Marcus Jones recently presented his budget recommendation for the 2027 fiscal year to the mayor and city council.
The budget includes a proposed 1.89 cent property tax rate increase per $100 of assessed value, as well as two other service fee increases –Storm Water (which equates to a $0.48 monthly increase for the typical customer) and Water and Sewer (which equates to a $4.41 monthly increase for the typical customer).
“I am pleased to propose a balanced budget that not only invests in meeting the needs of our growing community with a specific focus in public safety but also positions our city to
WASHINGTON, D.C.
– Congressman Tim Moore announced that ninth-grader Valentina Cutitaru, a student at Ardrey Kell High School and the Allan Fine Art Academy, is the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition.
Valentina’s artwork, “Perfect Landing,” was chosen to represent North Carolina’s Fourteenth District and will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.
Suheena Lily Biswas of Ballantyne Ridge High School earned second place for her work, “A Flight in Outer Banks.” Matilda McDaniel of Gaston Day School was awarded third place for her piece, “Heading North.” Both of these works will be displayed in Congressman Moore’s Washington, D.C.
CHARLOTTE – Postino is continuing its expansion in Charlotte with a second location in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood. Scheduled to open in late summer, Postino Plaza Midwood will be located at the Commonwealth development at 1606 Commonwealth Ave., Suite 101. The opening follows the brand’s debut in the Charlotte market at The Bowl at Ballantyne. The new location will
office in the Longworth House Office Building. Honorable mentions were as follows:
• ”Tideglass over the Carolinas” by Raygan Maxey, 11th grade, Belmont,
• ”Mountain Landscape” by Chloe Acosta, ninth grade, Gastonia
• ”Oak Island Beach Sunset” by Riley Fanis, ninth grade, Charlotte
• ”Guardian of the Egg” by Luke Williams, 10th grade, Huntersville
• “Will vs. Wire” by Aamana Girdhar, 11th grade, Charlotte
Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district.
City budget tackles safety, mobility
Manager's recommendation includes tax rate increase
capitalize on the recent voter approved one-cent sales tax for mobility investments,” Jones said. “This budget reflects our ongoing commitment to the high level of service our community relies on, and it provides the added resources needed to enhance public safety and invest in our growing city.”
Council will consider the
- Maintains core services
budget for adoption on June 8.
The fiscal year begins July 1. The city shared these highlights of the budget:
Maintaining a strong financial foundation
• Presents a structurally balanced budget with a two-year lens that:
- Proposes a 1.89 cent property tax increase dedicated to enhancing public safety
POSTINO
expands in Charlotte
feature a 4,113-square-foot interior and a 1,060-squarefoot patio, offering ample space for guests to gather, unwind and connect. Designed with Postino’s “come-as-youare” spirit, the restaurant will include a seasonal enclosed patio, custom millwork crafted in-house and a marquee wine display.
The space will also incorporate subtle nods to the neighborhood’s history, with art and design elements
inspired by early 1900s trolley cars and Plaza Midwood’s roots as one of Charlotte’s first streetcar suburbs, as well as nearby industrial landmarks like the historic Cole Manufacturing plant.
A standout feature will be a custom art wall composed of layered camera imagery set against a pixelated backdrop, inspired by a nearby midcentury camera and film shop,
see POSTINO, Page 3A
Ardrey Kell student wins art competition
Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries.
• $4.49 billion budget net of transfers, including Aviation, the Charlotte Area Transit System, Charlotte Water, Storm Water, and the general government funds
• $1.04 billion General Fund budget; a 10.5% increase from FY 2026
• Continues Charlotte’s achievement of affordability for
CHARLOTTE – Students at Ballantyne Elementary School are proving that reading can be both rigorous and exciting through their participation in the Reading Rumble.
The districtwide academic competition is facilitated by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ Academically and Intellectually Gifted department.
The Reading Rumble challenges students to demonstrate comprehension of literature through fast-paced, trivia-style competitions based on curated book lists. While the AIG department oversees the program districtwide, each school prepares differently, tailoring practices to meet the needs of its students.
At Ballantyne Elementary, students compete on a Junior Team with secondand third-graders and a Senior Team for fourth- and fifth-graders
Teams meet regularly to study their assigned books, analyze plot details,
see RUMBLE, Page 3A
Case study focuses on CMS success
CHARLOTTE – CharlotteMecklenburg Schools has been selected for inclusion in a national case study conducted by the Center for Public Research and Leadership at Columbia University, recognizing the district’s “All In” approach to instructional excellence, aligned systems and continuous improvement.
The report, titled “All Systems Go: How Shared, High-Quality Curriculums Are Helping School Districts Reach Higher, Together,” highlights CMS as an example of how a large, complex school district can create sustainable academic improvement through strong internal systems, intentional leadership and investment in educator expertise.
CMS was selected for the study because of its ability to “hardwire” student success through consistent instructional practices, meaningful collaboration and intentional human infrastructure that supports highquality teaching and learning across schools.
“This recognition affirms the impact of our educators, school leaders and staff members who are committed every day to doing what’s best for students,” said
Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, DC.
“Perfect Landing” by Valentina Cutitaru won the 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winner for North Carolina’s 14th District. Photo courtesy of Congressman Tim Moore’s office
Postino is a restaurant and wine bar with a location at the Bowl of Ballantyne. Photo courtesy of Pistino
Beds for Kids celebrates 15 years of service
CHARLOTTE – Beds for Kids is celebrating its 15-year anniversary. What began as a mission to provide beds for children in need has grown into the Charlotte area’s largest furniture bank of its kind. Beds for Kids has served nearly 10,000 families with over 280,000 beds and essential furnishings, reaching neighborhoods across Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Union counties and beyond.
As part of this milestone, the organization is opening the doors to a new warehouse and announcing the next chapter of leadership and board members, with longtime Director of Operations Zach Smith serving as incoming executive director and Lauren Evans continuing her service to the organization as she transitions from executive director to a position on the board of directors.
“Families need the essential furnishings that make a home,” Smith
said. “Sadly, furniture is often the missing piece between housing and a place to call a home, and as families in Charlotte face this growing issue of furniture poverty and economic pressure, our role at Beds for Kids becomes even more essential."
Charlotte remains one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, with rising rent and limited affordable housing options contributing to increased housing instability and what Beds for Kids describes as furniture poverty. A family may have a place to live, but not the basic furniture to make it a home, such as dining tables, dressers or a bed for a child to sleep.
Beds for Kids is continuing to grow and evolve to meet the needs of the community.
Officials with Bed for Kids said these efforts position the nonprofit to continue serving significantly more families each year, while maintaining
a dignity-centered, high-touch approach:
• The organization is welcoming new board members and community leaders with expertise in housing, philanthropy and operations. Longest-tenured staff member Moses Dimmock will step into a newly established mission director role.
• To support rising demand, the organization has streamlined warehouse space, which will enable more efficient distribution of beds and essential furnishings.
Beds for Kids is working toward reaching families in every county that borders Mecklenburg, deepening its regional impact through expanded partnerships with local nonprofit and referral agencies and strengthened service delivery.
“We simply wouldn’t be here without our dedicated supporters, partners and volunteers in the Charlotte community,” Smith said.
CATS reports reduction in transit crime, assaults
CHARLOTTE
– The Charlotte Area Transit System has released updated data highlighting a downward trend in crime and assaults across the transit system.
Following a consolidated contract with Professional Security Services and an enhanced partnership with the CharlotteMecklenburg Police Department, CATS said the system is seeing a decrease in crime on the Blue Line and overall bus operator and passenger assaults.
CATS said there has been zero assaults requiring medical response for operators or passengers as well as zero passengeron-passenger assaults in first quarter 2026 (down from three in 2025)
“The data shows the security enhancements we have implemented are taking hold and yielding meaningful improvements,” CATS Interim CEO Brent Cagle said. “While we recognize safety and security is a continued moving target, CATS today is in a very different place than it was three years ago. We remain firmly committed to the safety of our employees and customers.”
Since WeDriveU (formerly National Express) assumed management of bus operations in 2024, several new safety protocols specific to bus operations have been implemented:
• Radio controllers now have real-time video access to vehicles and undergo enhanced training to ensure rapid deployment of emergency services.
• Expanded announcements notify passengers that audio/video recording is active and that aggressive behavior toward operators will result in criminal charges.
• The average response time for bus communications to capture a call has been reduced to about 35 seconds, with bus-originated calls now color-coded and prioritized over schedule alerts.
• New protocols for high-level events ensure on-duty lead controllers coordinate responses to threats of violence immediately.
• Operators are equipped with both overt and covert emergency buttons and receive real-time coaching to manage
disruptive situations safely.
Enhancements have also been made to reporting functions for customers:
Text a Tip: CATS has integrated a Text-a-Tip line, 704-251-6402, giving riders an additional way to request support in addition to reporting a problem via the homepage of the CATS website. The ‘Report a problem to CATS’ button within the CATS-Pass app has also been updated for better visibility.
• Promotion of reporting tools: New signage has been integrated throughout the system with the various ways to request support listed as well as overhead audio announcements.
“Our proactive safety and security measures are delivering tangible results, and seeing systemwide crime numbers drop is a major step forward,” CATS Chief Safety and Security Officer Eric Osnes said. “We will keep building on this momentum, adjusting our strategies in real-time to protect our community and stay ahead of the curve.”
CATS continues to scale its security
presence through the deployment of additional off-duty CMPD officers and Mecklenburg County sheriff’s deputies. Future-focused initiatives include securing a dedicated fare enforcement unit and partnering with Central Piedmont Community College and UNC Charlotte to develop and test new AI-driven security technologies. These enhancements are integrated into the current and proposed fiscal year 2027 operating and capital budgets as well as the CATS Integrated Public Safety and Security Plan.
Food Lion celebrates staff milestones
NEWS BRIEFS
Salvation Army values volunteers
CHARLOTTE – As families in Charlotte continue to come to The Salvation Army for assistance, volunteers are playing a vital role in helping address the growing needs.
The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte serves women and children experiencing homelessness at the Center of Hope; youth through the Red Shield Youth Centers; victims of natural disasters; and families for Christmas.
Last year, more than 5,000 volunteers logged nearly 17,000 hours, provided nearly 500,000 meals and snacks to the Center of Hope and the Red Shield Youth Centers and donated more than 10,000 items of necessities, including toiletry kits, winter coats and women’s hygiene products.
“Volunteers are not just supporting our mission, they are carrying it forward,” said Major Andrew Wiley, area commander. “Every hour they give translates directly into meals served, items donated and hope restored across our community.”
Record $1.8M raised for Speedway Children’s Charities
CONCORD – The 44th annual Speedway Children’s Charities Gala raised more than $1.8 million.
The black-tie affair, held May 20 at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Ten Tenths Motor Club, brought together leaders from across motorsports and the greater community for its largest fundraising event of the year.
“Every dollar we raise will go directly to deserving organizations who are on the front lines making a meaningful difference in the lives of children in need,” Chairman Marcus Smith told the sold-out venue. “That’s the real reason we’re here, to support those organizations and their impactful work.”
On the web: speedwaycharities.org
Hill named top superintendent
CHARLOTTE — Crystal Hill, of CharlotteMecklenburg Schools, has been named the 2027 Southwest Education Alliance Superintendent of the Year.
This award highlights Hill’s dedication to student success, focus on strengthening school communities and leadership.
In the 2024-25 school year, Hill led the district to achieve historic gains in school growth scores. Of the 175 schools that received a growth score and a school performance grade, 156 or 89.1% met or exceeded growth.
“I am truly honored to receive this recognition,” Hill said. “It represents the collective dedication of our extraordinary educators, staff, leaders, families and community partners who support our students every day. I am proud to serve alongside such committed individuals as we work together to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.”
NCDOT to improve area roads
POSTINO
(continued from page 1A)
adding a creative, vintagemeets-modern focal point to the space.
Postino pairs its beverage program of artisanal wines, craft brews and cocktails with a menu of bruschetta, panini, salads, charcuterie boards and shareable plates. With more than 30 wines available by the glass and a lineup of daily specials, including the fan-favorite $25 Bottle & Board on Monday and Tuesday evenings, the concept delivers a relaxed yet elevated dining experience.
“As one of Charlotte’s most energetic and culturally rich neighborhoods, Plaza Midwood felt like a natural fit for our next location,” cofounder and CEO Lauren Bailey said. “We’ve loved being part of the Charlotte community and are excited to continue growing here, creating another space where people can come together over great food, wine and conversation.”
Postino hallmarks include mid-century modern furnishings sourced from local vintage shops, eclectic found objects, striking art installations, roll-up garage doors, custom walnut wine walls and curated playlists that keep the energy lively.
Postino draws its name from the Italian word for postman, an homage to the 1940s post office where the original location first opened more than 25 years ago. Every location is tailored to its neighborhood and designed to create a welcoming “third place” where guests can gather and feel at home. On the web: postino.com
CHARLOTTE – Nine miles of roadways in Mecklenburg County are set to be resurfaced, thanks to a $3.7 million contract the N.C. Department of Transportation awarded in March to South Carolina contractor King Asphalt Inc.
One primary road included in this contract is a stretch of U.S. 521 from the South Carolina border to Brixham Hill Road. Both directions will be milled, patched and resurfaced with new pavement markings and pavement markers.
The remainder of the contract includes more than a dozen secondary roads in the south end of the county: Blue Granite Road, Slate Court, Woodside Falls Road, Limestone Lane, Sapphire Lane, Emerald Court, Diamond Drive, Peridot Court, Cotton Lane, Sawtry Court, Gatestone Lane, Dansville Drive, Wildiris Court, Seastone Lane and Baker Mills Road.
Contract crews will have until the fall 2027 to complete the project.
Lane closures on U.S. 521 will be restricted to overnight hours from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Mondays to Sundays. Special provisions will be in place for holidays and special events that generate significant traffic volumes.
Shanks named chaplain, director of student life for Charlotte campus
RICHMOND – Amanda Shanks has accepted a call to be chaplain and director of student life for UPSem’s Charlotte campus. Shanks graduated with her Master of Divinity in 2025.
“It is a joy to return to a community that has helped shape me,” Shanks said. “As chaplain and director of student services, I look forward to accompanying others through seasons of discernment, change and faith formation, trusting in God’s faithful presence already at work among us as we nurture belonging and build community.”
Shanks joins Mairi Renwick as a chaplain for the entire UPSem community.
“By working together, we can provide more support and care for our students, faculty and staff in Charlotte, Richmond, and online-based students,” Renwick said.
Riley among Ballantyne Ridge High School's first graduates
CHARLOTTE – Alexander Riley is part of the first graduating class at Ballantyne Ridge High School.
Riley earned the City of Charlotte Youth Excellence in Service Award through Canopy Housing as well as more than $31,000 in scholarships, according to CharlotteMecklenburg Schools. Alexander will study nursing this fall at Oral Roberts University.
Quick Hits
• The Humane Society of Charlotte has logged 1,002 adoptions, 3,003 spay/neuter surgeries and 221,631 meals provided to pets in need from Jan. 1 to April 30.
BUDGET
(continued from page 1A)
government services, ranking lowest among North Carolina’s largest cities with a population of 250,000 or above
• Continues efforts to align with established budget principles that support organizational wellbeing; including maximizing cost recovery for applicable services through user fees
- FY 2027 marks year two of increasing the cost recovery rate for Solid Waste curbside services with the goal to reach 50% cost recovery by FY 2029
Advancing city council’s strategic priorities
• Promotes public safety with numerous investments
• Continues efforts around retention and recruitment for public safety personnel
• Provides 10% pay increase for sworn police personnel in the public safety pay plan
• Provides 7% pay increase for sworn fire personnel in the public safety pay plan
• Continues military, education, language and shift differential incentives
• Supports additional funding necessary for overtime, retirement and other personnel expenses
• Includes $2.3 million to add Engine 46 at Miranda Road Infill Station to improve response times
• Adds civilian support to improve fire training and response times (2 FTEs)
• Adds an additional 35 cars for the police take home vehicle program
• Provides $4 million in funding for fire turnout gear and other critical safety equipment
• Invests $10 million to construct a new helicopter hangar for Pplice, with another $10 million planned in FY 2028
• Includes new steady state housing bond (FY 2027-FY 2031) with $100 million steady state
• Adds one-time $25 million increase in 2026 bond to support ant-displacement for a total 2026 housing bond of $125 million
• Largest housing bond in city history
Investing in small businesses and neighborhoods
• Supports business district organizations/main street program
($600,000)
• Expands Neighbors Building Neighborhoods ($500,000)
• Revitalizes business corridors with business matching grant program ($500,000)
Advancing mobility goals
• New sales tax in FY 2027, $100 million in FY 2027 for Mobility
• Proposes the second, $300 million total transportation and neighborhood bonds:
• $5 million more in SIAs than 2024 bond (from $55 million to $60 million) for strategic resurfacing projects
• $2 million more in Vision Zero than 2024 Bond (from $10 million to $22 million total) for signal projects with highest priority for transportation safety
• $2 million more in bicycle facilities than 2024 bond (from $8 million to $10 million)
• $2 million to begin the new prphan roads program
• Accelerates seven projects in five years – Big Moves 2030
• Invests $5.95 million in mobility+ programming to proactively build workforce and small business capacity alongside increased capital transportation investments
Continuing focus on retaining and investing in staff
• Raises minimum pay to $25/hour for city employees bringing the proposed minimum salary for full-time nontemporary employees to $52,000
• Budgets for a 4% pay increase for all hourly employees comprised of a market rate adjustment and merit pool
• Provides a 4% merit pool for salaried employees
• Continues 2.5% incentive pay for 2nd and 3rd shifts; pre-paid tuition assistance and career coaching; CATS All-Access Transit Pass; career coaching; rental and downpayment assistance; financial counseling and assistance; 2.5% for CDL general employees
Supporting foundational initiatives
• Advances Strategic Energy Action Plan goals with, including continued implementation of GreenPrints initiative.
• Invests in Youth by adding $500,000 in FY 2027 to support youth internships and committing $1.5 million to Road to Hire: R2H Public-Private Partnerships
STUDY
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Superintendent Crystal Hill. “Being included in this national study reflects both the strength of our instructional vision and the dedication of the people bringing it to life across classrooms and schools throughout Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.”
The case study also highlights measurable academic growth for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, including a nine-percentage-point increase in English Language Arts proficiency and a 15-percentage-point increase in middle school math proficiency from 2021 to 2025.
According to CPRL, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools demonstrates how intentional leadership, aligned systems and educator expertise can drive sustainable improvement at scale.
The report further recognizes the district’s investment in school-based instructional support systems, including master teachers, curriculum specialists, embedded coaching and collaborative professional learning structures designed to strengthen consistency and rigor across classrooms.
RUMBLE
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discuss themes and sharpen recall through mock competitions.
“These weekly practices push students beyond surface-level reading,” said Jordan Landers, AIG teacher and Reading Rumble facilitator at Ballantyne Elementary. “Students are learning how to analyze text, collaborate with peers and think critically – skills that directly support CMS’s literacy goals and help prepare them for long-term academic success and post-graduation readiness.”
Educators say the program builds literacy, confidence, teamwork and love for reading.
“The competition format motivates students, but the real win is academic growth,” Landers said. “Students are diving deeper into books, strengthening comprehension and building habits that will support them throughout their educational journey.”
Charlotte City Arborist Laurie Reid recently led a walking tour of Historic Elmwood Cemetery, showing participants how to identify the native tree species that populate the cemetery grounds, which is also a certified arboretum. Cemeteries Supervisor Bill Bibby shared stories about the
the cemetery. Photo courtesy of City of Charlotte.
Leaders worry about energy usage of data centers
by David Beasley Contributor
(The Center Square) – North Carolina’s attorney general has asked the state utility commission to create a separate rate for large users of electricity such as data centers, an idea that was also endorsed June 2 by the governor.
“We know that data centers are becoming a large part of the conversation,” Attorney General Jeff Jackson said at the Council of State meeting. “What we are asking the utilities commission to do is to create a separate rate class for data centers but also for very large energy users.”
Republican lawmakers are also moving bills with the same ideas in mind.
The Ratepayer Protection Act, known also as Senate Bill 730, passed the Senate in early May and June 2 got a favorable
committee substitute while in the House of Representatives. After lunch, it was back to the Rules Committee.
The Ratepayer and Resource Protection Act, known also as House Bill 1063, was filed in late April and remains parked in the same committee. The Senate bill is expected to come forward.
“It’s pretty clear that our citizens want specific protections around them because these very large folks are categorically different in that they strain the entire grid," Jackson said. "We’re asking the utilities commission to consider a list of specific protections and the creation of a specific class for data centers.”
There are nine data centers operating in North Carolina and 15 planned data centers, according to Data Center Map, a company that provides research for the industry.
“I appreciate your request to
When Cornwallis first invaded Carolina
by John Hood Columnist
Most Americans know that George Washington was not only the first president elected under the United States Constitution but also the general placed in overall command of Patriot forces during the Revolutionary War.
Ask Americans to name the overall British commander during the conflict, however, and many would struggle to answer. Among those who did, the most common answer would surely be General Charles Cornwallis and it would be an erroneous one.
This answer constitutes an injustice to at least five men. First of all, Cornwallis was never in overall command of British forces. At the beginning of the war, that task fell to General Thomas Gage. After sustaining heavy British losses at Bunker Hill, he was replaced by General William Howe. After winning a series of battles against Washington in New York and Pennsylvania, Howe resigned in 1778. His replacement, General Henry Clinton, served until 1782, and was succeeded by General Guy Carleton during the final months of the war.
The fifth man denied his due by our faulty historical memory is Cornwallis himself, who is mainly remembered as a loser forced to surrender a large British army at Yorktown. He was a far better soldier than that. During a lengthy military career that took him to Ireland, western Europe, North America and India, Cornwallis won almost every battle he fought and proved an able administrator and diplomat, as well.
As a young member of Parliament during the 1760s, he actually voted against the Stamp Act and accused the government of mistreating the American colonists. When war came, however, Cornwallis resolved to do his part.
While even history buffs associate him primarily with Britain’s second (and more successful) invasion of the Carolinas in 1780, that was not the general’s first visit here. The first British invasion of the region began in March 1776 when General Henry Clinton arrived off the coast of Wilmington with a small army. He was expecting to find two groups of reinforcements waiting for him: a column of Loyalists marching southeast from the Carolina backcountry and an army of redcoats sailing west from Britain under the command of Clinton’s subordinate, Charles Cornwallis.
The Loyalists never showed up. Halted at the Feb. 27 battle of Moores Creek Bridge, some were killed and nearly all the rest were captured or dispersed. As for the redcoats, bad weather delayed their arrival until early May. At that point, Clinton was still toying with the idea of trying to reestablish British authority over North Carolina and restore royal governor Josiah Martin to power here.
It was 250 years ago, then, that Clinton gave General Cornwallis his first assignment: leading 900 British redcoats in an assault on Brunswick Town, north of what is now Southport. It had been the main rebel base in the region. On May 17, 1776, Cornwallis and his men left the British flotilla “in the most secret manner imaginable” and “in the dead of the night,” as Clinton put it, surprising the defenders of the town.
Unbeknownst to Clinton and Cornwallis, however, most of the Patriots had already evacuated. Cornwallis scored his first tactical victory of the war but it had no strategic import – something he and other British commanders would do many more times.
Over the next few days, Patriots and redcoats skirmished while Clinton fumed. Frustrated at his lack of progress in North Carolina, he decided his best course of action would be to sail further south and attack Charles Town (now Charleston), by far the most populous and prosperous city in the Carolinas. With that port in British hands, he thought, the rest of the region would inevitably fall. It didn’t work. Clinton failed to take Charleston in 1776. Charles Cornwallis did take the city four years later, but it proved no guarantee of ultimate victory. That wasn’t his fault, though. Blame the politicians of London, who should have listened to young Cornwallis back in 1765 and treated Americans with more respect.
John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His books “Mountain Folk,” “Forest Folk” and “Water Folk” combine epic fantasy with American history (FolkloreCycle.com).
create a new rate class for these data centers,” Gov. Josh Stein said. “Duke Energy said 70% of the new power demand over the next five years is coming from data centers. Many states have a separate rate class that makes them pay higher given the demands on the system. It’s time for North Carolina to follow.”
Jackson is opposing a requested rate hike by Duke Energy Carolinas that he says would cost ratepayers nearly $1.4 billion over the next two years.
“This proposed increase is too high for families, and it’s more than Duke needs to meet our growing demand for energy,” Jackson said in a statement.
“We can bring that number way down, save families money and still build everything we need to keep up with growth. That’s what I’m fighting for.”
The North Carolina Utilities
Commission on June 2 declined to comment on Jackson’s request for higher rates for large electric customers such as data centers.
Bill Norton, speaking for Duke through an email to The Center Square, said evaluation remains ongoing in a complex and rapidly evolving area. He said protection of all customers is the approach.
“It’s worth noting that Duke Energy did not wait for a large load tariff to be developed, filed, reviewed and implemented – to protect existing customers. We proactively enacted a robust large load process that already features many of the provisions suggested here, ensuring that data centers cover their fair share of the costs required to serve them,” Norton wrote. “As shown in our resource plan proceedings, large load customers not only cover their own costs but also cover costs for other customers.
“Our analysis of the 4.8
gigawatts of new large load that we have secured through Electric Service Agreement contracts will generate $3.6 billion in benefits to other customers over a 15-year period and reduce residential customer bills by $4-$6 a month through 2040.”
There are indications that data centers are already driving up electricity prices.
Before 2019, electricity prices in the U.S. had been flat for about a decade at about 13 cents a kilowatt hour, according to the nonprofit Environmental and Energy Study Institute.
“By the end of 2025, however, average electricity prices in the United States increased to 19 cent per kWh, about 27% more than in 2019,” the institute said. “In states with a high concentration of data centers like Virginia, electricity prices have increased by up to 267% over the last five years.
Blume Studios adds two new VR experiences
CHARLOTTE – Following the debut of Excurio’s immersive expedition, “Horizon of Khufu,” two more virtual reality experiences are coming to Blumenthal Arts’ Blume Studios.
These new experiences transport audiences through 3.5 billion years of Earth’s history and beyond the planet itself from the International Space Station.
The new titles will join “Horizon of Khufu” beginning June 11 at 904 Post St.
The experiences serve as the official launch of Blume Studios VR, offering audiences opportunities to engage with history, science, art and storytelling through emerging technologies.
“Life Chronicles” and “Space Explorers: The ISS Experience” will transport guests into fully immersive, free-roaming virtual worlds rooted in science, history and exploration.
When attending with others, each guest can choose for themselves which of the three experiences they want. This technological achievement is the result of 20 years of research and development in spatial computing led by
Excurio. Its LBXR Pulse platform enables multiple titles to coexist simultaneously, with the ambition of creating a sort of turnkey XR movie theater.
“What’s exciting about these next two experiences is how different they are from each other,” said Tom Gabbard, president and CEO of Blumenthal Arts. “One puts you face-to-face with prehistoric life, while the other lets you see Earth from 250 miles above. They each show how immersive storytelling can make people feel connected to places and moments they would otherwise never experience.”
‘Life Chronicles’ This 45-minute expedition through 3.5 billion years of Earth’s history takes guests from the planet’s formation to the rise of dinosaurs and early humans.
Developed in collaboration with scientists at the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle in France, “Life Chronicles” combines scientific research with cinematic worldbuilding to recreate prehistoric environments on land and at sea. Guests travel through volcanic
coastlines, ancient oceans and swamp forests, encountering more than 120 primeval species.
'Space Explorers: The ISS Experience'
Built from more than 250 hours of footage filmed both inside and outside the International Space Station, this experience places visitors alongside real astronauts as they live, work, conduct missions and observe Earth from orbit. Rooted in real-life space missions conducted in collaboration with NASA and leading international space agencies, the experience is based on the Primetime Emmy Award-winning series “Space Explorers: The ISS Experience,” created by Felix & Paul Studios.
All VR experiences are recommended for ages 8 and older and will be offered concurrently, allowing guests attending together to each choose their own immersive adventure. Tickets to "Horizon of Khufu," "Life Chronicles" and "Space Explorers: The ISS Experience" are available at blumenthalarts.org/ BlumeStudiosVR.
Examples of what you'll find at "Life Chronicles" at Blume Studios. Photo courtesy of Blumenthal Arts
FEATURE IMPACT
In those precious few minutes between waking up and heading out the door or arriving home from school pickup, the pantry is a common destination. Seeking a graband-go lunch, sending your student off with a bite of protein or searching for an afternoon snack can leave you scanning the shelves for a go-to solution. With snackers increasingly mindful about what they put in their bodies, you’re not alone if you’re looking for a snacking shakeup – in fact, in a recent survey conducted by Bumble Bee Seafoods and FleishmanHillard’s TRUE Global Intelligence, 50% of Americans agreed it’s hard to find snacks that meet all their needs. According to the survey, people are looking for foods that offer:
n “Bang for their buck” (78%)
n Affordability (61%)
n Protein packed (51%)
n Meet specific dietary goals (48%)
n Easy to eat on the go (35%)
Among all factors, however, 70% said great taste is most important, proving
flavor remains the single biggest driver of snacking decisions. In response to demand for powerhouse snacks that do it all while tasting amazing, Bumble Bee Snackers easy-open, single-serve cans are shaking up snack time with a variety of bold flavors that are perfect for any time, place, budget or craving.
The various unique flavors can be eaten right from the can and are perfect for snacking occasions, from zesty Lemon Pepper to bold and savory Hickory Smoke, tastebud-tingling Sweet Heat, spicy Thai Chili and nostalgic Tuna Salad while traditionalists can opt for classic Chunk Light Tuna.
“Snacking has evolved,” said Dana Kowal, senior director brand marketing and corporate affairs at Bumble Bee Seafoods. “People want it all: bold flavor, real protein and grab-and-go simplicity – and they want it at a price that makes sense.”
The 3-ounce cans are premixed and can be enjoyed straight from the can, paired with crackers or veggies, or tossed in salads, sandwiches or wraps.
To turn them into quick, family-friendly dinners or make-ahead lunches, consider these adorably colorful and craveworthy Rainbow Tuna Bowls balanced with sweet mango, creamy avocado, crisp radish and spicy tuna.
For a perfect addition to your game day spread, these Bang Bang Tuna Sliders are spicy, creamy, crunchy and easier to make than they look with just a few ingredients and fun flavor. Tuna is topped with a layer of coleslaw and spicy mayo to solve those afternoon hunger pangs whether you’re in the office or enjoying the comforts of home.
When dinnertime calls for a busyseason meal that’s light yet filling, Garden Farro Tuna Salad is a mustsave recipe to add to your rotation. It’s bright, herbaceous and offers easy experimentation – simply swap similar ingredients based on what’s fresh and in-season or make it all your own with your family’s favorite produce. To find more snacking solutions that are packed with flavor while saving time and money, visit BumbleBee.com.
DINING SCORES
Wingate clears path for mental health counseling program
WINGATE – Wingate is making it easier for psychology majors to earn a seat in the university’s clinical mental health counseling master’s program.
Wingate has begun taking applications for the Psychology/Clinical Mental Health Counseling Advantage pathway, which provides qualified psychology students with guaranteed entry into the CMHC program, Wingate’s newest healthrelated master’s program, which kicked off in August 2025. Incoming freshmen and transfers who meet the initial requirements, and then maintain a 3.0 grade-point average and continue meeting a few other criteria during their Wingate undergraduate days, will be guaranteed a seat in the program.
“These days, you really do have to start thinking earlier: If this is what I want to do? What’s the trajectory?” said Dr. Jennifer Jordan, director of Wingate’s clinical mental health counseling program. “You don’t want to figure this out your senior year of college. The earlier you can start planning for it the better.”
High school students who want to enter the program must meet the following criteria:
• Be admitted to Wingate University as a psychology major.
• Enroll as a traditional on-campus undergraduate student.
INSPECTIONS
• Satisfy at least two of the following criteria:
- 3.4 unweighted high school GPA.
- 3.6 weighted high school GPA.
- SAT score of 1100 or ACT composite score of 22.
Transfer students entering the program must be admitted as a psychology major and have a minimum 3.0 college GPA.
In addition to guaranteed admission into the master’s program, students enrolled in the Psychology/Clinical Mental Health Counseling Advantage pathway receive a $5,000 Graduate Advantage scholarship that goes toward their master’s tuition.
Jordan said some of the biggest benefits of the pathway for students are their early engagement with faculty and graduate students, precounseling experiences, professional-development and leadership opportunities.
“They can be part of some of the outreach we do in the community,” she said. “They can get to know the faculty, get to know the students along the way to make sure that it is what they want and that they’re a good fit for the program.”
The pathway is the seventh of its kind in Wingate’s Levine College of Health Sciences, joining Advantage programs for nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, pharmacy, physician assistant studies and public health.
CLASSIFIEDS
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Neighboring Concepts PLLC seeks Architectural Staff I to perform a variety of assignments in all conventional aspects of architectural designs for projects of moderate size and complexity. Mail resume to Neighboring Concepts PLLC, Attn: James Daniel McNamee, 1635 West Trade St, Suite 1A, Charlotte, NC 28216. No emails or phone calls.
As seasons change, to-do lists grow. At Waltonwood, we believe your time is better spent enjoying the things YOU want to do. We give you those options:
• A full Life Enrichment calendar — so every day feels like your own.
• Chef-prepared meals
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Great American Campout Campaign offers another reason to explore greenway
FORT MILL – The Anne Springs Close Greenway invites the community to unplug and reconnect with nature June 27 and 28 during the annual Great American Campout.
Campers can explore the greenway, enjoy time around communal firepits and settle into a classic camping experience.
Guests are welcome to bring food to cook at their campsite or visit the canteen to enjoy dinner and live music on the lawn before returning to their tents for the evening.
Guests can enjoy a variety of activities at the Lake
Haigler entrance.
Activities include kayaking, visits with farm animals, nighttime scavenger hunt and live music. Campers will also have the opportunity to begin Sunday morning with a peaceful outdoor yoga session before checkout, creating a relaxing close to the weekend’s festivities.
The event costs $28 per adult and $19 per child ages 3-12. Children ages 2 and under get in free. Greenway members receive a 20% discount. Register in advance ascgreenway. org/event/great-americancampout-2026/.
Explore the greenway during National Trails Day
FORT MILL – The Anne Springs Close Greenway will celebrate National Trails Day on June 6 with a full day of free trail access and outdoor experiences. The event encourages people to get outside, connect with nature and appreciate the trails that support outdoor recreation and exploration. It is part of the nationwide initiative led by the American Hiking Society. Guests can enjoy hiking, biking and adventures throughout the day across the greenway’s scenic trail system.
Wayfinder stations will be located throughout the property to help visitors navigate trail routes and learn more about the
greenway’s trail network. National Trails Day takes place from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 6. Daily admission fees are waived for all visitors. Visit ascgreenway. org/event/national-trailsday-2026/ for details.
AWARENESS IS KEY
FEATURE IMPACT
A stroke can happen to anyone at any age.
In fact, every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke, with approximately 800,000 people experiencing a stroke annually, according to the American Heart Association, making it a leading cause of death and serious, long-term disability.
A stroke happens when normal blood flow in the brain is interrupted. When parts of the brain don’t get the oxygen-rich blood they need, those cells die. However, many strokes may be prevented, treated and overcome by understanding the risk factors and taking steps toward managing them.
“When a stroke happens, every minute matters,” said Dr. Adrian JaquinValdivia, a stroke neurologist at HCA Healthcare and American Stroke Association volunteer expert. “The faster someone gets treatment, the better the chance of saving brain function. On average, nearly 2 million brain cells die every minute a stroke goes untreated. Early treatment improves survival rates and reduces disability.”
Take control of your brain health with this information from the American Stroke Association.
Know the Warning Signs
Because strokes do not discriminate, knowing the signs is key. To help you recognize common warning signs and symptoms of stroke and take action in moments that matter, remember this simple acronym:
B: Balance loss – sudden difficulty with walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination.
E: Eye (or vision) changes – sudden vision loss or trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
F: Face drooping – one side of the face droops or feels numb; a smile may look uneven.
ABOVE: From roasting s’mores around the campfire to relaxing beneath the night sky, the event provides a unique opportunity to slow down and enjoy the outdoors together.
LEFT: Guests are encouraged to help protect the greenway’s natural spaces by practicing Leave No Trace principles throughout the event.
LEFT: Visitors can rent kayaks to explore the greenway during National Trails Day. Photos courtesy of Anne Springs Close Greenway
Disney On Ice returns to the Queen City
CHARLOTTE – Feld Entertainment invites Disney fans to step into the spotlight and join a redcarpet celebration packed with new performances, chart-topping music and more than 30 characters as Disney On Ice presents Spotlight Magic! The event will unfold locally Oct 1 to 4 at Bojangles Coliseum.
Spotlight Magic! celebrates the magic each of us brings to the party. Heroes, sidekicks and villains will take center stage for music, storytelling and worldclass skating.
Audiences will have the chance to see fanfavorite characters make their Disney On Ice debuts. From “Zootopia 2,” pop sensation Gazelle and sly newcomer Gary De’Snake, join Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde for a new adventure.
From “Lilo & Stitch,” Angel makes her North American debut, reuniting with Stitch in a heartwarming moment.
Fans will also experience stories from “Beauty and the Beast,”
“Tangled,” “Toy Story,” “Moana” and “Monsters, Inc.,” alongside a showcase featuring iconic villains, including the Evil Queen, Gaston, Maleficent and Ursula. The celebration’s soundtrack blends Disney Channel hits like “Pumpin’ Up the Party” (“Hannah Montana”), “A Night to Remember” (“High School Musical 3: Senior Year”) and “Good to Be Bad” (“Descendants 3”), with classics such as “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” (“Toy Story”), “Be Our Guest” (“Beauty and the Beast”), “I’ve Got a Dream” (“Tangled”), and “I Am Moana” (“Moana”).
The excitement begins before the show and continues at intermission, as guests are invited to showcase their star power on the red carpet. Fans are encouraged to dress to impress.
This production joins a lineup of seven Disney On Ice shows touring worldwide.
Get tickets at Ticketmaster.com or at the venue box office.
Disney On Ice features choreography performed by world-class figure skaters. Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment
Members of the Joe Gibbs Racing pit crew recently visited Novant
