prep.
  • Observed a hand sink blocked by a prep table during inspection.
  • Observed stickers and marker in the handwashing sink closet to the cook line.
  • Observed several utensils, bowls, bottles, and pans stored as clean with viable food debris.
  • Observed plastic containers with stickers and sticker residue on them stacked and stored as clean.
  • Observed two dented cans of tuna and a dented can of ketchup stored with non-damaged cans on a dry storage shelf.
  • Observed two pre-portioned servings of cheese in the walk-in cooler at 48F and it was prepped on 3/28.
  • Observed that a large amount of TCS items in the grill flip top prep unit that were holding above 41F.
  • Observed sliced turkey, sliced ham, sundried tomatoes, half and half and several meat chubs in the walk-in coolers that were not date marked and were holding longer than 24 hours.

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.

South Carolina Ranked Among The Worst States For Employers Finding Workers

0

With the labor force participation rate at 62.6% and many employers still facing labor shortages, WalletHub today released its report on 2025’s States Where Employers Are Struggling the Most in Hiring.

In order to see where employers are having the most trouble hiring new workers, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on the rate of job openings for both the latest month and the last 12 months.

South Carolina was found to be the 4th worst state in the nation, and North Carolina didn’t fair much better, coming in as the 13th.

States Where Employers Are Struggling the Most in Hiring

Rank  State Job Openings Rate (Latest Month)  Job Openings Rate (Last 12 Months) 
1 Kentucky 6.50% 6.08%
2 Alaska 6.00% 6.71%
3 West Virginia 5.90% 6.11%
4 South Carolina 5.70% 5.97%
5 Arkansas 5.70% 5.65%
6 Virginia 5.60% 5.79%
7 Georgia 5.70% 5.35%
8 Oklahoma 5.40% 5.82%
9 New Mexico 5.40% 5.72%
10 Louisiana 5.40% 5.53%
11 Alabama 5.40% 5.35%
12 Missouri 5.40% 5.28%
13 North Carolina 5.40% 5.27%
14 Delaware 5.20% 5.46%
15 Montana 5.00% 5.81%
16 Minnesota 5.20% 5.36%
17 North Dakota 5.20% 5.31%
18 Maryland 4.80% 5.87%
19 Rhode Island 5.00% 5.29%
20 Mississippi 4.90% 5.42%
21 Maine 4.90% 5.38%
22 Massachusetts 5.00% 5.13%
23 Arizona 5.00% 5.12%
24 Wyoming 4.80% 5.39%
25 South Dakota 4.90% 5.09%
26 Ohio 5.00% 4.74%
27 New Hampshire 4.80% 5.05%
28 Vermont 4.80% 4.94%
29 Kansas 4.80% 4.83%
30 Nebraska 4.80% 4.61%
31 Oregon 4.50% 5.13%
32 Wisconsin 4.60% 4.88%
33 Colorado 4.10% 5.80%
34 New York 4.70% 4.60%
35 Indiana 4.70% 4.53%
36 Illinois 4.40% 5.03%
37 Idaho 4.30% 5.14%
38 Tennessee 4.40% 4.91%
39 Florida 4.30% 4.74%
40 Pennsylvania 4.30% 4.72%
41 Nevada 4.30% 4.62%
42 Michigan 4.20% 4.72%
43 New Jersey 4.20% 4.67%
44 District of Columbia 4.20% 4.63%
45 Connecticut 4.10% 4.67%
46 Iowa 4.20% 4.47%
47 Utah 4.00% 4.73%
48 Texas 4.00% 4.56%
49 Washington 3.80% 4.17%
50 Hawaii 3.60% 4.08%
51 California 3.40% 3.63%

Mac’s Speed Shop and SouthBound Opening in Fort Mill Near Baxter Village

0

Mac’s Speed Shop and its sister restaurant, SouthBound, just announced plans to open in Fort Mill, just across from Baxter Village.

Mac’s Speed Shop, a Carolina favorite for smoked meats and craft beer, will open first by late 2025. SouthBound, with its Southern California street food, is expected to follow with a mid-2026 opening.

The new Mac’s location will feature an indoor-outdoor bar and patio area with large garage doors that will give the whole place an open feel. This Fort Mill spot will be Mac’s 10th location, joining others in Charlotte, Matthews, Concord Mills, Lake Norman, Greenville, Fayetteville, Greensboro, and Raleigh.

Mac’s Hospitality, which owns both restaurants, purchased the property three years ago. However, the project faced delays due to permitting and town approvals. Now back on track, construction and planning are moving forward.

SouthBound will bring a casual, beach-inspired atmosphere to Fort Mill, offering vibrant street-style tacos and bold West Coast flavors. The pairing of the two restaurants is expected to provide locals with diverse dining options and a lively gathering place.

Discovery Place Celebrating 15th Annual NC Science Festival

0

This April, Discovery Place Science joins over 100 organizations from across the state as part of the North Carolina Science Festival (NCSciFest), the largest statewide celebration of science. With over 500 events happening from the mountains to the coast, NCSciFest engages audiences of all ages in STEAM exploration through hands-on experiences, interactive programming and inspiring discussions.

A proud participant since NCSciFest’s launch in 2010, Discovery Place Science will engage the community through exciting learning experiences that highlight the wonders of science in our everyday lives.

“Discovery Place Science is thrilled to be participating for the 15th consecutive year in this monthlong celebration of science,” said Heather Norton, Discovery Place’s Chief Science Officer. “We believe that science builds greater understanding of the world around us and allows people to nurture curiosity, think creatively, solve problems and bring positive change to our communities.”

This year’s NCSciFest theme Everyday, Everywhere, Everyone aims to encourage audiences to see that science is in their daily lives, extends far beyond the confines of laboratory settings and is accessible to everyone. The goal is to bring together students, families, researchers and science enthusiasts from all walks of life to celebrate the wonders of science.

Throughout April, Discovery Place Science will highlight this year’s NCSciFest theme through STEAM activities, adult science programming, guest speakers and more. Featured museum events:

  • Dr. Jane Goodall’s Birthday Weekend | April 3 – 5, 2025

Discovery Place will collect handmade birthday cards from guests to send to Dr. Jane Goodall. Using recycled materials, guests can create cards to wish Dr. Goodall a happy birthday and to share their pledge to make a positive impact on the planet. Activities are included with Museum Admission.

  • Science Studio: Art + Science Workshop (18+ event) | April 4, 2025

Find your inner artist through hands-on nature sketching, scientific drawing and collage art with Discovery Place. Plus, visit the aquarium and Charlotte’s only indoor rainforest during this adult science + art workshop. This is an after-hours ticketed event.

  • Earth Day Celebration | April 19, 2025

From rocks and trees to air and water, the Earth provides us with amazing materials we wouldn’t be able to live without. Discover natural resources and their usage at interactive activities spread throughout the Museum. Activities are included with Museum Admission:

  • Discussing sustainability and conservation topics while creating designs from recycled plastics with guest expert and TEDx Speaker Hadia Ghandour.
  • Exploring the science of clay and the role it can play in sustainable living with artists from local nonprofit Clayworks.
  • Testing cutting-edge technology and tinkering with renewable energy in the Tech Innovation Lab with museum educators.

NCSciFest has reached more than 3.5 million participants of all ages, in every county in the state since it was established in 2010 by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center.

Mooresville Teenager Just Qualified To Be Red Bull’s Driver At Coca-Cola 600

0

Mooresville’s 18-year-old Connor Zilisch has just qualified for this year’s Coca-Cola 600, marking his second Cup Series start and his first at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Zilisch will return to the Red Bull-sponsored No. 87 car for NASCAR’s longest and most grueling race, one of the sport’s crown jewels. His Cup debut came earlier this year at Circuit of the Americas (COTA).

The Mooresville native is making waves in the Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports, earning a win, four top-five finishes, and his first oval pole at Martinsville. He’s already secured a spot in the 2025 playoffs after a victory at COTA.

Backed by Red Bull, Trackhouse Racing has played a key role in Zilisch’s rapid rise. Red Bull will also appear on Shane van Gisbergen’s car at select Cup Series events this season.

Zilisch’s appearance in the Coca-Cola 600 is another step in what’s quickly becoming a breakout year.

CMPD Launches Sweeping “Break the Silence” Campaign to Combat Child Abuse

0

CMPD has just launched a sweeping new “Break the Silence” campaign aimed at fighting child abuse in Mecklenburg County.

The initiative, unveiled this week with Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center and the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office, coincides with Child Abuse Awareness Month.

In 2024, 58% of reported child abuse cases in the county involved sexual abuse. CMPD notes that 70% of abuse cases go unreported, making community awareness and action critical. Nationwide, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys are estimated to experience abuse, according to the National Children’s Alliance.

The campaign urges residents to recognize common signs of abuse—such as bruises, emotional withdrawal, over-sexualized behavior, or regression—and to report concerns. Officials stress that early intervention can save lives.

To report suspected abuse, call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Reports can be made anonymously.

CMPD says the goal is clear: protect children, hold offenders accountable, and build a safer community through awareness and action.

Charlotte Defies National Office Construction Slowdown with Major Commercial Projects in 2025

0

While the national office construction market continues its sharp decline, Charlotte is emerging as a bright spot in the shifting commercial real estate landscape.

According to new data from CommercialEdge, total U.S. office space under construction in 2025 has dropped to 51 million square feet — the lowest level in a decade, following a 48% year-over-year decline. However, Charlotte continues to buck that trend with several high-profile developments underway.

The Queen City currently has 500,000 square feet of office space under construction, representing 0.7% of its total office stock. That includes one of the top 10 largest office projects in the nation set for completion in 2025 — Vanguard’s 700,000-square-foot development at 2405 Governor Hunt Road.

Charlotte also ranks sixth among the fastest-growing medical office markets in the U.S., with 462,000 square feet under construction — a 5% increase in stock. The largest local medical office project is The Pearl – Research Tower, a 356,000-square-foot facility that ranks as the fourth-largest medical office project nationwide this year.

Beyond office and healthcare developments, Charlotte is experiencing significant industrial growth. The region currently has 5.9 million square feet of industrial space under construction. Among these projects, 1305 Liberty Ridge Road — a 2.1 million-square-foot facility — ranks as the 11th-largest industrial development in the U.S. for 2025.

The slowdown in national office construction is largely attributed to the rise of hybrid and remote work, which continues to dampen demand for traditional office space. But Charlotte’s diversified approach — spanning office, medical, and industrial sectors — positions the city as a resilient and rapidly evolving commercial hub.

Charlotte’s Biggest Spring Festival Returns – Here’s What’s Coming This Week To SHOUT! 2025

0

Uptown Charlotte will come alive this week with art, music, food, and ideas as Charlotte SHOUT! returns April 4–20.

Produced by Charlotte Center City Partners and presented by Atrium Health and Bank of America, the annual festival will feature more than 200 events celebrating the city’s creativity, diversity, and community.

The festival officially kicks off with a ticketed opening night on April 3 at the newly restored Carolina Theatre. This special evening will highlight all four festival pillars and close with a keynote by artificial intelligence expert Noelle Russell, who will speak on the future of AI.

The 2024 festival drew over 642,000 attendees and generated a direct economic impact of $17.1 million for Uptown businesses. Organizers paid $650,000 to local creatives and hosted 1,200 students in arts and education programming, according to a press release from Center City Partners.

New Additions in 2025:

  • CanStruction: Industry teams build sculptures from canned goods, which are later donated to Second Harvest Food Bank.

  • Queen’s Greens: A playable art exhibit with nine artist-designed mini-golf holes.

  • Oracle: Giant inflatable characters that engage guests with interactive AI-powered dialogue.

  • EdgeFest: A live spray-paint celebration featuring local muralists.

  • Mi Casa, Your Casa 2.0: Red-frame houses with swings invite visitors to play and reflect in shared spaces.

Fan Favorites Returning This Year:

  • Eggs on Parade: Thirteen giant Easter eggs designed by local artists.

  • Pianodrome: A 40-piano amphitheater inside the Wells Fargo Atrium, hosting performances and lessons.

  • E/motion: Interactive light-up seesaws simulating the feeling of water surges.

  • Live Music: Charlotte-based musicians will perform daily at Victoria Yards and other locations.

  • Surprise Installations: Hidden art will appear in alleys and unexpected corners of Uptown.

Festivals-Within-the-Festival

  • Charlotte StrEATs (April 12–13): A culinary showcase of Charlotte’s chefs and restaurants, plus StrEATs Uncorked on April 4 featuring North Carolina wines.

  • Carolina BBQ Festival (April 4–5): Hosted by Sweet Lew’s BBQ and Let’s Meet CLT, with pitmaster tastings, live music, and whole hog cooking.

  • Charlotte Ideas Festival (April 3–8): Talks by national thought leaders including author Ann Patchett, astrophysicist-musician Matt Russo, and technologist Noelle Russell.

Organizers say every day will offer something new, with performances and installations popping up across Uptown Charlotte.

For more information and a full schedule, visit charlotteshout.com.

Critically Endangered Sea Turtle Gets Second Chance at Charlotte’s SEA LIFE Aquarium

0

SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium inside Concord Mills has just welcomed a rescued Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle — one of the world’s most endangered species — to its Turtle Rescue Center just in time for spring break.

The turtle, named Mills in honor of Concord Mills’ 25th anniversary, is now receiving long-term care at the aquarium. Officials say Mills will remain at the facility as part of its marine conservation education efforts, providing an up-close look at real-world rescue and rehabilitation. Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles are critically endangered due to pollution, climate change, and fishing net entanglements.

The rescue coincides with SEA LIFE’s “Turtle Rescue Team” spring exhibit, running through April 18. Visitors can explore interactive displays, observe live feedings, and walk through North Carolina’s only 360-degree ocean tunnel while learning about ocean conservation.

Concord Mills, one of the Carolina’s largest shopping and entertainment complexes, is promoting its mix of indoor and outdoor attractions as a one-stop destination for families on spring break, including:

  • Dave & Buster’s – Keep the fun going with arcade games, virtual reality experiences, and classic family favorites like bowling and billiards. Parents can enjoy handcrafted cocktails while kids rack up tickets for prizes. 
  • The Speedpark at Concord Mills – Get your adrenaline pumping with go-kart racing, mini golf, bungee jumping, and more. It’s the perfect outdoor activity to enjoy the wonderful spring weather. 
  • AMC Theatres – Catch the latest family-friendly blockbusters in a state-of-the-art theater with luxury recliner seating and premium sound.
  • The Escape Game – You and your team will work together to find clues, overcome challenges, and complete a mission. Escaping will require teamwork, communication, wits, and a sense of adventure.