News

Were Chiquita's Bananas Good For Charlotte?

Julie Rose — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:29:27 +0000

Chiquita will hold its annual shareholders meeting in Charlotte for the first time Thursday. It's a sign the company's relocation from Cincinnati is complete – and it's an opportunity to take a look at what Charlotte taxpayers got for the generous tax incentives they gave Chiquita.

Charlotte, Future Capital Of Big Data?

Ben Bradford — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:20:04 +0000

When it comes to the technology industry, Charlotte isn't usually listed as a hub. That title goes to places like Silicon Valley, New York, Boston and Seattle. But, Charlotte shows a lot of promise in the emerging technology field known as "Big Data."

Charlotte Bobcats Expected To Announce Hornets Name Today

Julie Rose — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:55:43 +0000

The Charlotte Bobcats have called a 6 p.m. press conference on Tuesday where they're expected to announce a name change.

Evan Kent couldn't be more thrilled. For several years, he and his brother have built a grassroots effort to re-christen the team the Charlotte Hornets. They've organized "swarms" of hundreds of nostalgic fans who wear their purple and teal Hornets gear at Bobcats games.

North Carolina Senate Begins Discussing $20.6 Billion Spending Plan

Lisa Miller — Mon, 20 May 2013 23:24:27 +0000

Republicans in the North Carolina Senate have proposed a $20.6 billion budget for next year. That’s essentially the same size as Governor Pat McCrory’s proposal. Spending in major categories would be mostly flat except for health and human services and natural and economic resources. However, Medicaid spending would grow 11 percent compared to this year.

The Senate’s Plan For Education

The Latest Exercise Fad: Run From Zombies

Briana Duggan — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:19:17 +0000

Running is a chore for many, and that can make the business of putting on races extra challenging. But on Sunday, one 5K race attracted a crowd of 3,500 people. It featured some unusual extras: a helicopter, smoke machine, and, oh yes, zombies.

Hopes High But Progress Slow At Kannapolis Biotech Campus

Ben Bradford — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:59:25 +0000

When billionaire David Murdock opened the North Carolina Research Campus five years ago, his goal was to create a global biotechnology center in Kannapolis and to replace the thousands of jobs lost when Cannon Mills—formerly the city’s largest employer—closed. Murdock has poured upwards of $600 million into development of the NCRC, but today, there are only a handful of companies and few jobs compared to his sweeping vision. This week, Murdock donated another $50 million to the endeavor. Outside of Murdock’s millions, there are few signs of growth, but many are still betting on it.

Elevation Church Seeks Approval For Ballantyne Expansion

Julie Rose — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:29:44 +0000

One of Charlotte's fastest growing evangelical congregations is moving north – and south.

Elevation Church got approval from the town of Cornelius last month for a $5 million renovation of the old Palace Theater to house its Lake Norman worshippers.

On Monday night, the church will seek Charlotte city approval to build a new $20 million facility in Ballantyne, bringing its total outposts in the region to nine.

JCSU Graduation Honors Andrew Young, Mayor Foxx

David Boraks — Sun, 19 May 2013 13:34:15 +0000

College graduation season continued in the Charlotte area Sunday morning, with commencement ceremonies at Johnson C. Smith University and Davidson College. Ambassador and former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young was the guest speaker at J.C. Smith’s 141st graduation, which began at 8am at the university’s Irwin Belk Complex. The university presented honorary degrees to Young and Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx.

Report Says Bobcats Begin Process To Become Hornets

David Boraks — Sat, 18 May 2013 13:50:44 +0000

It looks like the Charlotte Bobcats are getting closer to that big name change that’s been rumored for months. CBSSports.com is reporting that the city’s pro basketball team has begun the process of changing its name to the Hornets. That was the name of Charlotte’s former NBA team, which moved to New Orleans.

A Trifling Place, Episode 9: And The Charlotte Accent Is ...

Tasnim Shamma — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:20:46 +0000

Welcome to “A Trifling Place,” a podcast dedicated to exploring the ins-and-outs of Charlotte.

So about a month ago, reporter Lisa Miller handed me a book called How To Speak Southern. It has some funny tips on how to exaggerate a Southern drawl – but it wasn't too surprising – I mean, it's pretty easy to identify a Southern accent. But it got me thinking – I have no idea what a Charlottean sounds like. In New York, I can easily tell what part of the city you're from by your accent. In Charlotte, I still can't tell the tourists apart from the people who live here. So that's one reason we launched The Charlotte Accent Project … on a quest to find the one true Charlotte accent.