Spirit Airlines Declares Bankruptcy, Announces Major Route Cuts

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Spirit Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Monday, citing ongoing financial struggles due to mounting losses and debt maturities. This decision follows two failed merger attempts with Frontier and JetBlue, which left the airline financially unstable after repeated quarterly losses.

Spirit Airlines also announced the cancellation of 32 routes, with major hubs like Charlotte Douglas International, Dallas-Fort Worth, Fort Lauderdale, and Los Angeles’ LAX seeing significant cuts.

Specifically, Charlotte’s direct connections to Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Los Angeles will be discontinued, leaving American Airlines as the only carrier offering direct service between Charlotte and Los Angeles. They also ended its Boston-Newark route just months after restarting it in May, facing competition from Delta, United, and Amtrak.

Despite the bankruptcy filing, Spirit’s President and CEO Ted Christie stated that an agreement with bondholders would reduce the company’s total debt and provide increased financial flexibility. Flights, bookings, credits, and loyalty points will remain unaffected during this period.

“I am pleased we have reached an agreement with a supermajority of both our loyalty and convertible bondholders on a comprehensive recapitalization of the Company, which is a strong vote of confidence in Spirit and our long-term plan,” said Spirit CEO Ted Christie in a press release. “This set of transactions will materially strengthen our balance sheet and position Spirit for the future while we continue executing on our strategic initiatives to transform our Guest experience, providing new enhanced travel options, greater value and increased flexibility. I’m extremely proud of the Spirit team’s hard work and dedication, which is key to our sustained progress in advancing our business and delivering for our Guests.”   

Too Good To Go App Launches in Charlotte to Fight Food Waste

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food wasteThe unique food waste fighting app “Too Good To Go” just launched in Charlotte and local restaurants are already flooding to it.

Founded in Copenhagen a few years ago, Too Good To Go lets businesses sell surplus food at half the retail cost. The app aims to lower greenhouse gas emissions by preventing discarded food.

More than 50 Charlotte businesses, including Krispy Kreme and Waterbean Coffee, have partnered with Too Good To Go.

The app works with grocery shops, restaurants, and convenience stores. Too Good To Go takes a $1.79 flat fee per transaction, with businesses keeping the remaining amount.

Customers use the app to find, order, and pay for their food waste, then pick it up from the participating business. The surplus food comes in a surprise bag.

In addition to Charlotte, the app launched in Raleigh, Durham, and Detroit.

 

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Since entering the U.S. in 2020, it has expanded to 30 cities across 19 states, saving over 12 million meals.

Businesses interested in joining can sign up at toogoodtogo.com. The company also seeks more Charlotte-area grocery stores to further reduce food waste.

Transport Yourself to a Winter Wonderland This Year

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via Vista Verde Ranch

Jump into Vista Verde Ranch’s snow globe for a winter vacation like no other! Luxury log cabins, talented chefs preparing amazing meals, diverse activities, an attentive staff, and wide-open spaces all wrapped up in authentic Western hospitality that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Most people don’t think of a dude ranch when planning their winter all-inclusive vacation, but that is just what Vista Verde Ranch is all about. 

The beauty of a Vista Verde Ranch stay is the variety and flexibility in all the activities offered to guests. A typical day of your winter vacation begins the evening before when a staff member is in contact with each guest to plan out your next day. Most days you have the hallmark activities (horsemanship options, backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and more) as well as specialty options offered that day (ranging from ice fishing to wine tasting to sleigh rides, and more). Each member of your party will choose a morning and afternoon activity and share any special requests. Keep in mind relaxing is always an option. In fact, VVR&R is encouraged! Guests often take advantage of snowier days to indulge in their private hot tub or cozy up by the fire in the Great Room with a good book and a sweet treat. While there is structure to the day, there is a great amount of flexibility within the options. Accepting that you are not able to fit it all in one stay is the beauty and the burden of a Vista Verde vacation. And that just means you will be coming back next year! 

via Vista Verde Ranch

When you arrive at breakfast the next morning staff will again touch base with you to talk about exact timing and any last-minute details for your morning plans. And then off you go! After a morning of adventure, everyone meets for lunch to share tales of the trails over a delicious meal. During that time, your afternoon plans are finalized. A few guests will even sneak away for a quick power nap to recharge before their afternoon activities. 

Following your afternoon adventure, change out of your snow gear, soak in your hot tub, and after a warm shower and fresh clothes you will head on over to the lodge for happy hour. Enjoy a glass of wine, catch up with new friends about their adventures that day, map out tomorrow’s plans and then it is time for dinner. With a mix of ranch and fancy cuisine, chefs create a variety of meals each day so there is something for everyone. Every menu has multiple options to appeal to a wide range of palates and preferences. A couple of evenings after dinner there will be a program if you can keep your eyes open and other evenings we leave it to the star-filled sky or the gently falling snow to close out your day.

Cozy up under a fluffy comforter and fall asleep to the sound of silence before you do it all again the next day. 

Vista Verde Ranch is a 4-star hotel located in Clark, Colorado just north of Steamboat Springs. To learn more about an all-inclusive stay at the ranch visit: vistaverde.com. Call us at 970-579-3858 or 800-526-7433.

Huntersville Student One of 40 Recipients of $10,000 College Scholarship from Sallie Mae

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In celebration of National Scholarship Month, Sallie Mae today announced the newest recipients of its Bridging the Dream Scholarship. This year, 40 outstanding high school students from across the country, who excelled both inside and outside the classroom—and demonstrated financial need—were awarded a $10,000 scholarship from The Sallie Mae Fund, in partnership with Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Thirty of this year’s recipients are attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Jayden stood out for his exceptional academic performance and strong moral character.
Currently, Jayden is a freshman at University of North Carolina at Charlotte studying biology with the goal of eventually working in a lab.

“Access to higher education can be life-changing, especially for those from underserved communities,” said Nic Jafarieh, executive vice president, Sallie Mae. “Every scholarship granted is another step closer to ensuring every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to better themselves through education.”

This year’s Bridging the Dream Scholarship recipients are:

  • Alijah Dean, Tennessee Tech University
  • Charity DeBrew, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Ashlie Kearns, East Carolina University
  • Yakouba Keita, Jr., Morehouse College
  • Kennedi Leary, Florida A&M University
  • Jayden Locklear, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
  • Otis Lofton, Howard University
  • Bryson Long, University of Tennessee at Martin
  • Rianna Mafnas, Southern University and A&M College
  • Matthew Major, Spelman College
  • Kaandis Mance, University of Miami
  • Malani Martin, Winston-Salem State University
  • Jada McClide, Clayton State University
  • Kennedy McCormick, North Carolina A&T State University
  • David McGowan, Kean University
  • Ihuoma Mgbahurike, Howard University
  • Devin Miller, Prairie View A&M University
  • Margaret Mirembe, Winston-Salem State University
  • Imani Monday, Howard University
  • Aeneas Moore, Howard University
  • Chris Moore III, Howard University
  • Amaya Morene, Howard University
  • Victoria Pettway, Tuskegee University
  • Xochitl Poindexter, Hampton University
  • Teyana Porter, Florida A&M University
  • Mayah Prelow, Grambling State University
  • Aniyah Prescod, Hampton University
  • RanDaijah Price, Howard University
  • Amos Prince, Rochester Institute of Technology
  • Ryhmin Rawls, Morehouse College
  • Mira Reynolds, North Carolina A&T University
  • Lillian Richards Smith, Spelman College
  • David Riley, Morehouse College
  • Journi Robinson, Spelman College
  • Heaven Rowell, Howard University
  • Mayte Segura, Vassar College
  • Kenneth Stevenson, Morehouse College
  • Iyanna Whipple, Howard University
  • Darius Williams, Morehouse College
  • Mikalah Williams, Spelman College

Historic Charlotte Church Investing Millions To Fight Affordable Housing Crisis

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Caldwell Presbyterian Church in Charlotte is repurposing a century-old building to create 21 low-income studio apartments.

The $6 million project, supported by an $800,000 contribution from the congregation, aims to provide affordable housing without requiring tenants to be drug- or alcohol-free. Support services will be offered after housing is secured.

The church partnered with Dream Key Partners for construction and Roof Above for case management. They plan to open the apartments by May 2025.

The church is also planning an upcoming summit on November 23 to inspire other churches and community leaders to help address Charlotte’s housing crisis.

Victims Sue Northlake Mall After Deadly Shooting Incident

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New lawsuits have been filed against Charlotte’s Northlake Mall by victims of a recent shooting, alleging negligence and failure to provide adequate security. The incident occurred on Perimeter Parkway, where Armani Spencer, 23, was fatally shot, and Bianca Brown, 27, suffered critical injuries.

The lawsuits cite a pattern of criminal activity in the area, alleging that mall operators were aware of ongoing safety issues but did not take action. “In the five-year period between December 31, 2016, and August 13, 2022, the Northlake Commons and Mall areas have been affected by at least 1,309 distinct incidents of criminal activity ranging from assaults, forcible rapes, robberies, and murders,” the Brown’s suit alleges. “All this crime was not lost on the Defendants. American Eagle’s parent company, AE Outfitters Retail Co., cited “rampant violence… reminiscent of a warzone” as the reason it abruptly closed its 7,000-square foot store after 20 years at Northlake. American Eagle is not alone, other retailers (including Apple, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Michael Kors, and Buckle) also chose to close their stores, citing rampant violent and fear for the security of their employees and customers.”

Spencer’s estate and Brown filed lawsuits against TM Northlake Mall, Spinoso Real Estate Group, Professional Security Consultants, and others. The plaintiffs are seeking a jury trial and monetary compensation for the incident. Several defendants, including Spinoso and Wilmington Trust, have sought to be removed from the case, arguing they were not directly managing operations at the time.

Judge Adam Conrad of the N.C. Business Court is currently overseeing the case, though no dismissal rulings have been made.

How to Prepare a Rental Property for a New Tenant

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If you have new tenants getting ready to move in, you want the rental property to look great for them. Attractive properties bring in tenants, and putting your best effort in will make all the difference. What is required to make a property appealing? Here is a handy list of things to get done to spruce up the place and make it appealing to prospective tenants.

Ensure All Fixtures Work Properly

One of the first things to check before your new tenants moves in is the electrical and the water systems. These two systems will need repair more often than anything else, in all likelihood, and you want to ensure that they are in good working order. Check every light switch, every outlet, and all faucets and pipes.

Look for leaks in pipes, faucets that don’t open and close easily, and other simple plumbing problems that may need to be fixed. Be sure to check that the toilets are working, as a poorly functioning toilet will cause problems very quickly for new tenants. Check the shower head and consider changing any taps and shower heads that are rusty or not functioning at 100%.

As you check the electrical system, be sure to look at the junction box and assess that it is working as it should be. Also look at the hookups for any appliances throughout the house. Ensure that they are not frayed, damaged, or nonfunctioning.

If you find any issues, get them taken care of before showing the place to prospective tenants. You don’t know how many clients you may lose if they find a problem that you missed. You can fix the problems afterwards, but they may have already lost interest in the place and moved on.

Clean the Apartment Thoroughly

There is nothing a new tenant likes less than a messy, dirty apartment. You can look at some options for cleaning for end of tenancy in Austin. Find a reliable cleaning agency that will take good care of the place and that will take a load off your mind. They can do the cleaning while you sort out other issues with the property.

That cleaning is a part of the preparation for new tenants that you do not want to skimp on. You just don’t know how picky some of them will be, and some may find problems with a property that looks okay to you. But if you use a professional cleaning agency to tidy up, then you don’t have to worry if the new tenant will discover anything unpleasant.

The cleaning can be a great way to expose some issues that need to be dealt with and to clear away pests and mold that could have taken up residence there. Be sure to get an assessment from the cleaners when they are finished about any problems they might have come across. If they did a detailed cleaning, they may discover issues that need to be dealt with that you might overlook.

Repaint the Walls

If you have had a tenant living in the same property for years, it may be time to repaint the walls. That is especially true if you are wanting to attract new tenants in. Over time, paint will fade and chip and crack and peel. It may stain and collect dirt as well and need to be replaced or cleaned.

If you try to clean the walls and the paint just washes away or comes off, then you know it is time to replace it. If it is looking faded and bland, then a new, brighter coat of paint can make a big impact.

This can be a quick and simple fix to what has become an eyesore. It doesn’t take a lot of time or money to have an apartment repainted, especially if you can do the work yourself. It make a big difference as well when here is new paint on the walls. When you choose appealing colors that complement the style, you can update an older space this way. You won’t always need to repaint, but it is often a good idea if you do, especially if the last tenant occupied the space for a few years.

Ask the Former Tenant about Issues

As the old tenant is leaving, you can get an assessment from them about what they liked and didn’t like and about what kind of problems they noticed with the apartment. They may not hesitate to tell you what they were less than thrilled with as they leave. This is a great opportunity to get a firsthand assessment from someone who is a renter, just like any new tenants will be.

That way, you can take note of their issues and try to fix them. If they didn’t like the design or the colors, then you can fix that before a new tenant moves in. If there was a problem with the heating or cooling or with the ventilation or plumbing, then this is the perfect time to take stock of those problems and address them.

If you really care about making your rental property as appealing as possible, then you will look for ways to improve it. These fixes may cost you a bit, but it could be worth it in the long run. If you end up making a lot of improvements on the place, then you may able to charge more money to your new tenant than you did your old one.

If you would like to charge more money, then you definitely need to look for any issues that need to be addressed. If your place is priced pretty high, then prospective renters will be more discriminating and will be more likely to point out problems.

We hope this article helps you as you try to find a new tenant and prepare the place for someone to move in. If you put in the work, you can find tenants. You just have to know what they want and what will make them choose your property.

Fort Mill Considering New Project To Build Townhomes and Potential Trader Joes

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The Fort Mill Town Council is now considering rezoning a 16 acre chunk of Fort Mill into new townhomes, retail, and commercial space, including a potential new Trader Joes.

A developer wants to transform a historic site at 104 Williamson Street in downtown Fort Mill into a mixed-use community with 225 apartments and commercial spaces. The nearly 16-acre site, home to the Williamson Mill built in 1892, will see 147 apartments within the existing structure and 78 units in a newly constructed building. The redevelopment plan includes 25,000 square feet of commercial space that could include shops, restaurants, and cafes. Talks with Trader Joe’s have also been initiated to bring a store to the location.

Additionally, the proposal includes an eight-foot-wide pedestrian path to link the new development to Fort Mill’s downtown area, aiming to improve walkability and community connectivity. No townhomes are planned for the development.

The Fort Mill Town Council is expected to cast an initial vote on the rezoning in January, marking the first step in the approval process that could significantly contribute to the town’s revitalization (you can read the full plan here).

Groundbreaking Set For Charlotte 49ers Massive New $70 Million Stadium Expansion

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The Charlotte 49ers will break ground on the first phase of their football stadium expansion in August 2025, with completion expected by early 2027, according to 49ers Athletic Director Mike Hill. The expansion will increase Jerry Richardson Stadium’s seating capacity from 15,314 to approximately 18,170, meeting demand for more seats and adding revenue-generating premium seating.

“This project will be the first phase of revolutionizing our fan experience at Jerry Richardson Stadium,” said Director of Athletics Mike Hill in a press release. “Not only will it increase our attendance, but the premium amenities we will be able to offer are essential to a high-quality game experience at the FBS level. I am thrilled to see this project come to fruition and can’t wait to see progress begin in 2025.”

The $70 million project will include luxury suites, club seating, ledge seats, and new dining facilities. Future phases aim to increase capacity further to 21,000 seats.

This phased approach aims to enhance both community engagement and student-athlete facilities year-round, with Phase 2 further boosting capacity to 21,000 seats.

New Escaped Animal Alert: SC Officials Asking For Public To Be On The Alert For Emus On The Run

Horry County officials confirmed on Wednesday that two emus have escaped from their owner and are currently roaming freely in the Green Sea area. The Horry County Police Department is collaborating with the owner to recapture the birds, which have been reported to pose no risk to the public at this time.

This announcement followed social media posts about the sightings of the birds. Police have advised residents to remain cautious while the emus are loose. No further details have been provided regarding the recovery efforts or when the birds are expected to be caught.

Last week, a similar animal escape occurred in South Carolina when 40 monkeys fled from a research facility. Authorities used traps and thermal imaging to locate the monkeys and urged residents to secure their homes.

In light of the current situation, Horry County officials have issued similar warnings regarding the escaped emus, asking people to contact 911 if they see the birds and avoid approaching them.