UNC Charlotte Lands Historic Grant For $2 Billion Energy Initiative That Could Create 20,000 Jobs

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UNC Charlotte Lands Historic Grant For $2 Billion Energy Initiative That Could Create 20,000 Jobs

The Charlotte region is set to receive a major economic boost after UNC Charlotte secured a $160 million federal award to lead a massive electric grid modernization initiative expected to create up to 20,000 jobs and generate an estimated $2 billion in economic impact across the Carolinas.

The U.S. National Science Foundation selected the Carolinas Grid Engine as one of only 12 Regional Innovation Engines chosen nationwide from nearly 300 competing proposals.

Led by UNC Charlotte, the initiative will receive funding over the next 10 years and serve 36 counties across North and South Carolina with support from more than 100 partners.

“This federal investment will allow UNC Charlotte to continue to bring together partners from across the Carolinas and ensure North Carolina remains a leader in research, manufacturing and industry partnerships critical to advancing the next generation of grid technologies,” said U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson ’96, R-N.C.

The project will focus on modernizing the nation’s electric grid to meet growing demand from artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, data centers, and population growth.

Key priorities include:

  • Accelerating grid technology research and commercialization
  • Strengthening domestic supply chains
  • Supporting startups and entrepreneurship
  • Expanding workforce training
  • Improving grid reliability and resilience

Major partners include Duke Energy, Dominion Energy, Siemens Energy, Honeywell, Nucor, EPRI, Clemson University, York Technical College, and the North Carolina and South Carolina Departments of Commerce.

Officials say the investment positions Charlotte and the Carolinas as a national leader in next-generation energy technology while creating thousands of high-paying jobs and strengthening the region’s growing advanced manufacturing and technology economy.

Duke Energy Reaches Deal w/ NC Regulators To Significantly Increase Rates For Millions of Customers

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Duke Energy Reaches Deal w/ NC Regulators To Significantly Increase Rates For Millions of Customers

Millions of Duke Energy customers in North Carolina could soon see higher electric bills after the utility reached a partial agreement that keeps its proposed rate increase moving forward, though at a lower level than originally requested.

The agreement, filed with the North Carolina Utilities Commission, resolves several issues in Duke Energy Carolinas’ ongoing rate case but still requires approval from regulators.

“If the settlements are approved by regulators, monthly electric bills for typical Duke Energy Carolinas residential customers using 1,000 kWh per month would increase $9.39 a month – from $156.81 to $166.20 – starting Jan. 1, followed by a $5.52 increase on Jan. 1, 2028,” said Duke spokesman Bill Norton in an e-mail sent out this week.

The settlement follows Duke Energy’s decision last month to cut its proposed residential rate increase from 18% to 11.6%, the largest voluntary reduction in a rate request during the rebuttal phase of a case in company history.

The agreement also allows Duke to use surplus hurricane bond funds to cover February’s winter storm costs and expand the use of federal solar tax credits to help offset customer bills.

Several issues remain unresolved, including Duke’s proposed 10.48% return on equity, which affects the utility’s allowed profit.

The North Carolina Utilities Commission will continue hearing testimony before deciding later this year whether to approve, modify, or reject the proposed rate increases.

Charlotte-Area Chick-fil-A Restaurants Giving Away Free Chicken Today

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Charlotte-Area Chick-fil-A Restaurants Giving Away Free Chicken Today

Charlotte chicken fans have a reason to celebrate today. Chick-fil-A restaurants across the Charlotte area are giving away free chicken entrées as the chain brings back its popular Cow Appreciation Day after a seven-year break.

The promotion returns Tuesday, July 14, for the first time since 2019 as part of Chick-fil-A’s 80th anniversary celebration.

From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., customers who visit participating Charlotte-area Chick-fil-A restaurants dressed like a cow—or wearing cow-themed clothing—can receive one free entrée.

Guests can choose from:

Breakfast:

  • Original Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit
  • 4-count Chick-n-Minis

Lunch & Dinner:

  • Original or Spicy Chicken Sandwich
  • 8-count Original or Grilled Nuggets
  • 3-count Chick-n-Strips

Children 12 and under dressed in cow attire can also receive a free kids’ entrée and prize while supplies last.

The offer is available only for in-person orders, including dine-in, carry-out, and drive-thru. It does not apply to Chick-fil-A app or delivery orders.

Cow Appreciation Day became one of Chick-fil-A’s most recognizable promotions before being paused after 2019. Now, the tradition is returning for one day only, giving Charlotte-area customers another chance to score free chicken simply by dressing the part.

Police Officers Fired Over Abuse of Flock Surveillance Cameras

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Police Officers Fired Over Abuse of Flock Surveillance Cameras

The nationwide debate over Flock Safety cameras continues to grow after five Georgia police officers were fired and arrested for allegedly misusing the surveillance system, the same week that two Flock camera poles were cut down in Pageland, South Carolina, about 30 miles southeast of Charlotte.

The Pageland Police Department recently launched a criminal investigation after two Flock Safety camera poles were intentionally vandalized. The incident renewed concerns over the expanding use of automated license plate readers, with supporters calling them valuable crime-fighting tools and critics raising questions about privacy, government surveillance, and data sharing.

Now, those concerns have intensified following arrests in Georgia.

The Albany Police Department said an internal audit uncovered “serious policy violations” involving its Flock Safety system. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, five officers repeatedly and unlawfully accessed license plate data for “non-law enforcement purposes.” Investigators have not released details about how the information was allegedly used.

The department fired the officers and referred the case to the GBI, which charged each with misuse of license plate data and violation of their oath of office.

The former officers are:

  • Tytianna Davis, 27
  • Jade Jackson, 32
  • Nicholas Richardson, 30
  • Brittney Smith, 23
  • Issac Whitus, 24

The arrests come only weeks after two Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office supervisors in Georgia were also fired and charged for allegedly misusing an automated license plate reader system.

Flock Safety cameras automatically photograph license plates and store the information in a searchable database that participating law enforcement agencies can use during investigations.

Critics argue it tracks the movements of law-abiding drivers, raising concerns about privacy, oversight, and how the data is shared between agencies.

Concord Mills Bringing Several New Retailers Amid Lawsuit Drama

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Concord Mills Bringing Several New Retailers Amid Lawsuit Drama

Concord Mills is adding several new retailers this summer as the Carolina’s largest mall continues to navigate recent store closures and eviction lawsuits.

The mall announced three new stores aimed at attracting shoppers ahead of the back-to-school and football seasons.

Request Boutique is now open, offering a marketplace where customers can buy, sell, and trade sneakers and streetwear.

JD Sports is expected to open later this summer with athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories from major brands.

Rally House is also scheduled to open this summer, bringing officially licensed merchandise for NFL, college, and other sports fans.

The new openings come as several existing tenants have recently faced financial and legal issues.

Most recently, the marijuana dispensery Go Green CBD became the latest Concord Mills retailer facing eviction after allegedly falling more than $104,000 behind on rent.

According to a civil complaint filed in Cabarrus County District Court, EZ Purchase LLC, which operates Go Green CBD, owed $104,770 in unpaid rent as of June 1. Court records allege the retailer had not paid rent for nearly 14 months and refused to vacate.

Despite those challenges, Concord Mills continues to attract new tenants and remains one of the region’s busiest shopping destinations with more than 180 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Lindsey Graham’s Sudden and Tragic Death Sets Off Race to Fill Powerful SC Senate Seat

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Lindsey Graham’s Sudden and Tragic Death Sets Off Race to Fill Powerful SC Senate Seat

South Carolina’s political landscape changed dramatically over the weekend after the sudden and tragic death of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham – attention is now turning to who will temporarily fill his Senate seat and who will become the Republican nominee in November.

Gov. Henry McMaster is expected to announce his decision during a 4 p.m. news conference this afternoon, where he will reflect on Graham’s life and name an interim replacement.

Former President Donald Trump weighed in this morning, saying he has recommended that McMaster appoint Darline Graham Nordone, Lindsey Graham’s sister, to serve the remainder of the senator’s current term.

Governor Will Appoint a Temporary Senator

Under South Carolina Code Section 7-19-20, the governor has the authority to appoint someone to temporarily fill a vacant U.S. Senate seat caused by death, resignation, or another vacancy.

Because Graham died more than 100 days before the November general election, the governor’s appointee would serve only the remainder of Graham’s current term, ending on Jan. 3, 2027.

That appointment does not automatically make the person the Republican nominee for the next six-year Senate term.

Republicans Must Hold a New Primary

Since Graham had already won the Republican primary before his death, South Carolina law requires the GOP to choose a replacement nominee through another primary election, rather than allowing party leaders to simply select a candidate.

Based on the statutory timeline, the expected schedule is:

  • July 21: Candidate filing opens
  • July 28: Filing closes
  • Aug. 11: Republican special primary
  • Aug. 25: Runoff election, if needed

The winner would become the Republican nominee for the Nov. 3 general election, although the South Carolina Election Commission is expected to formally confirm the election calendar.

Several Republicans Already Considering a Run

Even if Darline Graham Nordone is appointed to the temporary seat, it remains unclear whether she would seek a full six-year term.

Several prominent Republicans have already been mentioned as potential candidates, including U.S. Reps. Nancy Mace. Other names are also expected to emerge once the filing period opens.

Graham, who served in the Senate since 2003, died Saturday at age 71 after a brief illness. His death leaves South Carolina with its first U.S. Senate vacancy in more than two decades and sets off both an interim appointment and a fast-moving Republican primary that will determine who appears on the November ballot.

School Board Sides with County Against City in Bombshell Octapharma Vote

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School Board Sides with County Against City in Bombshell Octapharma Vote

York County’s School Board just voted this morning 5-2 to support the county’s amendment to the Octapharma FILOT which would essentially change the 3-way split of taxes between the City of Rock Hill, Rock Hill Schools, and York County to just a 2-way split between Rock Hill Schools and York County.

This Swiss pharmaceutical giant aims to build on Rock Hill’s former Panther site. The project would create 1,500 new jobs for our region and an overall $1.5 billion investment.

This morning’s vote creates fresh drama, given that the 5-2 vote simply affirms the county’s change that the City of Rock Hill is calling unlawful. The amendment takes $43 million away from the City of Rock hill over 30 years, and it would send $40 million extra to schools over that time frame.

Christi Cox rushed the final county meeting last week to force the amendment. She changed the location at the last minute. Chaos erupted during the session. Councilman Tom Audette proposed a fair compromise. It gave schools even more money while protecting the city split. Cox’s allies rejected it 4-3.

The city’s attorney fired a strong warning last week. Paul W. Dillingham called the change unlawful. He said it violates Rock Hill’s prior resolution. That resolution required the city’s proportional share. Breaking it voids the city’s consent immediately.

The multi-county park needs Rock Hill’s approval. Without it, special tax breaks disappear. A separate Panthers-era agreement may also block incentives. The city holds key consent rights there too.

This fiasco reveals Cox’s troubling leadership pattern. She championed the Panthers headquarters early on. Her public blame game with Rock Hill helped sink it. She ignored a unanimous 5-0 zoning ruling against Silfab Solar. Permits issued anyway near Flint Hill Elementary. Hazardous chemicals and spills followed. Residents still worry about safety.

Transparency problems compound the damage. Cox canceled multiple meetings with Rock Hill Mayor John Gettys. Collaboration gave way to confrontation under her watch.

The stakes could not be higher. Failure means losing $1.5 billion in investment. York County forfeits 1,200 high-paying jobs. Schools, roads, and services face decades of lost revenue.

Rock Hill City Council will now hold the next vote on the Octapharma deal – a vote that could finalize or kill the deal entirely.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The incident remains under investigation.

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