Charlotte Is About to Host One of The Largest Carnivorous Plant Pop-Ups

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Charlotte Is About to Host One of The Largest Carnivorous Plant Pop-Ups

Charlotte plant lovers will have a rare opportunity to shop hundreds of insect-eating plants during a one-day-only pop-up at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market next weekend.

On Saturday, July 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Carnivorous Plants by Kenny Coogan will transform part of the market into a showcase of some of the world’s most unusual plants. Visitors will be able to browse hundreds of carnivorous species, learn how they work, and purchase plants that are rarely found at traditional garden centers.

The nursery is based in Winston-Salem, but owner Kenny Coogan says the public normally can’t visit.

“Our state-certified nursery is not open to the public. The only chance to catch these amazing plants are at pop-ups,” Coogan said.

Coogan and his family recently relocated from Florida after hurricanes caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage to their business.

“We moved from Florida to North Carolina last May after suffering tens of thousands of dollars in damages from hurricanes. We are super excited to call North Carolina home and excited to be doing a one-day pop-up at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market,” he said.

The event will feature a wide variety of carnivorous plants, including:

  • Venus flytraps
  • Tropical pitcher plants (Nepenthes)
  • North American pitcher plants (Sarracenia)
  • Sundews (Drosera)
  • Mexican butterworts (Pinguicula)

One of the biggest attractions will be “PING-A-PALOOZA,” a large display of colorful Mexican butterworts. These plants are popular because they naturally trap fungus gnats and fruit flies while also serving as decorative houseplants.

Beyond the novelty, the event offers families a chance to see evolution, ecology, and natural pest control in action.

With hundreds of plants expected and a strong following among collectors, organizers recommend arriving early for the best selection.

Carnivorous Plant Pop-Up
July 18, 8:30-1:00
Charlotte Regional Farmers Market
1801 Yorkmont Rd,
Charlotte, NC 28217

Over 43,000 Lose Power as Severe Thunderstorms Slam Charlotte Region

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Over 43,000 Lose Power as Severe Thunderstorms Slam Charlotte Region

Powerful thunderstorms ripped across the Charlotte region this afternoon, causing widespread damage and knocking out electricity to over 43,000 Duke Energy customers.

The storms brought wind gusts of up to 60 mph, torrential rainfall, and penny-sized hail, prompting severe thunderstorm warnings across much of the region.

As of 5:30pm, Duke Energy is reporting:

  • 43,027 customers without power
  • 1,031 active outages

Utility crews immediately began restoring power while assessing damage across the affected areas.

The National Weather Service warned that the storms were capable of producing damaging wind gusts strong enough to down trees and power lines, along with hail and intense rainfall that reduced visibility for drivers.

Duke Energy crews continue working to restore service as quickly as possible, and residents are encouraged to avoid downed power lines and report outages through the company’s website or mobile app.

Pedestrian Struck by CATS Blue Line Train in Charlotte’s South End

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Pedestrian Struck by CATS Blue Line Train in Charlotte’s South End

Yesterday evening, emergency crews responded to a pedestrian getting hit by a CATS Blue Line train near one of the neighborhood’s busiest intersections.

The incident happened around 6pm last night at the West Tremont Crossing, just off Camden Road near Hawkers Asian Street Food, according to CATS.

Multiple agencies, including MEDIC and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, responded to the scene.

MEDIC said the pedestrian suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The incident remains under investigation.

CMPD Launching ‘Operation Queen City Overwatch’ – Drivers About To See More Tickets and Bigger Fines

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CMPD Launching ‘Operation Queen City Overwatch’ – Drivers About To See More Tickets and Bigger Fines

Charlotte drivers can expect to see significantly more police on area roads as multiple law enforcement agencies launch a new crackdown targeting speeding, street racing, and dangerous driving.

The initiative, called Operation Queen City Overwatch, brings together the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, and the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office. Officials say the operation will use high-visibility patrols, intelligence sharing, artificial intelligence, and coordinated investigations to improve public safety.

The operation will target:

Police will also focus on crimes often linked to these gatherings, including illegal firearms, narcotics activity, stolen vehicles, and people with outstanding warrants.

The effort comes after cmpd tracked 35 planned street takeovers in the Charlotte area last year, leading to 112 arrests, the seizure of 62 vehicles, and the recovery of 61 firearms.

Drivers cited during the operation could face substantial fines, court costs, higher insurance premiums, and, in some cases, vehicle impoundment or criminal charges. While traffic fines generate government revenue that is distributed according to North Carolina law, officials say the primary purpose of the initiative is to reduce dangerous driving and improve roadway safety.

Operation Queen City Overwatch will concentrate on interstate corridors where takeovers and speed competitions have become more common. Officers will use targeted traffic stops, vehicle seizures, and coordinated arrests to disrupt illegal activity.

Officials say the operation builds on CMPD’s ongoing Queen City Safe initiative, which has already resulted in hundreds of traffic stops and more than 100 arrests this year. Under North Carolina law, repeat offenders involved in street takeovers can face felony charges in addition to significant financial penalties.

IKEA Just Announced Plans To Close Its South Charlotte Store Later This Summer

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IKEA Just Announced Plans To Close Its South Charlotte Store Later This Summer

Charlotte shoppers are about to lose one of IKEA’s newest retail locations as the company just announced plans to close its South Charlotte store later this summer.

“As part of our strategy to build a more affordable, accessible, and sustainable future for IKEA in the U.S., we have made the decision to close the IKEA South Charlotte Plan and order point with pick-up, at Promenade in Providence Shopping Center on August 30, 2026,” the company said in a press release.

The South Charlotte store will continue accepting planning appointments until it closes. Customers with existing kitchen, room, or business planning projects can either complete them before the closing date or transfer them to another IKEA store or a remote planner.

IKEA has not announced why the location is closing or how many employees may be affected.

Did York County Chairwoman Christi Cox Just Derail the $1.5 Billion Octapharma Deal?

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Did York County Chairwoman Christi Cox Just Derail the $1.5 Billion Octapharma Deal?
via palmettoresearchpark.com

Last night, a rushed meeting was held for a third and final reading of the long-awaited Octapharma (Project Palmetto Rock) FILOT agreement, and the decisions made during the meeting may have just tanked the entire project.

The 3rd and final reading was long scheduled to take place on July 13th, but in an unprecedented move, Chairwoman Christi Cox decided to rush the last meeting and change locations last-minute.

The meeting quickly devolved into a chaotic power play that has left many residents questioning whether personal grudges are now driving major economic decisions in York County.

What Happened Last Night

During last night’s meeting, an amendment that redirects 100% of the City of Rock Hill’s share of the tax revenue from the $1.5 billion project to the Rock Hill School District passed 4-3.

This came after the City of Rock Hill had already passed a prior resolution, saying that they would not accept such a change.

During the meeting, Councilman Tom Audette offered a compromise amendment that the City had reportedly already agreed to — which would have given the schools even more money ($238 million total over the life of the deal) while preserving a fair split. That amendment was rejected.

The result? The project now sits in serious jeopardy, with the City of Rock Hill likely to reject the amended agreement.

The Broader Pattern Under Chairwoman Cox

This wasn’t an isolated incident. Under Christi Cox’s leadership, York County has seen a troubling pattern of decisions that prioritize personal or political conflicts over practical outcomes:

  • The Panthers HQ Collapse — Cox was a very vocal supporter early on, but became one of the loudest proponents of helping the Panthers when cracks started to form in 2022. Many believe her repeated public finger-pointing between the county and city accelerated the project’s death.
  • Silfab Solar Controversy — One of the most alarming examples involves the Silfab Solar manufacturing plant. Despite the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) ruling 5-0 in May 2024 that Silfab’s operations are not allowed in their Light Industrial district, Cox and her county staff ignored the ruling and the zoning code and started issuing permits to Silfab to build unlawful factory beginning in the summer of 2024. Internal records show permits were back-dated, and a Certificate of Occupancy was issued without zoning compliance. The facility, located yards from Flint Hill Elementary School, contains massive amounts of hazardous chemicals (including hydrofluoric acid and explosive silane). Multiple chemical spills and worker medical emergencies have been reported, including a potassium hydroxide spill into a retention pond bordering the school.
  • Repeated Transparency Issues — Multiple sources say Cox has canceled several scheduled meetings with Rock Hill Mayor John Gettys aimed at resetting county-city relations.

The Human Cost

If the Octapharma deal collapses, York County stands to lose:

  • $1.5 Billion in investment
  • 1,200+ high-paying jobs
  • Decades of tax revenue that could have helped schools, roads, and services

Instead of working collaboratively with Rock Hill to close the deal, last night’s rushed amendment appears designed to force the city into a corner.

The ball is now in Rock Hill City Council’s court. But the damage to York County’s reputation with major employers may already be done.

Concord Mills Marijuana Dispensary Faces Eviction After Allegedly Owing Over $100,000 in Unpaid Rent

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Concord Mills Marijuana Dispensary Faces Eviction After Allegedly Owing Over $100,000 in Unpaid Rent

A marijuana dispensary in the Concord Mills mall is now facing eviction after allegedly not paying their rent for over a year.

According to a civil complaint filed in Cabarrus County District Court, EZ Purchase LLC, which operates Go Green CBD at Concord Mills, owes $104,770 in unpaid rent as of June 1.

The Florida-based retailer sells marijuana, CBD, and THC products at its location inside Concord Mills at 8111 Concord Mills Blvd. Court filings state the tenant has refused to vacate the space despite allegedly being nearly 14 months behind on rent.

The monthly lease payment is listed at $7,598, according to the complaint. A hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on July 8 in the Cabarrus County Magistrate’s Office.

The lawsuit was filed by Mall at Concord Mills Limited Partnership, whose owner, Simon Property Group, also owns SouthPark Mall and Charlotte Premium Outlets.

Get Fancy, Have Fun, Just Feast: Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week Returns This Month

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Get Fancy, Have Fun, Just Feast: Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week Returns This Month

Diners can splurge smart this summer as they treat themselves to 3-course menus at scrumptious prices during Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week, Friday, July 24, through Sunday, August 2, 2026.

Over 120 restaurants around the metro area will showcase their cuisine via multi-course dining deals, with prix fixe prices ranging from $30 to $55 per person. Customers can visit CharlotteRestaurantWeek.com to view the list of participating restaurants and their special Queen’s Feast menus and make reservations.

Participating restaurants this month can be found in 9 area counties:  Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, Cleveland, Union, Lincoln, Catawba, Stanly, and York.

This month’s restaurant lineup features 11 first-time participants, including Italo and Packard Tavern in Uptown; Fontana Di Vino in Davidson; Frida’s Mexican Cantina in Pineville; Half Shell Raw Bar in South End; Henrietta’s in LoSo; Kasthamandap Kitchen at Northlake; Open Rice at the Metropolitan; Reid’s Fine Foods in Ballantyne; Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar in Promenade on Providence; and X Brazilian Steakhouse in MoRa.

Offering diners a delicious opportunity to experience the area’s culinary variety at palatable prices, the semi-annual Charlotte Restaurant Week provides restaurants a spotlight for their food and hospitality. Participating restaurants see trial business from local diners checking out new places, as well as visitor traffic drawn by prix fixe meal deals every January and July.

“Queen’s Feast gives diners the perfect reason to trade the same old routine for a fresh table and a great meal,” said Bruce Hensley, a partner in Hensley Fontana Public Relations, which owns and operates the promotion. “Whether you want to get fancy or have some laid-back fun, we have restaurants of all vibes ready to roll out the red carpet and become your new favorite.”

Reservations are recommended. Diners can follow the promotion on social media and e-news for updates:

North Carolina Approves Massive $34 Billion Budget: Here’s What’s Changing

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North Carolina Approves Massive $34 Billion Budget: Here’s What’s Changing

After more than a year without a comprehensive state budget, North Carolina lawmakers have just approved a sweeping $34 billion spending plan that will impact nearly every resident—from teacher paychecks and driver’s license offices to taxes, Medicaid, sports betting, and Hurricane Helene recovery.

The House approved the budget 88-21, while the Senate passed it 35-10 with bipartisan support, and yesterday, Gov. Josh Stein officially signed it into law.

Here are the biggest changes:

Teacher Pay Gets One of the Largest Raises in Decades

Teachers will receive an average 8% salary increase, with the biggest raises going to newer educators. Beginning teacher pay will increase to $48,000, making North Carolina’s starting teacher salary one of the highest in the Southeast. Veteran teachers will receive smaller percentage increases, a point that drew criticism from some education leaders.

Teachers will also receive one-time bonuses:

  • $500 for teachers with fewer than 16 years of experience
  • $1,000 for teachers with 16 or more years of experience

State Employees Finally Receive Raises

Most state employees will receive:

  • 3% permanent salary increase
  • $1,750 bonus for employees earning under $65,000
  • $1,000 bonus for employees earning $65,000 or more

The raises are not retroactive, meaning they do not compensate employees for the year they went without raises while lawmakers negotiated the budget.

Law Enforcement Gets Much Larger Raises

Several public safety agencies will receive substantially larger pay increases to improve recruitment and retention:

  • State Highway Patrol officers: Average 17.7% raise
  • SBI agents: Average 20.3% raise
  • Alcohol Law Enforcement officers: Average 20% raise
  • Correctional officers: Average 15.4% raise

Driver’s License Offices Get More Staff

The budget funds additional driver license examiner positions, allowing the DMV to expand weekday and Saturday hours at some of North Carolina’s busiest licensing offices in an effort to reduce long wait times.

Medicaid Receives More Than $1 Billion

Lawmakers included more than $1 billion to fully fund North Carolina’s Medicaid program, which provides healthcare coverage to more than three million residents.

Hurricane Helene Recovery

The budget appropriates more than $700 million for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, including matching FEMA reimbursements, repairing infrastructure, and helping local governments recover from storm damage.

Sports Betting Taxes Increase

North Carolina will raise the tax on licensed sports betting operators from 18% to 23%.

However, prediction market platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket will pay a 6% tax on net revenue and will not be required to pay the $1 million licensing fee imposed on sportsbooks. Some Democratic lawmakers criticized the differing tax treatment during debate.

Data Centers Lose a Major Tax Break

The budget repeals a sales tax exemption on electricity used by data centers, a move lawmakers said will increase state revenue as North Carolina experiences rapid growth in AI and cloud computing infrastructure.

Other Major Highlights

Additional provisions include:

  • Funding for transportation and infrastructure improvements.
  • Continued investments in public schools and community colleges.
  • Additional funding for public safety agencies.
  • Efforts to stabilize the Department of Adult Corrections through operational funding.
  • Continued tax relief while maintaining the state’s balanced budget.

What It Means for the Charlotte Region

The budget will affect thousands of Charlotte-area residents. CMS teachers, UNC Charlotte employees, state workers, Highway Patrol troopers, SBI agents, correctional officers, and Medicaid recipients all stand to see direct impacts. Mecklenburg County residents may also benefit from expanded DMV staffing, additional infrastructure funding, and continued investments in public safety and healthcare.

If Gov. Stein signs the legislation—or allows it to become law without his signature—the new budget will become North Carolina’s first comprehensive spending plan since 2023, ending one of the longest budget stalemates in recent state history.

SC Sheriff Sentenced to Federal Prison After Stealing From Deputies’ Fund

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SC Sheriff Sentenced to Federal Prison After Stealing From Deputies’ Fund

A former South Carolina sheriff is headed to federal prison after admitting he stole money from a fund meant to help his own deputies and their families.

Former Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright was sentenced Tuesday to 41 months in federal prison, the maximum sentence within the agreed-upon federal guidelines, following a hearing that lasted more than three hours.

Wright, who served as sheriff from 2004 until his resignation in 2025, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, obtaining controlled substances by misrepresentation, and conspiracy to commit theft involving federally funded programs.

The FBI office in Columbia said Wright stole more than $89,000 from the sheriff’s office Benevolence Fund, which was created to assist deputies facing financial hardship. According to prosecutors, deputies in need were told the fund was empty, including one whose wife was battling stage-four cancer and another whose home was damaged by a fallen tree.

Court records show Wright admitted using much of the money to buy prescription pain pills while struggling with addiction. His attorneys sought a lighter sentence, citing addiction and PTSD, but prosecutors argued he had betrayed the public’s trust.

Wright was ordered to pay $462,866.06 in restitution. He has already repaid about $29,000 and will continue making monthly payments after his release. He will also serve three years of supervised release and undergo regular substance abuse testing.

Wright will self-report to federal prison within approximately 45 days. Depending on his behavior, he could be eligible for release after serving about 85% of his sentence.

The case also involves Wright’s cousin, L.B. Watson, and former sheriff’s office chaplain, Amos Durham, who both pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges and are awaiting sentencing.

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