US Government Issues Urgent Recall For Infant Sounds Machines Sold in North Carolina

Charlotte Stories
-
0
US Government Issues Urgent Recall For Infant Sounds Machines Sold in North Carolina

The US Government is asking all parents in North Carolina to immediately stop using sound machines made by Hatch.

The machines were specifically sold at major retailers including Target and Walmart across our state. They are now being recalled due to an imminent electric shock risk to infants.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recall affects 919,400 Rest 1st Generation machines sold in the US. These units were sold between January 2019 and September 2022 for $60-$70, and on Amazon until May 2024 for $60-$200.

“Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled power adapters sold with Rest 1st Generation sound machines, and contact Hatch for a free replacement power adapter,” stated a press release from the CPSC. “Consumers should unplug the cord, cut the cord on the recalled power adapter, take a photo of the adapter showing the model number and the cut cord, upload the photo, and provide their name and mailing address at www.hatch.co/adapterrecall.”

The issue involves AC power adapters with a plastic housing that can come off when unplugging, exposing the prongs and posing a shock risk. Recalled adapters have the model number CYAP05 050100U and “Made in China” printed in black near the prongs.

 

 

 

Heatwave Hits Charlotte – The Hottest July 5th In Recorded History

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Heatwave Hits Charlotte – The Hottest July 5th In Recorded History

Hottest July 5thYesterday, Charlotte recorded a high of 101 degrees, the hottest day in over two years and the hottest July 5th in Charlotte’s history. The new record high broke the previous July 5th record of 100 degrees in 2012. Additionally, a new record warm low of 78 degrees surpassed the old record of 77 degrees set in 1993.

The average daily temperature reached 89.5 degrees, marking it the tenth warmest 24-hour period in Charlotte from 1878 to 2024.

This coming week, temperatures and humidity will return to more seasonable levels. However, rain and scattered thunderstorms will be possible every day.

Slow-moving downpours expected Saturday afternoon and evening could lead to flooding in parts of the Piedmont and Sandhills. Stay weather-aware, and when thunder roars, go indoors.

CHARLOTTE JULY CLIMATE RECORDS    1879 to 2023
DAY MAX HI MIN HI MAX LOW MIN LOW PRECIP SNOW
1 104° – 2012 68° – 1943 76° – 1993 56° – 1919 5.91″ – 1944
2 101° – 1931 64° – 1943 76° – 1991 56° – 2008 1.53″ – 1921
3 99° – 1931 70° – 1988 76° – 1925 56° – 2010 2.50″ – 1931
4 99° – 1993 70° – 1968 76° – 1993 55° – 1933 2.63″ – 1989
5 100° – 2012 66° – 1892 77° – 1993 57° – 1967 1.65″ – 1880
6 99° – 1930 63° – 1892 78° – 1881 57° – 1964 1.95″ – 1941
7 100° – 1993 65° – 1979 78° – 1881 55° – 1972 2.37″ – 1967
8 101° – 2012 75° – 1950 81° – 1881 58° – 1892 1.87″ – 1958
9 101° – 1986 71° – 1908 78° – 1986 57° – 2018 3.71″ – 1901
10 101° – 1926 73° – 1892 77° – 1879 53° – 1961 2.45″ – 1941
11 100° – 1986 75° – 1999 78° – 1992 55° – 1963 3.10″ – 1884
12 102° – 1930 64° – 1999 78° – 1879 59° – 1953 1.95″ – 1921
13 100° – 1986 66° – 1999 78° – 1881 56° – 1918 2.09″ – 1885
14 102° – 1954 74° – 1975 79° – 1880 59° – 2007 2.15″ – 1886
15 100° – 1893 69° – 1975 75° – 1992 58° – 2001 4.61″ – 1916
16 100° – 1899 67° – 1930 76° – 1988 58° – 2004 1.47″ – 1981
17 100° – 1986 74° – 1989 80° – 1881 62° – 2004 4.14″ – 2004
18 102° – 1887 66° – 1896 79° – 1887 62° – 1896 1.82″ – 1964
19 103° – 1986 73° – 1917 78° – 1986 60° – 2009 2.30″ – 1893
20 101° – 1986 74° – 1929 78° – 1996 60° – 1910 1.25″ – 1919
21 103° – 1986 65° – 1890 78° – 1977 57° – 1890 3.83″ – 1939
22 103° – 1926 71° – 1929 80° – 1881 58° – 2001 2.56″ – 2006
23 101° – 1987 73° – 1880 78° – 1991 56° – 2007 6.88″ – 1997
24 100° – 1983 73° – 1938 78° – 2010 59° – 1947 2.83″ – 1916
25 101° – 2010 69° – 2000 79° – 2010 61° – 2019 2.34″ – 1937
26 100° – 2005 74° – 1920 76° – 1992 60° – 1904 2.84″ – 1889
27 103° – 1940 74° – 1926 76° – 2016 57° – 1920 2.46″ – 1889
28 102° – 1952 70° – 1890 78° – 2016 54° – 1962 2.98″ – 1923
29 103° – 1952 72° – 1984 77° – 1993 59° – 1920 2.04″ – 1936
30 101° – 2011 71° – 1981 77° – 1953 58° – 1914 4.24″ – 1879
31 100° – 1999 69° – 1936 77° – 1941 56° – 1914 1.45″ – 2014

Rent Growth in Charlotte Cools as New Apartment Construction Picks Up

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Rent Growth in Charlotte Cools as New Apartment Construction Picks Up

All the new apartment construction popping up around the country this year is having a direct impact on rent prices. Rents have fallen over the past year in many of the nation’s largest housing markets, and the sharpest declines are occurring in the places that are building the most new housing.

A few highlights from the latest analysis:

  • From 2021 to 2023, the Charlotte metro issued building permits for a total of 28 thousand new multifamily units. That equated to an annual average of 3.4 new units for every 1,000 existing residents, up from an annual average of 3 units per-capita from 2015 to 2020.
  • As the recent supply wave has started to crest, the median rent in Charlotte has fallen by 3.4% over the past 12 months, representing an ongoing cooldown after the area’s rents increased by 19.8% in 2021.
  • Among the nation’s 50 largest metros, Charlotte ranked #14 for multifamily permitting activity from 2021 to 2023, and now ranks #7 for slowest year-over-year rent growth.

Charlotte’s 10 Worst Restaurant Health Scores in June 2024

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Charlotte’s 10 Worst Restaurant Health Scores in June 2024

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 starting to use infrared thermometers to avoid this).

These were the worst inspection scores in Charlotte for June 2024;

Dishonorable Mentions:

9 Spices Indian Cuisine – 89 (B) on 6/25/2024

NC Tavern – 88.5 (B) on 6/24/2024

Essex Bar & Bistro – 88.5 (B) on 6/4/2024

#10 Tap and Vine

7828 REA RD, CHARLOTTE NC 28277
Scored 88 (B) on 6/13/2024

They had the following violations;

  • Observed limited oversight within kitchen as evidenced by improper holding temperatures and cooling procedures/monitoring.
  • Observed box of unwashed apples stored over ready to eat items in walk in cooler.
  • Observed dish machine at 0ppm chlorine. EHS noted that the stock bucket for sanitizer was empty.
  • Observed lobster bisque, piccata sauce, marinara sauce, garlic cream, mashed potatoes, and prime rib roast cooling in walk in cooler from yesterday still above 41F.
  • Observed beets cooling on speed rack from yesterday at room temperature.
  • Observed top layer of meatballs in steam well held below 135F. Product was not in liquid, therefore they were not held hot.
  • Observed piccata and Marsala sauces held on stove with no heat on below 135F.
  • Observed appetizer prep unit and right side of cooler drawers under grill holding food items above 41F.
  • Observed shredded cheese in reach in above 41F. All other items in cooler at 36F.
  • Observed one pan of asparagus from 6/3 in cooler drawer.
  • Observed container of housemade apple butter in reach in with date of 5/23.
  • Observed no consumer advisory on brunch menu for all “add egg” options, breakfast skillet, breakfast platter, and biscuits and gravy. Observed no consumer advisory on lunch menu for burger slider under “pick 2” or the 2 burger slider special.
  • Observed no consumer advisory for salmon add on to salad, or pan seared ahi tuna. The same issues are on the table tripod menus for the lunch menu.
  • Observed Caesar salad asterisked when Caesar dressing has no raw eggs.

#9 Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburger

3811 CORNING PL, CHARLOTTE NC 28216
Scored 88 (B) on 6/11/2024

They had the following violations;

  • Observed no V&D plan or clean up kit.
  • Observed employee drop items on floor pick up with no hand wash.
  • Observed food and cloths in hand wash sink.
  • Observed debris on dishes. Also Observed slicer stored as clean with food debris.
  • Observed hot dogs in warmer at 121F.
  • Observed grilled onions, pepper jack, American and Swiss cheese above 41F.
  • Observed flying pests throughout kitchen.

#8 Kozi Italian Street Food

11318 N COMMUNITY HOUSE RD, CHARLOTTE NC 28277
Scored 87.5 (B) on 6/10/2024 (rescored to 94.5 on 5/29)

They had the following violations;

  • Observed pic failure to ensure food safety as evidenced by failure to demonstrate sufficient knowledge or cold, hot, cooling and reheat temperatures as well as proper cleaning and sanitization of food contact surfaces.
  • Observed pic enter kitchen and set open coffee or tea cup on food preparation table, as well as multiple water bottles stored on food prep surfaces or at hand sink.
  • Observed front hand sink to have pitcher stored in the basin.
  • Observed crate of raw shell eggs stored above closed bus tub of cooked pasta.
  • Observed sanitizer in utensil washing sink to be 50 ppm qac.
  • Observed container of cooked lasagna at 119 f.
  • Observed large pot of cooked marinara at 89 f cooling on prep table, cooked bolognaise, cooling in closed plastic container in top of WIC at 94f and meatballs cooling in closed plastic container at 46f.
  • Observed cooked TCS foods like marinara, Al Al vodka sauce and a white sauce hot held below 135 f.
  • Observed cold held marinara shredded. Cheese and deli mats cold held above 41 f.
  • Observed multiple TCS foods cooked yesterday or before but date marked today.
  • Observed 3 spray bottles of qac sanitizer at various concentrations not labeled sanitizer.

#7 Mac’s Speed Shop

2414 SANDY PORTER RD, CHARLOTTE NC 28273
Scored 87.5 (B) on 6/24/2024 (rescored to 96 on 7/2)

They had the following violations;

  • Observed PIC wash hands then press paper towel dispenser with finger, recontaminating hands.
  • Observed bottle of glass cleaner stored in hand sink.
  • Observed raw chicken and cooked collard greens just received holding above 41F. See temperature chart.
  • Observed unwashed kale stored above RTE foods in WIC.
  • Observed quat sanitizer at 3 comp sink at 50 ppm.
  • Observed multiple pans and containers with food debris and sticker residue in clean dish storage area.
  • Observed multiple cooked, portioned chicken wings in large, deep container in WIC holding above 41F.
  • Observed beans holding in cabinet at 131F.
  • Observed raw burger patties, garlic aioli, sliced ham, and sliced turkey holding above 41F.
  • Observed turkey cooked yesterday in lowboy cooler with no date mark.
  • Observed no dates on items stored on speed rack.
  • Observed bacon jam with date 6/7.
  • Observed multiple cooked, portioned chicken wings cooling since last night in large, deep container holding at 44F-46F.

#6 Anita’s Mexican Grill

2904 YORKMONT RD, CHARLOTTE NC 28208
Scored 87 (B) on 6/14/2024 (rescored to 93 on 7/1/21)

They had the following violations;

  • Observed food employee wash hands for less than 20 seconds.
  • Observed food employee washing dishes at 3-compartment sink and return to food prep without washing hands.
  • Observed PIC wash hands and not use a barrier to turn off the faucet, thus recontaminating hands.
  • Observed ice in handwashing sink.
  • Observed unwashed veggies stored over RTE veggies in WIC.
  • Observed unwashed vegetables stored over RTE shrimp in WIC.
  • Observed no protective coverings on mole, chicken broth, burrito sauce and Queso in WIC.
  • Observed items in prep unit above 41F.
  • Observed ambient air of unit at 56F.
  • Observed poblano pepper in prep unit with no date mark.
  • Observed chicken, housemade chicken broth, burrito sauce (made with tomatoes), shrimp, beef and refried beans in WIC with no date mark.
  • Observed cut tomatoes, housemade salsas, pico de gallo and other items being placed on TPHC right after prep, without being properly cooled down.
  • Observed no time stamp on beef, chicken broth and beans being held on time.
  • Observed no label on 2 spray bottles.

#5 Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse

210 E TRADE ST, CHARLOTTE, NC 28202
Scored 87 (B) on 6/25/2024

They had the following violations;

  • Observed employee handle slider buns with bare hands.
  • Observed 2 oyster tags with no last date sold.
  • Observed raw lobster stored over raw oysters that were pre-shucked and are served raw in reach in cooler.
  • Observed unwashed produce stored over ready to eat items in the walk in cooler.
  • Observed employee pick up a mushroom from the floor with gloved hands, discard the mushroom, and then move to continue to work with mushrooms.
  • Observed crab cake mix cooling in walk in cooler in a deep covered container after more than 4 hours.
  • Observed entire main line coolers holding product above 41F. Ready to eat products above 41F were voluntarily discarded. Raw products were relocated to the walk in as all were 45F and below.
  • Observed no date mark on cooked onions in reach in.

#4 DD Peckers Wing Shack

10403 PARK RD, CHARLOTTE NC 28210
Scored 87 (B) on 6/28/2024

They had the following violations;

  • No certified PIC present.
  • Observed food containers on storage rack with food debris on them. Need to be thoroughly washed, rinsed, and sanitized.
  • Observed large package of American cheese left on drainboard of 3-compartment sink, was about 65F. Placed into walk-in refrigerator, cooled to below 41F prior to inspector leaving facility.
  • No written procedure or labeling for wings using TPHC. Justin advised that he was having staff to complete a written procedure and items would be labeled for tonight.
  • Observed food stored on damaged beverage trays in walk-in and items stored the same way in kitchen.
  • Observed walls in walk-in refrigerator, floors throughout, and walls in many places in need of cleaning.

#3 Oak Steakhouse

4777 SHARON RD, CHARLOTTE NC 28205
Scored 85.5 (B) on 6/17/2024

They had the following violations;

  • No employee present is a certified food protection manager.
  • Observed a hand sink next to the prep coolers with no paper towels or hand wash sign.
  • Observed oyster tags out of chronological order. Several tags were missing the date of last one sold.
  • Observed no parasite destruction letters for Seabass and other items featured on the “Catch of the Day” menu.
  • Observed unwashed vegetables stored above ready-to-eat vegetables in the walk-in cooler.
  • Observed a large amount of microbial growth inside of the ice machine.
  • Observed eggs, shrimp, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese and slaw around 50 degrees in Prep Cooler.
  • Observed tomatoes, blue cheese, noodles and broccoli around 50 degrees in Prep Cooler.
  • Observed boiled eggs and pickled cabbage past the 7-day date mark.
  • Observed missing time labels for Honey Butter and Rosemary Butter.
  • Establishment was unable to produce the entire HACCP plan approved by the local Health Department.

#2 Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar

1626 EAST BV, CHARLOTTE NC 28203
Scored 85.5 (B) on 6/6/2024 

They had the following violations;

  • Observed cooling/cooling methods, hot holding, cold holding and TPHC violations during inspection.
  • Observed hand sink near grill without soap or paper towels.
  • Observed food employee handle soiled dishes and proceed to touch clean dishes without changing gloves.
  • Observed cut romaine cooling over 4 hours still above 41F.
  • Observed portion cups of house made ranch and chipotle ranch 58-57F with 40mins left in the cooling window.
  • Observed mushrooms and onions hot holding below 135F.
  • Observed various TCS items in salad prep top, grill drawers, in ice baths and buttermilk on counter above 41F. Ambient air of salad unit is 49F. Items being held in ice baths were barely sitting in ice.
  • Observed approximately 5 sheet trays of chicken wings with a prep date of 5/29.
  • Observed house made chipotle ranch being held on TPHC without a time label.

#1 Restaurante Y Panaderia Salvadorena 

5724 E W T HARRIS BV, CHARLOTTE NC 28215
Scored 80.5 (B) on 6/10/2024 (rescored to 95.5 on 7/3)

They had the following violations;

  • Observed Facility had several priority item violations today. PIC is not ensure that food code is being followed.
  • Observed cook handle dirty dishes, leave kitchen, put hands in water, all with her gloves on and she did not change gloves and wash her hands before handling food.
  • Observed employee turn faucet off with her clean hands.
  • Observed frozen food in reach in freezer not covered.
  • Observed meat grinder with visible food debris on inside.
  • Observed tamales and rice/bean mix cooling in reach in cooler for more than 2 hours and still above 70F.
  • Observed several TCS foods cooling since yesterday in reach in cooler above 41F.
  • Observed empanadas in Low boy cooler above 41F and beans above 41F. PIC stated that the beans had been out this morning.
  • Observed multiple pans of cooked and prepped foods in the reach with no date mark.
  • Observed food at pupusa station held on TPHC not marked with discard time.

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.

Gaston County Police Asking For Public’s Help In Finding Missing Teenage Girl

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Gaston County Police Asking For Public’s Help In Finding Missing Teenage Girl

Gaston County Police are asking for the public’s help in finding a missing teenage girl.

Casie Conner went missing from her home in Lowell this week.

According to police, she is described as being 5’6”, 180 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes.

Her parents told authorities that Casie left her home at 511 Phillips St around 1:40 p.m. on Monday, July 1, 2024, on foot. She was last seen wearing a black hoodie, blue jeans, and pink high-top Converse shoes.

She may have acquaintances in the Gaston County towns of Ranlo or Smyre.

Please contact the Lowell Police Department at 704-866-3300 if you have any information on her whereabouts.

Charlotte Native Anna Cockrell Heading To The Olympics To Represent Team USA

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Charlotte Native Anna Cockrell Heading To The Olympics To Represent Team USA

Charlotte native Anna Cockrell is heading to Paris for her second Olympics. The Providence Day School graduate and USC alumna took second in the 400-meter hurdles Sunday night.

Cockrell previously competed in the Tokyo Olympics, where she was disqualified in the finals for stepping on a lane line. She secured her spot in the finals with a 54.17 finish time in the semifinals, just behind Femke Bol’s 53.91.

Anna comes from a long line of Charlotte legends, with her brother, Ross Cockrell, playing for the Carolina Panthers, and her father, Keiith Cockrell, president of Bank of America Charlotte.

The Paris Olympics begin on Friday, July 26.

Top 22 Biggest Independence Day Firework Displays Around Charlotte This Week

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Top 22 Biggest Independence Day Firework Displays Around Charlotte This Week

independence dayWondering where to watch Independence Day fireworks this week around the Charlotte region?

We put together a list of the area’s biggest fireworks displays, fairs, parades, celebrations, and more.

Here’s the full list in order of date and time of all the red, white, and blue celebrations;

Tonight, July 3, 2024

  • Whitewater Center 4th of July Celebration
    • Time: 6 to 10 p.m.
    • Place: Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center, Charlotte, NC
    • Cost: Free, parking is $12
    • Features: Live music, Tred, White and Blue 5K Race, SUP yoga, and more.
  • Town of Matthews Independence Day Celebration
    • Time: 9 p.m.
    • Place: Matthews SportsPlex, 2425 Sports Parkway, Matthews, NC
    • Cost: Free
    • Features: Fireworks show.
  • Fort Mill Independence Day Celebration
    • Time: 6 to 9:30 p.m.
    • Place: Fort Mill Amphitheater at Walter Elisha Park, 345 N White Street, Fort Mill, SC
    • Cost: Free
    • Features: Music, kids’ activities, vendors, and a fireworks show.
  • Town of Harrisburg’s 4th of July Celebration
    • Time: 4 to 10 p.m.
    • Place: Harrisburg Park, 191 Sims Parkway, Harrisburg, NC
    • Cost: Free, tickets or wristband needed for rides.
    • Features: Live music, rides, and fireworks.
  • Lowe’s YMCA 4th of July Celebration
    • Time: 6 to 10 p.m.
    • Place: Lowe’s YMCA, 170 Joe V. Knox Avenue, Mooresville, NC
    • Cost: Free
    • Features: Field of Flags, live music, and fireworks.

July 4, 2024

  • SkyShow 2024
    • Time: 6:35 p.m.; Fireworks show after the game
    • Place: Truist Field, 324 S Mint Street, Charlotte, NC
    • Cost: Game ticket price varies
    • Features: Fireworks from Romare Bearden Park, 300 S Church Street, at no cost.
  • Whitewater Center 4th of July Celebration
    • Time: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    • Place: Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center, Charlotte, NC
    • Cost: Free, parking is $12
    • Features: Live music, Tred, White and Blue 5K Race, SUP yoga, and more.
  • Town of Matthews Independence Day Celebration
    • Time: 5 to 9 p.m.
    • Place: Stumptown Park, 120 S Trade Street, Matthews, NC
    • Cost: Free
    • Features: Food trucks, kids’ activities, patriotic fun, and a free concert.
  • Charlotte Museum of History’s Independence Day Celebration
    • Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    • Place: Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC
    • Cost: Free
    • Features: Oath and Naturalization Ceremony, music, keynote address, and voter registration opportunities.
  • Birkdale Village’s 4th of July Celebration
    • Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
    • Place: Birkdale Village, 8712 Lindholm Street, Huntersville, NC
    • Cost: Free
    • Features: Bike decorating, parade, block party, and Huntersville Fire Department’s annual wet down.
  • Carowinds’ Star-Spangled Nights Fireworks Spectacular
    • Time: 9:30 p.m.
    • Place: Carowinds, 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC
    • Cost: Admission to Carowinds. Ticket prices vary.
    • Features: Fireworks show.
  • Pineville 4th of July Celebration
    • Time: Check back soon.
    • Place: Downtown Pineville
    • Cost: Free
  • Town of Waxhaw’s Independence Day Parade
    • Time: 10 a.m.
    • Place: Downtown Waxhaw
    • Cost: Free
    • Features: Free parking and shuttles available.
  • City of Monroe’s Fourth of July Celebration
    • Time: 5 to 9:30 p.m.
    • Place: Main Street in Downtown Monroe, NC
    • Cost: Free
    • Features: Bounce houses, food trucks, live music, and fireworks.
  • Lincolnton’s 4th of July Celebration
    • Time: Parade at 8:30 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
    • Place: Several viewing locations in Downtown Lincolnton
    • Cost: Free
    • Features: Patriotic parade and fireworks.
  • Baxter Village’s July 4th Parade
    • Time: 9:30 a.m.
    • Place: Baxter Village, Market Street, Fort Mill, SC
    • Cost: Free
    • Features: Parade through Baxter Village Town Center.
  • Lake Wylie Fireworks Display
    • Time: Approximately 9 p.m.
    • Place: Buster Boyd Bridge
    • Cost: Free
    • Features: Viewing spots at Buster Boyd Bridge Boat Landing, Papa Doc’s Shore Club, and other nearby businesses.
  • Rock Hill’s 4th of July Celebration
    • Time: 12 to 9 p.m.
    • Place: Main Street, Downtown Rock Hill
    • Cost: Free
    • Features: Live music, family fun activities, food trucks, and fireworks.
  • City of York’s 4th of July Celebration
    • Time: 6:30 to 10 p.m.
    • Place: York Middle School, 1010 Devinney Road, York, SC
    • Cost: Free
    • Features: Live music and a fireworks show.
  • Red White & Belmont
    • Time: 6 to 10 p.m.
    • Place: Upper Field of Stowe Park, 24 S Main Street, Belmont, NC
    • Cost: Free
    • Features: Live music by 80Z Nation and fireworks.

July 5, 2024

  • Kannapolis Cannon Ballers 4th of July Celebration
    • Time: 6:30 p.m.; Fireworks after the game
    • Place: Atrium Health Ballpark, 1 Cannon Baller Way, Kannapolis, NC
    • Cost: Tickets start at $20

July 6, 2024

  • Kannapolis Cannon Ballers 4th of July Celebration
    • Time: 6:30 p.m.; Fireworks after the game
    • Place: Atrium Health Ballpark, 1 Cannon Baller Way, Kannapolis, NC
    • Cost: Tickets start at $20

NC’s Largest Private Zoo Near Lake Norman with Controversial Past Just Listed For $16 Million

Charlotte Stories
-
0
NC’s Largest Private Zoo Near Lake Norman with Controversial Past Just Listed For $16 Million

The largest privately owned zoo in our state, located near Lake Norman in Troutman, has been put up for sale with a price tag of $16 million.

According to the official listing on National Land Realty’s website:

“Zootastic represents the unprecedented opportunity for a qualified buyer to purchase the largest privately owned and operated zoo in the state of North Carolina. Known for their exotic animal interaction, kids camps and holiday light displays this regional destination is located within close proximity to Charlotte with easy access off of I-77. The sale includes not only the underlying real estate but also the operating business, inventory, and animals.”

The 186-acre property, known for housing over 600 exotic animals including lions, tigers, monkeys, bears, giraffes, and birds, has faced scrutiny over the years. The USDA has fined the zoo several times for issues related to the cleanliness of its enclosures and habitats.

In addition to the diverse collection of animals, the sale of the zoo also includes several amenities such as a gift shop, a holiday light display, a carousel, a train, and multiple residences designed to accommodate staff members.

Do you know anyone with an extra $16 million laying around who wants a zoo?

Charlotte Takes #8 in Top 10 Best Cities for International Students

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Charlotte Takes #8 in Top 10 Best Cities for International Students

Students worldwide choose to study in the United States due to the many academic opportunities available and the transformative experiences they can have in the city they study in. 

With that in mind, the latest CommercialCafe study sought out to identify America’s best cities for international students, ranking the cities based on three categories: international student community & support, affordability & green commuting and fun & recreation.

To reflect a fair comparison, they segmented the cities into two population brackets: small to mid-sized and large.

Charlotte boasts the title of the eighth-best city for international students in the country, with an overall score of 43.2 points. Here are some key findings:

  • With average monthly rent and food prices being the second lowest among the top 10, Charlotte takes the 2nd spot in the affordability and commuting category, behind only Houston.
  • The city ranks 4th for the support establishments density metric, with 103 educational support services for every 100,000 undergraduates — a higher ratio than LA, Seattle, Philadelphia and Boston.
  • With a density of recreational establishments with 297.8 venues per 100,000 residents, Charlotte also came in 6th in the fun and recreation category.

NC Takes Bold Steps to Erase $4 Billion in Medical Debt for Residents

Charlotte Stories
-
0
NC Takes Bold Steps to Erase $4 Billion in Medical Debt for Residents

NC state leaders have just announced plans to significantly reduce the $4+ billion in medical debt that North Carolina residents are now burdened with.

NCDHHS just requested new approval from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for conditions hospitals must meet to receive enhanced Medicaid funds. These include relieving existing medical debt and preventing future debt for low- and middle-income residents. Hospitals opting out will receive standard funding.

Medical debt affects 41% of US adults, especially in Black, Hispanic, and rural communities. North Carolina hospitals hold over $4 billion in debt. Upon CMS approval, hospitals meeting the conditions will qualify for enhanced payments under the Healthcare Access and Stabilization Program (HASP).

“Large medical bills from sickness or injury can cripple the finances of North Carolinians, particularly those who are already struggling,” said Governor Cooper in a press release. “Freeing people from medical debt can be life changing for families, as well as boost the overall economic health of North Carolina.”

The new NC policies include:

  • Relieving uncollectible medical debt since January 1, 2014, for non-Medicaid individuals with incomes below 350% of the federal poverty level (FPL) or debt exceeding 5% of annual income.
  • Relieving unpaid medical debt since January 1, 2014, for Medicaid-enrolled individuals.
    Providing medical bill discounts between 50-100% for patients with incomes at or below 300% FPL.
  • Automatically enrolling eligible individuals in financial assistance programs.
  • Prohibiting the sale of medical debt for consumers with incomes at or below 300% FPL to debt collectors.
  • Not reporting covered debt to credit agencies.

NCDHHS recently partnered with Undue Medical Debt to facilitate the new relief.

You can find out more on the NCDHHS’s Medical Debt Relief Frequently Asked Questions page here.

1...238239240...1,311Page 239 of 1,311