States of Emergency Declared For North and South Carolina Ahead of Hurricane Helene’s Landfall

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States of Emergency Declared For North and South Carolina Ahead of Hurricane Helene’s Landfall

As hurricane Helene nears the Florida panhandle, the governors of North Carolina and South Carolina have both declared states of emergency ahead of widespread rain, wind, and flooding.

Authorities strongly advice residents remain alert, especially with the risk of tornadoes and falling trees due to saturated soils.

Particularly vulnerable areas in western North Carolina are being warned about landslides, debris flows, and flash flooding, making preparation essential. North Carolina’s State Emergency Response Team has deployed resources such as swift water rescue teams and urban search and rescue personnel. NOAA has issued a rare and urgent alert for the NC mountains:

Several areas around Asheville already started experiencing flooding last night:

Officials offer the following tips ahead of the hurricane’s landfall:

  • Enable emergency alerts on your phone and monitor weather updates.
  • Avoid unnecessary travel, especially during the storm’s peak.
  • Prepare or refresh your emergency kit with essential supplies.
  • Never drive through flooded roads; always turn around.
  • Know your local shelter options in case of evacuation.
  • Be aware of potential tornadoes and know where to seek shelter.

The Amp Ballantyne (The Bowl) Launching New Star-Studded Concert Series

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The Amp Ballantyne (The Bowl) Launching New Star-Studded Concert Series

MaxxMusic, Midwood Entertainment and The Amp Ballantyne have just announced their biggest concert series to date featuring Wilco.

This is the band’s first public show in Charlotte since 2007 and is happening in conjunction with the PGA Championship being held at Quail Hollow Club from May 12 through May 18, 2025. Yacht Rock Revue will be performing at The Amp on the preceding night, May 14, 2025.

Wilco is an American rock band formed in 1994 by the remaining members of alt-country group, Uncle Tupelo. The band’s current lineup is: singer/guitarist Jeff Tweedy, bassist John Stirratt, drummer Glenn Kotche, keyboardist/samples Mikael Jorgensen, guitarist Nels Cline and keyboardist/guitarist Pat Sansone.

The Amp Ballantyne, located in the wildly popular new ‘Bowl at Ballantyne’ (11115 Upper Avenue), is a 5,000-person capacity outdoor music venue with a reserved seating area and general admission lawn (ampballantyne.com)

Upcoming events at The Amp Ballantyne: 

10-3-2023 – Live at the Amp f. 20 Ride
10-4-2024 – Ben Rector
10-5-2024 – Trampled By Turtles with Houndmouth
5-14-2025 – Yacht Rock Revue
5-15-2025 – Wilco

Charlotte Hornets 2024-25 Season Preview: A Quest for Playoff Contention

Sharon Anderson
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Charlotte Hornets 2024-25 Season Preview: A Quest for Playoff Contention

As the Charlotte Hornets gear up for the 2024-25 NBA season, the buzz around the team is filled with cautious optimism and a clear goal: to end a long-standing playoff drought that dates back to 2016. 

The arrival of new head coach Charles Lee, fresh off successful stints with the Bucks and Celtics, injects hope into a franchise eager to climb the ranks in the Eastern Conference. However, the team’s success hinges significantly on the health and performance of their star guard, LaMelo Ball, whose previous seasons have been marred by injuries.

Season Outlook

The Hornets are facing a crucial season, with the need to balance immediate performance against long-term development. LaMelo Ball’s ability to stay healthy could be a pivotal factor, especially since he’s opted to wear ankle braces for the first time in his career, aiming to mitigate persistent injury issues that have hampered his availability in past seasons.

Brandon Miller, coming off an impressive rookie season averaging 17.3 points per game, is seen as a key piece for the Hornets’ future. Alongside him, the Hornets hope that Tidjane Salaun, their high draft pick from France, will mature into a significant contributor, though expectations for his rookie season should be tempered given his rawness and the physical demands of the NBA​.

With Charles Lee at the helm, the Hornets are expected to improve on both ends of the floor. Last season, the team struggled with scoring and had the worst rebounding record in the league, issues that Lee will need to address promptly. His experience in developing winning strategies and fostering player growth could play a crucial role in turning the team’s fortunes around​.

Key Additions and Departures

The Charlotte Hornets have proactively bolstered their roster through strategic acquisitions aimed at enhancing their on-court performance. Key among these is the addition of Josh Green, a young talent known for his sharpshooting abilities from the perimeter and a robust defensive presence. Green’s skill set is expected to significantly bolster the Hornets’ wing play, providing both scoring options and critical stops against opposition attacks. 

Alongside Green, the Hornets have brought in the seasoned Taj Gibson. A veteran with years of NBA experience, Gibson is anticipated to bring not only his skills as a power forward but also much-needed maturity and leadership within the locker room. These qualities are particularly valuable as the Hornets strive to foster a culture of professionalism and dedication among their younger players.

On the departure front, the team has said goodbye to several players, including Dāvis Bertāns and Amari Bailey. Bertāns, known for his shooting prowess, and Bailey, a promising young guard, have been moved as part of the team’s efforts to streamline its core group and focus more on cultivating emerging talents who align with the Hornets’ long-term strategic vision. This transition underscores a clear intent to build a cohesive unit that can grow and succeed together in the competitive landscape of the NBA.

Betting Perspective and Predictions

From the vantage of sports betting, the outlook for the Charlotte Hornets this season is tinged with skepticism concerning their capacity for a significant playoff push. The sportsbooks have set the Hornets’ win total at 29.5 for the season, a modest improvement from their previous tally of 21 wins, reflecting a team still in rebuilding mode rather than poised to challenge for top honors. This projection in the NBA odds market suggests a belief that while the team may show improvements, a substantial leap in performance isn’t anticipated immediately.

However, the Hornets could surpass these cautious expectations if certain key conditions align. The health and ongoing availability of LaMelo Ball, the team’s standout point guard, will be critical. His dynamic playmaking and scoring capabilities are central to the team’s offense and will heavily influence their performance as they navigate the NBA schedule.

Furthermore, the continued development of Brandon Miller and Mark Williams must translate into regular-season successes. If these players can meet or exceed their potential, the Hornets might not only surpass the 29.5 win line set by oddsmakers but could also contend for a spot in the play-in tournament, marking a significant progression in their rebuild and reasserting themselves as a notable team in the Eastern Conference.

Youth Development and Team Dynamics

The Hornets’ strategy for the 2024-25 season places a significant emphasis on nurturing young talent, reflecting a deliberate shift towards building a sustainable and competitive team. With Charles Lee at the helm, known for his adept coaching of young players during his tenure with previous teams, Charlotte is focusing on the development of players like Moussa Diabaté and Tidjane Salaun. These young prospects are seen not just as talents for the future but as potential key contributors this season. 

Lee’s approach to integrating these young talents involves giving them substantial court time against top-level competition, which is crucial for their development. The dynamic within the team is poised to evolve as these younger players learn from seasoned veterans like Taj Gibson and mesh their youthful vigor with the strategic insights provided by their more experienced teammates. This blend of youth and experience is expected to not only enhance team chemistry but also instill a robust playing style geared towards long-term success.

Conclusion

The 2024-25 season is set to be a defining one for the Charlotte Hornets. With a new coach, promising young talent, and a star player hoping to overcome injury woes, the team is positioned to make strides. While playoff basketball remains an ambitious goal, the foundations are being laid for a brighter future in Charlotte. The management’s strategy, coupled with the team’s on-court execution, will determine whether this season marks a turning point towards regaining competitive relevance in the NBA.

The Strategic Value of EV Chargers for Hotels and Entertainment Venues

Sharon Anderson
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The Strategic Value of EV Chargers for Hotels and Entertainment Venues

With more people choosing eco-friendly transportation, the need for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure has skyrocketed. Two industries that are feeling the positive impact of this trend are hospitality and entertainment.

Putting EV chargers in hotels and entertainment venues is more than just a trend; it’s a smart move with a lot of perks.

Let’s explore the reasons why EV chargers are valuable.

Enhancing Customer Experience

An excellent way to delight guests is through the smallest conveniences.

For EV owners, finding a spot where they can charge their vehicles while enjoying a movie or staying overnight is a huge plus.

Hotels integrating EV bus chargers into their infrastructure make life easier for travelers using public electric vehicles. No one wants to spend their vacation time searching for a charging station miles away from where they’re staying.

Improving Booking Rates

Imagine you’re planning a trip, and one of the amenities offered is a convenient place to charge your car overnight. This perk might be the deciding factor when choosing between options.

So, it’s not just about customer satisfaction; it’s also about maximizing occupancy rates and ticket sales.

Earning Money Through Charging Stations

Running a business isn’t just about offering services; it’s also about finding new ways to make money. One benefit that people often overlook is that EV charging stations can actually become extra sources of income for companies.

Paid Charging Services

Many EV owners are used to paying for public charging. These payments can add up over time and provide a steady income for hotels and entertainment venues.

By offering different pricing options—like faster charging at a higher cost or cheaper rates during off-peak hours—businesses can attract more users while making more money.

Attracting Wealthy Customers

Usually, electric vehicle owners have higher incomes. They might be more willing to spend on premium services at hotels and entertainment venues that cater to their needs.

Think luxury suites, fine dining, and exclusive events—all made even better by fast-charging options available right at the venue.

Supporting Sustainability Goals

Many businesses today want to lead the way in being eco-friendly. Hotels and entertainment venues with EV chargers show they care about cutting down on carbon emissions, which appeals to a growing number of eco-conscious people.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Having EV chargers is clear evidence that a business is serious about Corporate Social Responsibility. Research shows that customers are more likely to support businesses that focus on protecting the environment. Offering EV charging stations is a great way to showcase green initiatives and encourage sustainable practices.

Preparing for the Future

With stricter government regulations on carbon emissions and more people switching to electric vehicles, having an EV charging setup will help future-proof your business. Businesses that adopt this technology early will be ahead of the game when these rules become the norm.

Engaging the Community Through Green Initiatives

Having EV charging points isn’t just good for visitors; it can also put a business on the map for community engagement.

Collaborative Projects

Working with local governments or NGOs focused on sustainability can help improve a hotel’s or entertainment venue’s eco-friendly reputation. Offering publicly accessible EV chargers shows a commitment to civic responsibility and green citizenship.

Hosting Green Events

With EV chargers available, venues can host events focused on sustainability. This makes the location more attractive and useful for such gatherings.

Conclusion

Installing EV charging stations in hotels and entertainment venues is more than just a tech upgrade; it’s a smart strategy with benefits that go beyond the obvious.

With the rise in electric vehicles, there’s no better time to take advantage of this unique opportunity.

Earthquake Strikes Small Town of Jaars Just A Few Miles South of Charlotte

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Earthquake Strikes Small Town of Jaars Just A Few Miles South of Charlotte

Early this morning at 03:52:15 (UTC), a 1.7 magnitude earthquake shook the small North Carolina town of Jaars, just a few miles south of Charlotte.

According to the USGS, the quake had an epicenter of 34.865°N 80.804°W and a depth of 7.4 km.

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? 

The Carolina’s Largest Landlord Settles With FTC For $48 Million for ‘Exploitative Practices’

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The Carolina’s Largest Landlord Settles With FTC For $48 Million for ‘Exploitative Practices’

Invitation Homes, the largest landlord in the Carolinas, will pay $48 million to settle charges of exploitative practices, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The settlement addresses claims that the company unfairly evicted tenants, withheld security deposits, and charged excessive fees.

Invitation Homes currently has 244 homes for lease around the Charlotte area, ranging in price from $1,465 per month for a small 1,000 sq ft home in West Charlotte up to $3,140 for a 3,500 sq ft home in Huntersville.

The FTC alleged that Invitation Homes steered renters away from CDC eviction protections during the COVID-19 pandemic, withheld security deposits for normal wear and tear, and imposed over $18 million in unnecessary fees. The settlement mandates transparency about eviction aid and restricts deceptive fee practices.

“Invitation Homes, the nation’s largest single-family home landlord, preyed on tenants through a variety of unfair and deceptive tactics, from saddling people with hidden fees and unjustly withholding security deposits to misleading people about eviction policies during the pandemic and even pursuing eviction proceedings after people had moved out,” said FTC Chair Lina M. Khan in a press release. “No American should pay more for rent or be kicked out of their home because of illegal tactics by corporate landlords. The FTC will continue to use all our tools to protect renters from unlawful business practices.”

The settlement bars Invitation Homes from using security deposits for damages related to normal wear and tear or pre-existing issues. The company must notify renters of federal, state, and local eviction assistance programs and is prohibited from filing evictions against renters who have vacated the premises and provided notice. Moreover, the settlement enforces measures to destroy financial data collected prior to the agreement, unless required for current tenants.

Moving forward, Invitation Homes must include all mandatory fees in rental price listings and notify renters about available aid programs. The court must approve the settlement before it goes into effect, ensuring compliance with these terms and providing restitution to affected tenants. This decision marks a significant step toward holding landlords accountable for exploitative practices.

9-Car Pileup Shuts Down Charlotte’s Wilkinson Blvd

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9-Car Pileup Shuts Down Charlotte’s Wilkinson Blvd

A 9-car pile-up has just shut down Wilkinson Boulevard this morning.

Emergency responders from CMPD, MEDIC, and Charlotte Fire were at the scene to assist, MEDIC has confirmed that at least 4 people have been reported injured so far.

Significant traffic delays were reported, with backups extending into Gaston County, according to the NC Department of Transportation’s online map. Motorists were advised to avoid the area and use Moores Chapel Road as an alternate route to access Interstate 85. Crews are working to clear the scene.

In addition to Wilkinson, there have been numerous other accidents and slowdowns on the highways around center city.

The airport has even issued an official alert warning passengers to plan for more time in traveling to the airport.

Glass Balustrade Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sharon Anderson
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Glass Balustrade Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Imagine yourself on your newly refurbished balcony holding a coffee and peeping at the physical land lying in front of you. However, what is that transparent division between you and the rest of the view? A glass balustrade, an elegant, almost invisible, see-through sort of protection that allows you to not only be secure but also get the best visual experience.

As a person who has set up countless glass balustrades during my career, I can confidently tell you that this modern architectural characteristic is not only safety oriented; above all, it brings in style, light, and spacious appearance. I hope to pass along the knowledge of installation so you can also be the one who does it.

Planning and Preparation: The Foundation of Success

Before we look into the installation process details, we need to understand the importance of the planning stage of the move. Here’s the magic:

  • Make sure you aren’t missing a single square inch. It is very wise to “measure twice and cut once” than risk losing time and material.
  • Decide on the kind of glass material you are going to use. Tempered or Laminated? What are the pros and cons of each?
  • Choose your method for mounting it. Is the drilled hole method or base spacing a better option?
  • Consult with a local building contractor. Their rules differ largely from one to another and mistakes could be costly.

Get your tools in one place. You will definitely need more than a screwdriver and a good feeling, if you have the latter one at all.

Marking and Drilling: Precision is Key

Armed with a plan, it’s now time for you to embark on your quest:

  • Buffet a laser level so that your markings are straight. Your eyes could play tricks on you but a laser would seldom lie.
  • Put pointers for your fixing points. Besides, the spatial relationship must be in both safety for fall protection, and keeping proper clearances for aesthetics.
  • To make the task easier in future, it’s important to drill pilot holes. This is one of the points where you can do something now that can save you a lot more time in the future.
  • If you’re installing through concrete, use a hammer drill and masonry bit. For wood, any standard drill will work just fine.

The common condition I’ve seen with DIYers is that some of them will bypass this phase and they will later see the cracks on the surfaces of different areas. Get informed with their mistakes, but don’t do the actual harmful things.

Installing the Fixings: The Backbone of Your Balustrade

Now it’s time for the real deal to be felt:

  1. In the case of the installation of spigots, see to it that they are level in orientation and the vertical line is shown. A cant spigot means a cantilevered trash.
  2. Concerning channel systems, the straightness of the channel is actually a key factor. There’ll certainly be some obvious blunders once the glass is set in if there’s any deviation.
  3. Standoff fittings need to be precisely aligned. This is the time to be very loud about it as your punctuality could turn you away later.
  4. Embed high-end fixings. Here isn’t the place to take shortcuts or be stingy.

Preparing the Glass: Handle with Care

Glass is not one of the things you can play with; it needs respect:

  • Only the most satisfying product goes! All glass panels have to be checked for chips or cracks, even if they are otherwise small ones.
  • Meticulously make the glass clean. All sorts of dirt, as well as impurities, can affect the sealants’ efficiency.
  • If you need to drill holes for thigh fitting, use glass drill bits, and do not forget a lot of water aka coolant.
  • Always dress up as a safeguard for yourself when coming into contact with glass. Eyewear and hand wear are a must because that’s when the accidents may occur.

Installing the Glass: The Moment of Truth

Then, your setup becomes true in the most magnificent way:

  • For spigot systems, the glass being seated in a spigot would be a bit hard if the manufactory used rubber gaskets for the purpose of not letting the metal to hit the glass.
  • For the glass channel systems, simply tell the glass to enter the channel node; having a little help of dish soap may get it done smoother at minimal cost.
  • For standoff fittings, set the glass balustrade at the position of the connection and afterward, the nuts can be turned to tighten. Correct your measures before the final tightening.
  • Smash line each panel with a level and make sure it is half a bubble off center at most.

Trump Coming To Mint Hill This Week To Speak At A Potable Water Fixtures Factory

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Trump Coming To Mint Hill This Week To Speak At A Potable Water Fixtures Factory

Former President Donald Trump will hold a campaign rally in Mint Hill tomorrow afternoon.

The rally is scheduled at the Mosack Group, a manufacturing plant specializing in potable water solutions, located at 11210 Allen Station Dr. The Mosack Group built their 126,000 sq. ft. headquarters and manufacturing facility in 2020 and roughly doubled it’s footprint in 2022.

This rally comes as polls in North Carolina show a tight race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. A recent New York Times/Sienna College poll revealed Trump leading by a narrow 3-point margin, well within the margin of error, underscoring the importance of this battleground state. The tight polling adds urgency to Trump’s visit, as he continues to bolster support in North Carolina, a critical state in determining the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.

Trump’s Mint Hill rally follows a weekend appearance in Wilmington, North Carolina, where he addressed voters ahead of the absentee ballot distribution.

Election officials in North Carolina began sending ballots to military and overseas voters last week, with the general mailing set to begin today. Early in-person voting will start on October 17, with Election Day scheduled for November 5.

NC Students Make Historic Gains in AP Exam Participation and Scores

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NC Students Make Historic Gains in AP Exam Participation and Scores

NC high school students just achieved record participation and performance in Advanced Placement (AP) courses during the 2023-24 school year.

Over 155,000 AP exams were administered, with 65.4% scoring a 3 or higher, surpassing the national average and marking the state’s highest average in a decade. This increase represents more than 8,800 additional students and nearly 19,000 more exams taken compared to the previous year.

“Not only are students performing better on AP exams, but there are more students taking the exams and scoring 3 or better,” said Dr. Michael Maher in a press release. “Expanded access to AP exams is an important step in helping students prepare for the postsecondary plan of their choice.”

Significant gains were seen among Black and Hispanic students, both in participation and in scores, further closing racial and ethnic gaps in AP exam access and achievement.

AP exam success can lead to transferable college credits, helping reduce higher education costs. The number of Black students taking AP exams rose by 19.3%, with a 45.3% increase in those earning top scores. Similarly, Hispanic students saw a 20.9% increase in participation and a 36.6% improvement in achieving a score of 3 or higher.

These improvements reflect the North Carolina school system’s commitment to expanding access to rigorous academic opportunities for students across all demographics. The increased participation and higher proficiency scores across racial groups demonstrate the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to promote educational equity. This achievement further positions students for success in college, where AP course experience is associated with higher rates of persistence and graduation.

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