News from Charlotte and the Carolinas
A dozen firetrucks descended on 1315 East Blvd. Friday afternoon, April 1, as smoke poured from the rooftop. Early indications are that the fire occurred in the exhaust stack of 131 Main Restaurant, which is located on the ground floor of the building. But as of 5:30 p.m. no official word was available from the Fire Department. No one was hurt but residents on the scene said one person was treated for smoke inhalation.
Read moreThis week, Walmart launched its “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign, a nationwide initiative calling on the public to take action in the fight against hunger. The Feeding America nationwide network of 200 food banks, of which Second Harvest is a member, stands to benefit from up to $3 million in potential Walmart donations based on public participation in the “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign. With the USDA reporting 14 percent of Americans struggle with hunger, the campaign is launching at a critical time. Here in Mecklenburg County alone, 17.5 percent of the population may not know where they will find
Read moreThe City of Charlotte is pleased to partner with Waze, the free navigation app designed to share publicly-available traffic information. Charlotte is one of seven new Southeast U.S. municipalities to join a data-sharing partnership with Waze. “As the city continues to grow, we are always looking for new ways to provide commuters with the most up to date information as they travel throughout Charlotte,” said Assistant City Manager Debra Campbell. “Partnering with Waze gives us a unique opportunity to engage the community, evaluate data directly from drivers and share construction information that may impact their commute.” Waze’s Connected Citizens Program
Read moreThe Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) announced that it is now producing pathogen reduced platelets using the INTERCEPT Blood System. The new platelet processing method provides additional safeguards to protect patients and keep the regional blood supply safe. CBCC provides over 12,000 platelet and 22,000 plasma units annually to 27 hospitals throughout the Central Piedmont region of North & South Carolina. Through an agreement with Cerus Corporation, CBCC will use the INTERCEPT Blood System to inactivate a broad spectrum of bacteria and viruses to reduce the risk of TTI (transfusion-transmitted infection) in platelet and plasma components. “This is an exciting time for the
Read moreA benchmarking analysis conducted by the Metropolitan Policy Program of the Brookings Institution finds the greater Charlotte region has significant assets on which it can further build its global competitiveness. At the same time, the Charlotte region trails other metropolitan areas in some key economic development characteristics which could impact growth. The Brookings Institution conducted the study for the Charlotte Regional Collaborative for a Global Economy, a consortium of the 15 community colleges representing 29 counties serving the greater Charlotte region. JPMorgan Chase supported the in-depth analysis, which was presented today at the Global Competitiveness Summit V, hosted by Central
Read moreCarowinds and PopCap Games – creator of one of the world’s most beloved video game franchises, and an Electronic Arts (EA) studio – announce the biggest, baddest battle in the universe as the world’s first intra-active 3-D digital experience, Plants vs. Zombies™ Garden Warfare: 3Z Arena, debuts to the public on March 25. This state-of-the-art attraction, designed exclusively for Carowinds, is based off the Plants vs. Zombies™ Garden Warfare franchise – a hilarious and over-the-top videogame series that includes the critically-acclaimed Plants vs. Zombies™ Garden Warfare 2, now available in stores and for digital download on Xbox One, the all in one games system from Microsoft, PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, and
Read moreFestival to feature award-winning dramas, shorts, documentaries exploring diverse lives of LGBTQ people The eighth annual GayCharlotte Film Festival will present four days of award-winning feature-length dramas, comedies, documentaries and short films at Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd., April 21-24, 2016. This year’s film festival will focus on the ever-increasing diversity of the LGBTQ community. Films slated for screening currently include: “The Danish Girl,” starring Eddie Redmayne and Alicia Vikander, who recently won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress; “Carol,” starring Cate Blanchett in the title role, and nominated for several Academy Awards and Golden Globe Awards nominations; “While You Weren’t Looking,” an award-winning South
Read moreWoodfield Investments and Simpson Housing® LLLP announce the opening of their latest luxury apartment community in Charlotte – The Encore SouthPark. The community is built as a joint venture between Woodfield and Simpson Housing and is managed by Simpson Property Group®, which has received the sought-after National Multifamily Customer Service “A List” Award for Excellence in Customer Service for the past 13 years. Situated in the heart of SouthPark at 6205 Morrison Blvd., The Encore SouthPark is an eight-story high-rise featuring 280 one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans and high-end amenities with stunning views overlooking Symphony Park. Residents are just steps away
Read moreHistoric Rural Hill will be showing the movie “Brave” from 7:00pm to 10:00pm at Rural Hill’s Festival Grounds on Saturday, April 9th in preparation of this years Loch Norman Highland Games! This family friendly movie follows Merida, a young Scottish princess, as she defies custom and makes her own path in life (Rated PG). We will have Food Trucks, Bounce Houses, and Hay Rides for an additional cost. All attendees will recieve a coupon good for a discounted admission to the Loch Norman Highland Games on April 16 and 17! Princess Merida will be on site and we will have children’s
Read moreComing soon: Bonefish Grill, Outback Steakhouse and Chipotle Friends, families and foodies alike can anticipate a mouthful of new menu options coming to Concord Mills in early 2017 with the addition of Bonefish Grill, Outback Steakhouse and Chipotle. These tasty new offerings will all open in new outdoor spaces near Entrance 2 between Books-A-Million and The Children’s Place, further adding to the ever-growing list of value retail shopping, dining and entertainment options at North Carolina’s largest family destination. Concord Mills is already home to more than 200 stores and many family-friendly entertainment venues. The addition of these three restaurants follows
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