Charlotte’s Trucore Laboratories Offering Free STI Testing This Weekend in Honor of World AIDS Days

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Charlotte’s Trucore Laboratories Offering Free STI Testing This Weekend in Honor of World AIDS Days

Trucore Laboratories, a locally-owned High Complexity Laboratory is observing World AIDS Day by offering free Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing in honor of World AIDS Day. HIV remains a major global public health issue, having claimed an estimated 42.3 million lives to date, according to the World Health Organization. Locally, North Carolina ranks seventh in the top ten states with the highest rates in Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis as noted in a report created by U.S. News. Without access to testing and healthcare, proper treatment and care, new infection rates will continue to rise. Many people feel that with the incoming Presidential administration, their rights to healthcare access will be impacted hence this year’s World AIDS Day theme; “Take the rights path: My health, my right!” World AIDS Day is observed nationally on Sunday, December 1.

“One of the biggest HIV/AIDS prevention tools is to get tested regularly, especially in the Charlotte community where STD rates continue to climb,” said Rico Foxx, Founder of Trucore Laboratories. “Our goal is to become an invaluable partner to those that need us in one of the most critical times of their lives. There’s a large population that cannot afford testing services, lack resources amongst other issues that serve as barriers. We’re about providing access to those in need.”

Those interested in free testing may make an appointment or walk-in to the Trucore Laboratories location at 920 Blairhill Road, Suite B114 in Charlotte, NC 28217 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Trucore Labs began offering toxicology lab testing when opening in December of 2019, then graduated to offer COVID-19 and RSV testing at the end of 2021. Currently they are a high complexity lab offering every type of test from toxicology, hematology, chemistry, and DNA testing. Today, Trucore employs 14 staff members including office administrators, specimen collectors, and lab technicians.

As Trucore’s fifth anniversary approaches, Foxx is preparing to launch his next venture in early 2025—Trupoint Wellness. This mental health company will offer comprehensive services for individuals, couples, youth, and families, focusing on holistic support. Trupoint will also offer substance abuse counseling as an extension of Trucore’s substance abuse testing services.

Leon Levine’s Iconic Southpark Mansion Just Hit The Market For $6.995 Million

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Leon Levine’s Iconic Southpark Mansion Just Hit The Market For $6.995 Million
via Corcoran HM Properties

One of Charlotte’s most iconic mansions just went up for sale in the heart of Southpark for $6.995 million.

The Leon Levine estate (3531 Sharon Rd) sits on just under 3 acres on the picturesque Sharon Rd, next door to the perhaps even more iconic Siskey Mansion.

via Corcoran HM Properties

The estate has been long admired for its professionally landscaped private yard and sweeping circular drive. It features gated access to 3 car garage, and indoor swimming pool with hot tub.

via Corcoran HM Properties
via Corcoran HM Properties
via Corcoran HM Properties
via leonlevinefoundation.org

Leon Levine, founder of Family Dollar, was a legendary Charlotte businessman and philanthropist. Born on June 8, 1937, in Wadesboro, North Carolina, Levine became involved in managing his family’s small store at an early age. He launched the first Family Dollar store in Charlotte in 1959. The chain quickly expanded across the southeastern United States, eventually going public and becoming the most well-known discount retailer in America.

Levine also established The Leon Levine Foundation, focusing on health care, education, and human services in the Carolinas. Levine retired from Family Dollar in 2003, passing on leadership to his son, Howard. He remained active in charitable endeavors until his death on April 5, 2023, at age 85.

Levine purchased his Sharon Rd home in December of 1980 for $412,000.

You can find out more information about Leon Levine here and more info about his for-sale home here.

Wake Forest to Launch Charlotte’s First Four-Year Medical School Next Summer

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Wake Forest to Launch Charlotte’s First Four-Year Medical School Next Summer
via Wexford Science & Technology

Wake Forest is now on track to open Charlotte’s first four-year medical school this coming summer, bringing a significant milestone to the Queen City.

The Wake Forest University School of Medicine-Charlotte will establish a new campus in midtown, admitting 48 students for the Class of 2029. The campus will be located on a 20-acre site at South McDowell and Baxter streets, as part of the broader Pearl District development project.

The $1.5 billion Pearl District, built in partnership with Atrium Health and Wexford Science & Technology, will include retail, offices, hotels, and academic spaces. Construction is nearing completion on the 14-story campus building, along with a 10-story research facility housing the global surgical institute IRCAD’s North American headquarters. The medical school will increase class sizes gradually, aiming to train nearly 1,000 students across its Winston-Salem and Charlotte campuses within five years.

The introduction of the medical school aims to address the growing need for medical professionals in Charlotte, which had been one of the largest U.S. cities without a four-year medical school. With the start of the Class of 2029, Charlotte will witness its first medical students beginning their journey in the city, strengthening the region’s healthcare education infrastructure and contributing to the area’s medical innovation efforts.

RXO Selects Charlotte For Major $13.7 Million Expansion

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RXO Selects Charlotte For Major $13.7 Million Expansion

RXO, a high-tech freight transportation broker, announced plans to expand its operations in Charlotte. The company will invest $13.7 million and create 216 new jobs in the Ballantyne area over the next several years.

The average annual salary for the new Charlotte positions will be $89,769. This move lifts Charlotte’s status as a transportation and distribution leader in the Southeast.

“This is not just an expansion; it’s a significant milestone for our city’s growth and economic development,” said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. “This investment will create jobs, drive innovation, and enhance our community’s prosperity. I am thrilled to see how this partnership will shape the future of Charlotte, making it an even more dynamic place to live and work.”

The project was facilitated by collaboration between the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and several state agencies.

Charlotte Now Witnessing One Of The Highest Commercial Rate Increases in US – November 2024 Report

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Charlotte Now Witnessing One Of The Highest Commercial Rate Increases in US – November 2024 Report

The U.S. office sales market continues to face a general slowdown, with just under $33 billion in assets exchanged last year at an average sale price of nearly $200 per square foot, according to a new report by CommercialEdge.

Charlotte faced similar challenges to the rest of the nation, including rising interest rates and a slower demand for premium office spaces. Despite these challenges, the Queen City saw the 8th highest increase in commercial rates over the past 12 months at 6.5%, just trailing Atlanta’s 6.7%.

 
National $32.79 3.3% 19.4% 160 bps
Orlando $28.16 17.7% 16.1% -40 bps Capital Plaza Two $33.00
Boston $53.35 17.0% 16.8% 650 bps 137 Newbury Street $96.17
Miami $52.84 14.9% 14.4% -10 bps 701 Brickell $140.00
Austin $46.75 11.6% 27.7% 710 bps Indeed Tower $84.21
Dallas $30.52 11.1% 23.0% 350 bps McKinney & Olive $86.31
San Francisco $69.14 9.8% 27.7% 360 bps Sand Hill Commons $204.00
Atlanta $33.34 6.7% 17.8% 80 bps 1180 Peachtree $63.00
Charlotte $33.85 6.5% 16.4% 70 bps Morehead Place $46.00
Tampa $29.46 4.2% 14.5% 30 bps Bayshore Place $52.00
Philadelphia $32.73 2.4% 18.9% 510 bps One Liberty Place $57.71
Nashville $30.98 2.3% 17.5% 140 bps Three Thirty Three $44.88
Washington DC $41.41 2.2% 17.7% 200 bps 500 8th Street NW $79.58
Denver $31.37 2.2% 24.6% 260 bps 200 Clayton Street $73.00
Phoenix $28.23 1.7% 18.4% -60 bps Camelback Collective $52.50

 

Across the nation, office space under construction reached 60.8 million square feet, with 43.9 million square feet completed through October. Boston led in office development with 10.7 million square feet underway, accounting for 4.3% of its existing stock.

The average U.S. office listing rate stood at $32.79 per square foot, up 3.3% year-over-year, with San Francisco becoming the most expensive market at $69.14 per square foot. Meanwhile, Detroit had the lowest asking rents among leading office markets, at $21.46 per square foot.

Charlotte Ranks in the Top 20 Best Cities for Thanksgiving

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Charlotte Ranks in the Top 20 Best Cities for Thanksgiving

With the average person spending over $300 each year during the 5-day period between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on the Best Places to Go for Thanksgiving in 2024 to help people maximize their enjoyment while protecting their wallet.

Thanksgiving in Charlotte (1=Best; 50=Avg.):

  • Overall Rank: 18th
  • 33rd – Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner
  • 24th – Pumpkin Patches per Capita
  • 1st – Holiday Decoration Shops per Capita
  • 48th – Giving Ratio
  • 36th – Total Volunteer Hours per Residents Age 16 and Over

Thanksgiving Facts:

  • $321 – Average person’s spending over the five-day Thanksgiving period.
  • 10 Hrs. – Length of time the average American male would need to spend on the treadmill to burn the 4,500 calories consumed at the average Thanksgiving meal.
  • $1.2B – Estimated amount Americans spend on Thanksgiving turkeys each year, with 46 million turkeys killed for the holiday.
  • $26 Million – Amount of property loss caused by residential building fires each Thanksgiving.
  • 61% – Share of people celebrating Thanksgiving who try to avoid having to talk politics at the dinner table.

Best Cities for Thanksgiving

Overall Rank 

City

Total Score 

Celebrations & Traditions Rank 

Affordability Rank 

Safety & Accessibility Rank 

Giving Thanks Rank 

Weather Forecast Rank 
1 San Diego, CA 63.89 1 80 32 58 35
2 Atlanta, GA 63.73 4 30 51 4 89
3 San Francisco, CA 62.87 3 65 70 16 37
4 San Jose, CA 61.59 8 71 26 41 37
5 Dallas, TX 61.53 2 60 82 26 9
6 Lexington-Fayette, KY 61.41 35 20 16 84 17
7 San Antonio, TX 61.38 14 11 90 75 2
8 Las Vegas, NV 61.37 5 55 47 34 74
9 Louisville, KY 60.17 16 32 66 35 9
10 Orlando, FL 59.27 10 28 52 50 69
11 Scottsdale, AZ 59.03 25 49 7 5 89
12 St. Paul, MN 58.36 81 29 20 2 71
13 Cincinnati, OH 58.26 21 27 93 18 16
14 Chesapeake, VA 58.16 54 52 4 36 14
15 Houston, TX 58.00 23 15 95 30 19
16 Virginia Beach, VA 57.76 60 36 10 37 8
17 Oklahoma City, OK 57.34 59 1 35 71 13
18 Charlotte, NC 56.89 15 17 50 61 92
19 Irving, TX 56.85 50 47 74 3 6
20 Los Angeles, CA 56.80 7 85 63 54 37
21 Phoenix, AZ 56.75 6 49 87 29 99
22 Greensboro, NC 56.55 40 7 14 67 83
23 Pittsburgh, PA 56.44 45 42 30 7 25
24 Fort Wayne, IN 56.39 83 5 1 40 21
25 Indianapolis, IN 56.16 47 23 38 45 9
26 Omaha, NE 56.12 36 8 25 77 83
27 Minneapolis, MN 56.02 43 18 77 13 81
28 Miami, FL 55.94 13 77 61 47 33
29 North Las Vegas, NV 55.85 28 21 24 78 77
30 Austin, TX 55.74 39 39 69 59 4
31 Birmingham, AL 55.69 24 9 89 32 79
32 Baltimore, MD 55.68 42 35 64 10 51
33 St. Louis, MO 55.38 17 13 99 15 34
34 Garland, TX 55.24 70 46 13 9 23
35 Tucson, AZ 55.10 9 48 86 60 100
36 Gilbert, AZ 54.88 31 58 12 20 75
37 Philadelphia, PA 54.85 22 64 62 21 35
38 Corpus Christi, TX 54.83 100 19 55 95 4
39 Portland, OR 54.78 11 77 72 11 83
40 Boise, ID 53.82 29 44 3 69 97
41 Tampa, FL 53.59 30 38 75 17 63
42 New York, NY 53.56 12 93 27 63 53
43 Durham, NC 52.82 80 31 11 53 56
44 Plano, TX 52.44 66 72 17 8 23
45 Fort Worth, TX 51.85 69 24 40 51 7
46 Wichita, KS 51.68 97 4 33 89 29
47 Tulsa, OK 51.64 96 3 71 44 31
48 Washington, DC 51.39 38 82 57 1 51
49 St. Petersburg, FL 51.38 52 26 41 42 63
50 Columbus, OH 51.28 82 25 19 82 20
51 Denver, CO 51.27 20 67 60 27 91
52 Toledo, OH 50.83 75 2 94 92 30
53 Chandler, AZ 50.51 46 54 22 25 72
54 Cleveland, OH 50.41 76 12 56 43 27
55 Arlington, TX 50.35 78 56 53 23 9
56 Boston, MA 50.32 33 83 34 33 44
57 El Paso, TX 50.32 55 6 36 91 83
58 Bakersfield, CA 49.74 32 79 18 97 46
59 Anaheim, CA 49.53 44 75 29 48 46
60 Mesa, AZ 49.41 48 43 67 46 73
61 Lubbock, TX 49.32 27 90 85 85 2
62 Seattle, WA 49.17 34 72 68 6 94
63 Buffalo, NY 49.08 61 45 21 90 45
64 Jacksonville, FL 48.98 41 10 84 93 63
65 Chicago, IL 48.91 26 74 43 62 82
66 Norfolk, VA 48.63 99 62 73 31 14
67 Colorado Springs, CO 48.37 37 61 28 76 96
68 Winston-Salem, NC 48.21 65 33 9 73 88
69 Glendale, AZ 47.78 53 59 81 14 75
70 Kansas City, MO 47.69 71 22 83 24 32
71 Irvine, CA 47.54 85 80 2 38 59
72 Sacramento, CA 47.01 18 91 76 81 46
73 Milwaukee, WI 46.97 86 41 78 19 95
74 Raleigh, NC 46.94 58 49 49 39 63
75 Lincoln, NE 46.19 56 84 5 74 97
76 Reno, NV 46.02 63 40 54 70 61
77 Jersey City, NJ 45.95 68 88 23 56 53
78 Madison, WI 45.59 90 53 6 79 83
79 Memphis, TN 45.20 62 34 100 28 28
80 Fremont, CA 44.68 49 92 59 22 46
81 Aurora, CO 44.34 57 67 65 52 80
82 Henderson, NV 44.06 72 57 8 72 67
83 Fresno, CA 43.85 51 66 44 96 69
84 Oakland, CA 43.79 84 69 91 12 37
85 Detroit, MI 43.61 67 70 88 66 22
86 Honolulu, HI 42.99 19 95 58 98 78
87 Nashville, TN 42.68 77 37 79 64 68
88 Albuquerque, NM 42.46 79 16 80 87 92
89 Baton Rouge, LA 41.89 91 14 96 88 62
90 Santa Ana, CA 41.75 87 75 31 49 37
91 Chula Vista, CA 41.14 64 87 39 65 56
92 Riverside, CA 39.47 74 95 42 83 37
93 Newark, NJ 39.15 93 88 48 57 53
94 Laredo, TX 38.67 94 93 46 100 1
95 Long Beach, CA 37.07 88 95 37 55 37
96 Anchorage, AK 36.98 95 95 45 94 18
97 New Orleans, LA 34.59 89 63 97 86 58
98 San Bernardino, CA 33.68 98 86 98 80 46
99 Hialeah, FL 33.41 92 100 15 68 26
100 Stockton, CA 25.02 73 99 92 99 59

Suspects Arrested In Shooting of Charlotte Armored Truck Guard

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Suspects Arrested In Shooting of Charlotte Armored Truck Guard

Kings Mountain police have just arrested several people in connection with the shooting of an armored truck driver.

29-year-old Richard Walter Henderson IV from Charlotte was servicing an ATM outside Prescriptions Plus on East King Street when he was shot twice. The incident occurred just before 9 a.m. on October 30, and the Kings Mountain Communications Center received a 911 call reporting an unconscious man in the pharmacy parking lot.

Witnesses reported that shots rang out while Henderson, a Loomis Fargo armored truck employee, was attempting to work on the ATM.

Authorities discovered a man shot next to an unsecured ATM upon arrival. Surveillance footage identified the suspect as a Black male driving a newer model black Jeep Compass Freedom Edition with a distinctive star decal on the hood and temporary tags. This footage was later released to the public to assist in identifying the suspect.

Kings Mountain police will be holding a press conference today to release more details:

The recent arrests come after an extensive investigation, which included surveillance footage and witness accounts. The October incident was one of multiple robberies in the greater Charlotte area over the last six months, prompting increased attention from law enforcement.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Kings Mountain Police at 704-734-0444.

New data: 51% of Charlotte renters are “cost-burdened”

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New data: 51% of Charlotte renters are “cost-burdened”
As affordability has eroded, more renters than ever are struggling with housing costs. In a newly released report, the Apartment List Research Team analyzes the latest Census data to better understand this worsening issue – you can read the full Cost Burden Report here.
The National Outlook:
52% of the nation’s renters are cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than the recommended 30% of their income on housing. This cost burden rate has been trending up steadily since 2019, as growth in rents has outpaced growth in incomes. In total, today there are over 22 million rent-burden households across the United States, a new record.
The Local Outlook:
  • Broadly speaking, rent burden is geographically concentrated in two types of markets: coastal markets with sky-high rents, and sun belt markets where rents have grown rapidly over the past five years. Cost-burden rates have worsened since 2019 in 49 of the nation’s 50 largest metros.
  • In Charlotte metro specifically, 51% of renter households spend at least 30% of their income on rent, and 25% spend more than half.
  • Since pre-pandemic, the local cost burden rate is up 6%.
The map below shows the latest renter cost burden rates for all major metropolitan areas.

CLT Airport Workers Go On Strike Amid Busiest Week Of The Year

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CLT Airport Workers Go On Strike Amid Busiest Week Of The Year

Charlotte Douglas International Airport expects over 1 million passengers during Thanksgiving week, its busiest period. Flight delays have been reported, with nearly 80 delays as of Monday, down from 214 on Saturday.

The delays come amid a strike by hundreds of airport workers seeking higher wages and improved conditions, although airport officials say the strike has not directly caused flight disruptions. Workers, earning between $12.50 and $19 per hour, are demanding wages closer to the Charlotte living wage, which is $23.26 per hour.

“It’s outrageous that Charlotte airport workers are enduring homelessness and housing instability due to their low wages,” says Ismaail Qaiyim, Core member of Charlotte Housing Justice Coalition, “We’ve had to help airport workers fight eviction, and some even move into temporary housing and hotels when they suddenly lose their housing due to lack of funds. These are working people and it’s unacceptable that many of them don’t know where they’re sleeping tonight.”

According to a recent survey, 40% of contracted Charlotte airport workers reported housing insecurity, and over half struggled to pay utilities. With this holiday season expected to break travel records, workers are drawing attention to their struggles, urging companies at the airport to improve job conditions and wages for the local workforce.

South Carolina Ranked As The #1 Most Dangerous State For Holiday Travelers

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South Carolina Ranked As The #1 Most Dangerous State For Holiday Travelers

According to new data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Thanksgiving ranks as one of the most dangerous holidays for road travel.

In the months of November and December over the last five years, over 32,000 fatalities were reported in motor vehicle crashes, translating to approximately 1.2 fatal crashes per 100 million miles driven.

Contrary to expectations regarding winter weather, Northern states often report fewer fatal crashes during the holidays, making them relatively safer for drivers. In contrast, Southeastern states, led by South Carolina, exhibit higher rates of road fatalities during these months. From 2019 to 2023, South Carolina recorded over 1.9 fatalities per 100 million miles driven. Mississippi, Louisiana, Montana, and Florida follow closely in terms of danger levels for holiday driving.

via US News

Men are disproportionately affected in these accidents. They represent nearly 70% of fatalities in the final two months of the year, especially among those aged 18 to mid-30s and late 50s. Speeding is a significant factor, involved in over a quarter of these deaths. Distracted driving accounts for about 8% of the fatalities, and about one-third of the deaths occurred under adverse weather conditions, such as snow, rain, or fog.

The period around Thanksgiving, especially the Wednesday before, known as “Drinksgiving” or “Blackout Wednesday,” sees a spike in accidents involving drunken drivers. Between 2019 and 2023, over 830 deaths were reported in crashes involving drunken drivers during Thanksgiving weekends.

The National Safety Council warns that over 500 preventable traffic fatalities could occur during the Thanksgiving holiday. They advise drivers to exercise caution, especially when driving at night, avoid distractions and impairment, and consider weather conditions before embarking on road journeys during this season.

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