Charlotte Hornets Players Get A Strong Pep Talk From Michael Jordan

Stella Sutkiewicz
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Charlotte Hornets Players Get A Strong Pep Talk From Michael Jordan

Recently in the news for his revealing comments and stories in Netflix’s ‘The Last Dance’ documentary series about his days with Chicago Bulls, not to mention his commitment to donate $100 million toward social justice causes, Michael Jordan is in the news once again. Being the owner of the Charlotte Hornets, Air Jordan himself feels like now is the time to give his players a bit more motivation and turn them into a winning team.

Hornets players were given an hour-long video conference call by Jordan, in which the six-time NBA champion said that teammates should make each other accountable and not to shy away from uncomfortable talks and discussions about their play. Players were apparently told to call each other out and tell one another when they make mistakes. According to Hornets star Devonte’ Graham, some conversations are necessary even if they are hard to hear. “That’s going to make [our team] even better. You’ll bond better. Your team is stronger. There is more of a respect level, instead of not saying anything and letting guys mess up over and over and over again, and you’re losing and losing,” said Graham.

The history of the Charlotte Hornets is a long and interesting tale. While the Hornets were popular and strong in the 90s, the team has never quite managed to build much success, and since Jordan took over control 10 years ago, Charlotte hasn’t passed the first round of the playoffs. Still, the talk seems to have motivated the players and given them new heart. “A lot of guys on our team haven’t played in the playoffs and don’t understand the attention to detail you have to play with in the playoffs,” said Hornets center Cody Zeller. “That was what I enjoyed hearing from MJ, especially as a younger team.”

However, not everyone is the biggest fan of Jordan’s direct method of communication, as even Hornets guard Terry Rozier admitted that Jordan would have likely annoyed him if they were teammates back in the 90s. “I feel like you have to pick your poison,” Rozier said. “One thing with being teammates with guys in this league is you have to learn who they are first. Some people don’t like to be confronted in front of others; some people you have to pull aside. So I feel like it is a mixture of learning your teammates and knowing when to call them out … so that people don’t have a bad taste in their mouth about one another.”

NBA Season To Begin Again Soon

Unfortunately, the Charlotte Hornets was not among the 22 teams asked to come back to finish the 2019/2020 NBA season on July 31st, which was put on hiatus during the coronavirus pandemic. The remaining season and playoffs will be played solely at Disney World, Florida, in an attempt to create a “bubble” venue that limits the risk of infection from COVID-19. If they haven’t already, players and coaching staff must learn quickly about the right ways and when it’s necessary to wash hands and the importance of wearing a mask when possible.

Although the aim is to crown an NBA champion around mid-October and start the new NBA 2020/2021 season on December 1st, we’ll just have to wait and see how things play out. Of course, NBA fans will not be allowed to attend the arenas and everyone will be tested for the virus every day, but it will still be uncharted territories to play basketball during a pandemic. Time will tell how it will all work out.

The Benefits of Asbestos -Testing Your Home

Robert Tilman
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The Benefits of Asbestos -Testing Your Home

How many of us have heard of the term Mesothelioma? Probably, not many. Don’t beat yourself up if you haven’t got an inkling. That said, it’d certainly do no harm to have an awareness of it, especially for those of us living in North Carolina. Mesothelioma is a relatively rare but highly aggressive kind of cancer that affects the lungs, abdomen and heart – its main cause :  exposure to asbestos. 

Next question. What is asbestos? So, this may be something you’re familiar with or have some vague recollection of having heard in passing conversation. Asbestos is a mineral fibre that was once a widely used building material and that has since been discovered to have hugely detrimental health impacts, especially when disturbed during building renovations. 

When you consider the age of most of the buildings in Charlotte, as well as the number of military bases and industrial sites in surrounding North Carolina, it sounds depressing but there really is a silver lining. Because we know that asbestos is the culprit, getting our homes tested for the presence of this harmful substance through asbestos testing is one concrete step we can take to ensure we limit the chances of our loved ones contracting Mesothelioma.

Here is a quick rundown of some of the benefits:

  • Peace of Mind 

First and foremost, having your home tested offers peace of mind. Many of the buildings in Charlotte were built at a time when asbestos was commonly used, so getting your home tested is one easy way to remove any uncertainty. If your property gets the all-clear then you are good to go. If, on the other hand, traces of asbestos are found, you can take action and have it removed. Now isn’t that better than living in ignorant bliss? 

  1. Protecting Your Family’s Health 

Regardless of whether you are living in a rented property or you own your home, ensuring the safety of your family is paramount. Having asbestos removed will reduce any fear of your loved ones being exposed to the adverse health conditions caused by this poisonous substance. Now you can rest easy knowing that you’ve done your part.

  1. It’s a Long Term Investment for Your Property and Your Family’s Future

Homeowners know that property in North Carolina is a long-term investment as demand for housing in cities like Charlotte are on the rise. Of course, there are many ways to invest in your property to boost its value but the unique thing about asbestos-testing is that while it may cost you a few thousand dollars now, it has the potential to save you thousands in the long-run if you consider the potential cost of hospital bills and lost wages. And what about when the time comes to sell the property? Having the necessary paperwork at hand to show prospective buyers that this a top-notch home will set you apart from the competition. 

And If You or Your Family Have Already Been Affected…

Prevention is always better than the cure, but unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to get that opportunity. Sadly, once a person shows symptoms, the cancer is usually too aggressive to be cured. The average life expectancy after a Mesothelioma diagnosis is usually just 12 months. While oncologists and alternative therapists have developed treatments to prolong survival and minimize discomfort, these bring little emotional comfort to those suffering from an illness that is essentially preventable.   

Of course, no amount of compensation can make up for a diagnosis like Mesothelioma, but taking legal action in a timely manner can be beneficial on many levels. Because this condition is almost always a result of asbestos exposure either in your home or at a workplace, you may be entitled for some compensation. Each case is unique so it’s always best to get legal advice, from a specialized firm, like Bergman Legal  who have an intimate knowledge of the legal terrain and are best placed to get you and your family the justice you deserve.

Whatever the case, regardless of whether Mesothelioma has had an effect on your life directly or not, be proactive and take action today. We should do everything in our power to limit the risks of asbestos exposure by getting our homes tested – the benefits are manifold and they most certainly outweigh the costs.

Charlotte’s Historically Black Johnson C. Smith University Awarded Over $600K In Grants

Charlotte Stories
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Charlotte’s Historically Black Johnson C. Smith University Awarded Over $600K In Grants

Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) announced it has been awarded a two grants from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation totaling $610,000 to support JCSU’s Cultural Studies program in the College of Arts and Letters and relief efforts to JCSU students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cultural Studies program expansion

A $500,000 grant will assists the expansion, enrichment, and engagement of JCSU Cultural Studies programs, including the development of courses, programs, and concentrations in Africana Studies, Cultural Studies, Gender Studies, and Global Studies.

“We are grateful for the Mellon Foundation’s continued support of the arts and humanities at Johnson C. Smith University,” said Dr. Brian M. Jones, Dean of the College of Arts and Letters and Principal Investigator for the grant. “This funding will allow us to reinvigorate these areas as they develop innovative programs for 21st Century students — programs that will meet workforce needs while developing the habits of mind that will benefit them in their careers and in their lives as citizens.”

In addition to developing programs and courses, which will support both major-level courses as well as general education courses that fulfill graduation requirements in the Humanities Pillar and Integrated Studies, Global Studies, and Emergent Fields pillar, the grant will support a learning community for JCSU faculty to study cultural studies topics and develop pedagogical material.

“We no longer — if we ever truly did — live in a world where any one culture dominates societal discourse,” said Professor of English Matthew DeForrest, who serves as the grant’s Project Director. “Instead, viewers watch animation derived from Japanese styles (e.g., the Studio Glibi aesthetic) while listening to popular music heavily influenced by American Hip Hop while playing games that allows them to connect with people across the globe.”

COVID-19 pandemic emergency funding 

 As announced on its website, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation distributed $1.76 million in emergency grants to sixteen Historically Black Colleges and Universities — including $110,000 to JCSU — to directly support students continuing their education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the press release, Mellon Foundation President Elizabeth Alexander said “HBCUs play an essential role in shaping the minds and futures of our nation’s talented young people. As the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affects under resourced institutions and communities of color, the Mellon Foundation is proud to provide focused support for students attending these vital historically black schools.”

About Johnson C. Smith University

Founded in 1867, Johnson C. Smith University is an independent, close-knit urban university located in Charlotte, N.C. It has a growing national reputation for integrating the liberal arts with business, the sciences and technology in ways that empower tomorrow’s diverse entrepreneurial citizens and leaders to be change agents in their professions and communities. JCSU offers 23 degree programs, including a master’s degree in social work, with a focus on intellectual rigor to more than 1,400 students from a variety of ethnic, socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds. Visit www.jcsu.edu or follow the university on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen hosting Virtual Summer Camp for Baking and Culinary

Charlotte Stories
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Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen hosting Virtual Summer Camp for Baking and Culinary

Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen of Charlotte, NC is hosting virtual summer camps for baking and culinary. Each camp is 5 days with day passes available.

“With a lot of summer plans changing, we wanted to put together a summer camp to participate from home, “ said chef Alyssa Wilen owner and executive chef of Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen. “Our goal is to bring our in-person camp experience to your home kitchen. We even have an optional specialty gift box with spices, a selection of dry ingredients and Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen branded tools!” said Wilen.

The virtual summer camps are available now on the Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen website. Along with pre-recorded videos from Chef Alyssa, recipe and equipment list, there are weekly video zoom calls with Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen instructors to answer questions. Each day of camp will take about 2 to 2.5 hours and can be completed at your own pace. Pause the video throughout the day! Camps are recommended for ages 7 and over with possible parental supervision.

“Along with our virtual camps, there are still a handful of spots open in our in-person camps this summer, “ added Wilen.

About Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen

During this time Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen hosts virtual cooking classes throughout the week. They were recently featured in Food & Wine Magazine as one of the best in the nation.  Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen has a to-go dinner meal service for pick-up or at-home delivery to anywhere in Charlotte or the surrounding area.  Same day ordering available until 11 am each day. The menu, designed in 2019, was made specifically for to-go packaging and dinner convenience.

North Carolina Records Its Highest Single Day Increase in COVID-19 Cases

Charlotte Stories
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North Carolina Records Its Highest Single Day Increase in COVID-19 Cases

North Carolina just recorded its largest single day increase in COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

According to NCDHHS, the state confirmed a total of 1,768 new cases yesterday, bringing the states total to 41,249.

We also saw one of the largest increases in hospitalizations with 760 now in the hospital with the virus.

There are now talks of a second shutdown as our case load continues to spike.

In an interview with NPR, NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen said; “If we need to go back to stay-at-home, we will. I hope we don’t have to. I think there are things we can do before we have to get there, but yes, we are concerned.”

South Carolina is also seeing a massive spike in cases. Yesterday, South Carolina’s DHEC announced 729 new cases and 5 additional deaths, bringing the total deaths to 593 and confirmed cases to 17,170.

What do you think about the idea of a second shutdown? 

What else do you think should be done to help slow the spread?

NC Officials Warn Of Possible Second Shutdown Due To Recent Surge In COVID-19 Cases

Charlotte Stories
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NC Officials Warn Of Possible Second Shutdown Due To Recent Surge In COVID-19 Cases

The State of North Carolina is now experiencing one of the biggest surges of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the country during Phase 2 of our reopening plan, causing state health leaders to suggest a possible second shutdown.

In an interview with NPR, NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen said; “If we need to go back to stay-at-home, we will. I hope we don’t have to. I think there are things we can do before we have to get there, but yes, we are concerned.”

Our state was one of the first in the nation to reopen when we entered Phase 1 on May 8th, and since then, case numbers, hospitalizations, and deaths have all continued to rise.

We currently have 39,481 cases, 1,064 deaths, and 812 people in the hospital from COVID-19:

What do you think about the idea of a second shutdown?

Charlotte Home Sales Fell Sharply in May – Pending Contracts Indicate Buyers Are Coming Back

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Charlotte Home Sales Fell Sharply in May – Pending Contracts Indicate Buyers Are Coming Back

With North Carolina businesses slowly reopening under the state’s Phase 2 of operations, May home sales across the Charlotte region fell 30.4 percent with 3,598 homes sold, according to data from the Charlotte MLS.  Compared to April 2020, sales were up 1.8 percent as area Realtors® and consumers continue adjusting to buying and selling in the new normal of COVID-19.

Pending contracts, which point to future sales as well as buyer demand, rose 14.8 percent year-over-year with 5,926 contracts in the pipeline. Pending contracts compared to April 2020 were up 46.5 percent, showing a significant increase in buyer demand over the 16-county region.

Charlotte Realtor® Association President John Kindbom notes, “We are reassured by the positive growth in pending contract activity, especially the substantial increase over last month. Buyers have had to adjust to increased lending standards and documentation regarding income, credit and employment, which often adds additional time to the process. However, this shows us that buyers are adjusting. More of this activity will result in positive sales in the coming months.”

Prices, pressured by tightening inventory, continued to increase. The average list price ($375,709) rose 11.2 percent compared to last year and was up 11.6 percent compared to April 2020. Both the median sales price ($265,000) and the average sales price ($310,166) rose 1.9 percent and 0.2 percent, respectively. The original list price to sales price ratio was 97.6 percent, showing sellers are getting closer to asking prices.

There were 5,168 new listings added to inventory during the month, which is down 22.1 percent compared to new listings added in May 2019. However, compared to April 2020, new listings increased 21.4 percent, which is a positive sign of seller confidence rising.

Kindbom further notes, “This month-over-month increase in new listing activity, along with the increases in pending contract activity, are the signs we needed to see to know the market is actively recovering. And while full recovery is still some ways off, agents will continue working with buyers and sellers and will keep following strict guidelines to get homes sold in a safe manner.”

Inventory remains challenged, falling 37.0 percent year-over-year, which means the region will continue to experience strong seller’s market conditions with some 6,712 homes available for sale at report time. The 16-county Charlotte region currently has 1.6 months of supply, compared to 2.6 months of supply last May.

Days on market, the metric that accrues for “Active” and “Under Contract-Show” statuses, averaged 35 days in May 2020 compared to 42 days in May 2019. Faster home sales as displayed by days on market is yet another hallmark of a strong seller’s market. The average number of days a property was on the market from the time it was listed until it closed (list to close) was 90 days.

The Charlotte Realtor® Association provides monthly reports on residential real estate market activity for the Charlotte Metro region based on data from the MLS. The Charlotte Metro region, which this report is based on, includes 12 counties in North Carolina and four counties in South Carolina.

The North Carolina Zoo Will Open to the Public June 15

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The North Carolina Zoo Will Open to the Public June 15

The North Carolina Zoo will open to the public Monday, June 15 with some new procedures in place to help ensure the safety of staff and guests.

The biggest change will be advance purchase of timed tickets for entry into the Zoo. Walk-up entry to the Zoo is not available at this time; everyone must pre-arrange their visit, including zoo members or those holding previously purchased tickets. The Zoo will initially open with a capacity of 2,000 visitors.

Guests can only enter and exit through North America. The Zoo’s pathways are configured into a one-way walking experience through North America and Africa wherever possible. This is to encourage social distancing while ensuring guests can stop by each outdoor habitat. Guests will see directional signs and decals on the ground to help them navigate the expansive Zoo.

If assistance is needed to get back to the exit in North America after guests have finished their visit to the Africa region, there will be open-air trams available operating at one-half capacity. Tram service is limited only to guests exiting the Park from Junction Plaza to the North America tram stop.

Throughout each day, zoo staff will frequently clean and disinfect restrooms and frequently touched surfaces. Additional hand sanitizer stations have been placed throughout the Zoo for guests to use.

Important things to know before you go:

  • Full list of guidelines for visiting at www.nczoo.org/timed-ticketing. Please read before you visit.
  • No walk-up entry is available at this time. All guests, including zoo members, must pre-arrange their visit, including children under two.
  • Reservations are taken for three weeks out.
  • Credit or debit card payment is preferred.
  • The Zoo is unable to provide refunds for weather or animal visibility.
  • Guests are encouraged to bring refillable water bottles.
  • Indoor and enclosed habitats are closed at this time. This includes Aviary, Desert, Streamside, Polar Bear Underwater Viewing and Ice Cave, and Sea Birds.
  • Playgrounds and Smart Carts are closed at this time.
  • Seasonal attractions including Giraffe Deck, Air Hike, Treehouse Trek, Carousel and Butterfly Garden are closed at this time.
  • Our gift shop will be open with limited capacity, and food service will be take-out only.
  • If you choose to purchase food inside the Zoo outdoor seating is available with tables set six feet apart.
  • If you wish to bring your own food, you can picnic at our Solar Pointe picnic area before or after your Zoo visit.
  • Strollers are not allowed on the exit tram, except for folding, umbrella-style strollers that fit in the seat. Guests can also rent strollers at the Zoo, but these are not allowed on the trams.
  • Wheelchairs and Electric Convenience rentals are available, and they will be sanitized between uses. There is limited availability, and they are rented on a first-come, first-served basis.

Guests are encouraged to follow the “Three Ws” as outlined by the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services – WEAR a cloth face covering, WAIT in line at least six feet away from others, and WASH hands frequently or use hand sanitizer.

Keep up to date by visiting our website at www.nczoo.org.

Panthers Remove Statue of Founder Jerry Richardson in Front of Bank of America Stadium

Charlotte Stories
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Panthers Remove Statue of Founder Jerry Richardson in Front of Bank of America Stadium

The Panthers have just removed the statue of founder Jerry Richardson from in front of the Bank of America Stadium.

The 13′ tall statue stood outside of the North Gate along Graham St. and was initially erected in 2016.

The following video shows construction crews removing the statue yesterday afternoon with a crane:

Jerry Richardson became a sort of hero around town after building the team from the ground up in the 90s, but his legacy ended in disgrace after numerous allegations of sexual misconduct. After an investigation by the NFL, he was fined $2.75 million for his behavior.

Yesterday, the Panthers posted a statement on Twitter about the statues removal, saying that they temporarily moved the monument for its protection.

“We were aware of the most recent conversation surrounding the Jerry Richardson statue and are concerned there may be attempts to take it down. We are moving the statue in the interest of public safety,” the organization said.

New Data: 30% Missed Housing Payments in June

Charlotte Stories
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New Data: 30% Missed Housing Payments in June
Throughout the course of May, the COVID-19 pandemic’s grip on the economy began to loosen. Social distancing restrictions have started to ease across the country and some of those who faced layoffs were able to get back to work in recent weeks. However, despite these positive signals, the degree to which Americans are struggling to make their housing payments has yet to show any notable improvement.
After surveying over 4,000 Americans, Apartment List’s latest report finds 30% of respondents failed to make their full June housing payments on time, nearly unchanged from the 31% rate in May. As the struggles with housing payments continue, we now find that 37% of renters say they are at least somewhat concerned about facing eviction in the next six months, while 26% of homeowners are concerned about foreclosure.
Key findings from the report:
  • 19% of respondents have not yet made a housing payment for June, and an additional 11% have made only a partial payment. Missed payments remain common for renters and homeowners alike.
  • A majority of the households that didn’t pay their May bill on time eventually closed the gap with late payments. By the end of the month, only 11% of Americans left a portion of their May rent or mortgage unpaid.
  • The flexibility of remote work remains an important predictor of financial hardship. 25% of those who cannot work from home made none of their June housing payment, compared with 14% of those who could work while sheltering-in-place.

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