Charlotte, North Carolina Local News | ReportWire publishes the latest breaking U.S. and world news, trending topics and developing stories from around globe.
CHARLOTTE — Rumors have been swirling for years, but it appears the popular Texas-based fast food restaurant chain, Whataburger, is officially eyeing the Carolinas. But, did you know there’s a What-A-Burger sitting right in our own back yard?
Just hop on I-77 North to Mooresville. The restaurant, What-A-Burger, has been a staple in the community since 1965. The restaurant is labeled Carolina’s finest. Where else can you go to order a ‘What-A-Salisbury’ burger? They also offer ranch burgers, hamburger steak plates, and fish.
They also have other locations in Concord and Kannapolis.
We’re told the national hamburger chain ‘Whataburger’ plans to open two locations in Charlotte.
They released this statement:
“We don’t have any details to share at the moment, but will be sure to let you know more information in the future.’
There are more than 350 Whataburger locations across the U.S.
A depleted Charlotte Hornets team traveled to Milwaukee and was completely and thoroughly dominated by the Bucks. 120-84.
Summary
The Hornets suited up just ten players for the game given all thetrades and waivedplayers on Thursday. They took a quick lead in the first couple of possessions, but the Bucks quickly answered with 13 straight points to establish a nice early lead. A pattern quickly emerged where the sport of basketball looked significantly easier when the Bucks had the ball than when the Hornets had the ball. The Hornets offensive possessions featured a lot of stationary dribbling and a lot of…somethings…that vaguely resembled shot attempts over and around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez. Meanwhile the Bucks quickly attacked and moved the ball and bombarded the Hornets with threes. At the half, the Hornets had made 8-of-26 shots inside the arc and shot 31.7% from the field on the whole. The Bucks made 12 3-pointers and cruised to a 66-38 halftime lead.
The third quarter was more of the same. Cody Martin and Miles Bridges dominated the possession time when the Hornets had the ball and very few of those possessions bore any fruit. The game was a total bore to watch. Neither team tried very hard and the Bucks out-talented their way to an even bigger lead. The Hornets turned the ball over on a back court inbound to complete somebody’s bad basketball bingo card and went into the fourth quarter down by 36.
The fourth quarter was all garbage time. Nothing much happened and nothing worth covering happened.
The Good
The game is over.
Nick Richards had some decent moments offensively and had a double double.
The Bad
I Tweeted (X posted?) this during the game, but there are a lot of times when the Hornets play like a team that hasn’t practiced together at all. Tonight was one of those nights, and it lasted all game long. There was no semblance of any offensive system and no one seemed to know how to play off each other. Most offensive possessions consisted of one of Cody Martin, Miles Bridges, or Brandon Miller dribbling at the top of the key for over half the shot clock with no one else moving. The defense looked like it’s usual disorganized mess where everyone collapsed at the first sign of the ball moving towards the basket and then scrambled to try to recover to the perimeter if the ball got kicked out.
The Bucks turned the intensity all the way down to idle for the second half and the Hornets still couldn’t find any answers on either end of the floor. There’s definitely a talent gap with the likes of Damian Lillard and Giannis on the other side, but NBA basketball shouldn’t look as bad as the Hornets make it look. Missed shots and missed assignments are going to happen when the players aren’t as good. They just don’t look like they know what they’re supposed to be doing, and that’s inexcusable when most of them are over halfway through their second season playing under the same coaching staff.
The turnover at the end of the third quarter.
Miles Bridges was 0-of-10 on shot attempts inside the 3-point line.
JT Thor let Thanasis Antetokounmpo score on him out of an isolation possession from the 3-point line.
What’s Next
The Hornets come back to Charlotte for a three game road trip before breaking for the all star break. That starts with the Grizzlies on Saturday, and they should have all five of their new players available to play.
Sherella Janice Dudley was originally being cited for allegedly stealing from a Walmart. Her children were with her at the time.
GASTONIA, N.C. — The Gastonia Police Department says a woman tried to steal from a Walmart store Friday night and ended up wedging an officer with her car when she tried to get away.
The department said Sherella Janice Dudley went to the store located on North Myrtle School Road with her children, stealing various items. Police were called and got on the scene just after 5 p.m. While she was being issued a larceny citation, the department said she got into her car and tried to leave.
When she did this, Gastonia Police said Dudley hit a car and wedged an officer between her car and another one. The officer was not injured, and other officers were able to get on the scene to take Dudley into custody without further incident.
She’s now charged with assault on a government official, shoplifting, and causing damage to property. The department said her children were released to the custody of other family members and that the Department of Social Services was notified.
Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
Biden, whose son Beau Biden died from cancer in 2015, visited Atrium Health Levine Cancer to talk about the Biden administration’s efforts to expand access to patient navigation services and financial challenges. She was joined by city officials and medical professionals, who shared stories about losing family members to cancer. She didn’t take questions from reporters during her visit, but she thanked the media for the coverage.
“It’s so important that we find a way to help families afford their cancer treatments and everything else that is involved,” Biden said about the associated expenses.
The Atrium Health Levine Cancer efforts include helping patients receive access to medical care, identifying needs and barriers such as transportation and food insecurities as well as providing resources for support. The program also provides financial assistance to help patients with hardships.
“We’re here because cancer is a thief,” said Dr. Ruben Mesa, president and executive director of the center. “It seals from our patients and their loved ones.”
Meanwhile, the moonshot program wants to prevent more than 4 million cancer deaths by 2047 and to improve experiences of people impacted by cancer. It launched in 2016 during the Obama-Biden Administration and was reignited after Joe Biden was elected.
President Biden also formed the Cancer Cabinet with agencies from across the federal government and the National Cancer Institute.
First Lady Biden on Friday spoke about her son passing away from cancer at the age of 46 and having to find purpose.
“That’s the only way you can sort of take something that’s so horrible and so devastating and turn it into something good,” Biden said. “That’s what you done. So, I thank you for this.”
While praising the medical and financial efforts of Atrium, she spoke about being lucky to have access to really good care, while having private insurance.
“But so many people do not,” Biden said. “It just depletes their bank accounts.”
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, a breast cancer survivor, alluded Friday to positive changes in the way medical professionals think about cancer and how they’re working with patients.
“I’m just so grateful that our residents have the possibility to come to a place where they do have a support system,” Lyles said.
After visiting Charlotte, the First Lady flew to Nashville’s airport to participate in a political event in Franklin, Tenn.
Chase Jordan is a business reporter for The Charlotte Observer, and has nearly a decade of experience covering news in North Carolina. Prior to joining the Observer, he was a growth and development reporter for the Wilmington StarNews. The Kansas City native is a graduate of Bethune-Cookman University.
Following the announcement of Justin Timberlake’s first tour since 2019, the pop star has added a Charlotte date at Spectrum Center on October 14. Timberlake previously announced The Forget Tomorrow World Tour in late January with a stop in Raleigh at PNC Arena on June 12, recently adding additional dates including Charlotte.
Following the release of a new single, “Selfish,” on January 25, Timberlake also announced his sixth studio album, Everything I Thought It Was, set to be released on March 15, his first album in six years, following 2018’s Man of the Woods.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated, Beta Omicron Sigma Chapter, is holding its Annual Youth Symposium 2024 on March 9, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. It takes place at Johnson C. Smith University, 100 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, North Carolina.
This is a free event for ages 12-18.
This Symposium is held simultaneously on the second Saturday of March by Alumnae Chapters across the nation. This year the theme for the Youth Symposium is “Supporting, Serving, and Empowering Youth Educationally, Civically, Socially, Physically and Emotionally”.
The Youth Symposium will feature hands-on, interactive leadership activities.
Workshops include:
Money Habititudes: Learn about saving, tracking and investing money
Talk to the Hands (ASL and Deaf Culture)
The Evolution of E-Gaming: Learn about career opportunities in esports, gaming, healthy gaming habits and coping with toxicity in gaming
Robotics: Explore career fields, practical application of STEM, design strategy and prototyping
Becoming a Priceless Person of Value
In Sync: The fundamentals of hip hop
There will be a parent lounge as well.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
You might also be interested in:
Upcoming Events in the Charlotte area
Check out our full events calendar, where you can enter any date, or look at the events for the next few days here:
On a much-coveted Myers Park street, 1633 Beverly effortlessly blends modern conveniences with original charm.
There are designer fixtures and finishes throughout, and beautiful refinished hardwoods and moldings.
The house has elegant front formal rooms plus a popular open floorplan, with an expansive family room opening to the gleaming Chef’s kitchen.
The Kitchen features marble countertops and backsplash, a large center island, an abundance of custom cabinetry, high-end appliances incl. gas range with custom hood and a large scullery.
There is a sunny breakfast area, a bar area with decorative glass cabinets and butcher-block countertops, a sunroom/office behind hidden paneled door and a functional mudroom/laundry off the side entrance.
The Primary suite has 2 walk-in closets and an incredible spa-like bath featuring a soaking tub, dual vanities, and a walk-in marble shower.
The rear brick patio overlooks the picturesque yard.
Plus, all new roof, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.
#SPONSORED. ARTICLES ON SCOOP ARE SPONSORED BY THE BUSINESSES MENTIONED AND/OR OUR ADVERTISERS. FOR MORE INFO ON OUR POLICIES CLICK HERE.
On a much-coveted Myers Park street, 1633 Beverly effortlessly blends modern conveniences with original charm.
There are designer fixtures and finishes throughout, and beautiful refinished hardwoods and moldings.
The house has elegant front formal rooms plus a popular open floorplan, with an expansive family room opening to the gleaming Chef’s kitchen.
The Kitchen features marble countertops and backsplash, a large center island, an abundance of custom cabinetry, high-end appliances incl. gas range with custom hood and a large scullery.
There is a sunny breakfast area, a bar area with decorative glass cabinets and butcher-block countertops, a sunroom/office behind hidden paneled door and a functional mudroom/laundry off the side entrance.
The Primary suite has 2 walk-in closets and an incredible spa-like bath featuring a soaking tub, dual vanities, and a walk-in marble shower.
The rear brick patio overlooks the picturesque yard.
Plus, all new roof, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.
#SPONSORED. ARTICLES ON SCOOP ARE SPONSORED BY THE BUSINESSES MENTIONED AND/OR OUR ADVERTISERS. FOR MORE INFO ON OUR POLICIES CLICK HERE.
NEW YORK (AP) — Big name advertisers will be pulling out all the stops on Super Bowl Sunday — enlisting high-profile actors, investing in dazzling special effects and, they hope, going for laughs as they seek to win over viewers during game breaks.
What You Need To Know
In an increasingly fractured and polarized media environment — and with fewer people watching live TV — the Super Bowl is an anomaly
In an increasingly fractured and polarized media environment — and with fewer people watching live TV — the Super Bowl is an anomaly. The big game’s viewership has actually increased, with a record 115.1 million people tuning in last year.
So marketers will use the game on Sunday, which will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+, to draw attention to new products, brand extensions and their marketing message as they again vie for the eyes of more than 100 million expected viewers.
Almost as an escape from the divisive U.S. presidential election and conflicts deepening around the world, most Super Bowl advertisers appear to be doubling down on flights of fantasy or light humor, often with a dose of nostalgia and a lot of mini-reunions of TV characters.
“Serious is out,” said Kimberly Whitler, marketing professor at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. “Marketers have figured out entertainment, enjoyment and escapism is the name of the ad game.”
Many Super Bowl commercials have already been released. Here’s what we know heading into this year’s big game.
TV show mini reunions
Perhaps taking a cue from the success of last year’s PopCorners ad that featured a reunion of “Breaking Bad” actors stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, this year there’s a slew of mini TV show reunions in ads.
T-Mobile, which has been reuniting Scrubs co-stars in Super Bowl ads since 2022, teams up Zach Braff and Donald Faison to sing a version of “Flashdance…What a Feeling,” with Jason Momoa — along with a cameo by Jennifer Beals.
In an ad stuffed with celebrity cameos — including “Judge Judy” Judy Sheindlin — e.l.f. cosmetics reunited “Suits” stars Gina Torres, Rick Hoffman and Sarah Rafferty in a courtroom spoof.
NBC sitcoms have quite a few reunion moments during the game. In an Uber Eats ad, which shows people forgetting things so they remember Uber Eats can deliver a wide variety of items, Jennifer Anniston seemingly forgets she ever worked with her “Friends” co-star David Schwimmer.
In an ad for Mtn Dew Baja Blast, Aubrey Plaza says she can have a ‘Blast’ doing anything, including reuniting with her “Parks and Rec” boss Nick Offerman as they fly on dragons.
And in an ad for Booking.com, Tina Fey hires body doubles to stay at different lodging because she has so many options on the site, including her “30 Rock” co-stars Jane Krakowski and Jack McBrayer.
Bringing well-known TV show characters together can help connect to the audience, said Northwestern University marketing professor Tim Calkins.
“A younger, more on-trend figure might be more exciting, but could lack the awareness of these well-established characters,” he said. “Surprise is a key element of Super Bowl advertising, so unexpected reunions can work well.”
Nostalgia, light hijinks
Humor and a touch of nostalgia can be found in many ads. Molson Coors ‘ ad brings back their “Chill Train” that last appeared in advertisements nearly two decades ago, in 2005. A tongue-in-cheek ad shows the train crashing into a football watching party to bring partiers Coors Light. LL Cool J turns out to be the conductor.
For Sofia Colucci, chief marketing officer for Molson Coors, which is advertising for the second year after Anheuser-Busch ended its decades long exclusive sponsorship of the game, the Super Bowl is a unique venue to reach existing customers and attract new ones.
“One of the things we’re really trying to be thoughtful about is making sure that we are retaining and protecting our core drinkers at the same time attracting new drinkers,” she said. “The Super Bowl is a huge stage where you do have that opportunity to talk widely to those audiences.”
In another hijink-filled ad, Doritos introduces its new Dinamita chips — the 24th year Doritos is advertising in the Super Bowl — by depicting two grandmotherly women in a store with actress Jenna Ortega. They reveal their action-prowess by taking off to pursue “Top Gun: Maverick” actor Danny Ramirez who grabbed the last bag of chips from a store shelf.
Frito-Lay North America CMO Brett O’Brien says Dinamitas is aiming to reach a “multicultural young audience” aged 16 to 24.
Celebrities abound
There are always tons of celebrities in ads, and the star power seems to go up and up every year.
“It’s celebrity on steroids right now,” Virginia Commonwealth University Brandcenter’s Jessica D. Collins said. While that is not necessarily new or surprising for the Super Bowl, she added, “it’s just going to be so heightened this year.”
That means big names like Arnold Schwarzenneger starring in a State Farm ad, Ice Spice making an appearance for Starry, Christopher Walken facing imitations of himself for BMW, and Super Bowl Halftime Show headliner Usher showing up in an Uber Eats’ spot.
Many ads have stuffed multiple celebrities in ads. Beyond the TV show reunions, Michelob Ultra features soccer legend Lionel Messi, “Ted Lasso” star Jason Sudeikis and retired Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino. BetMGM features Vince Vaughn, Tom Brady and Wayne Gretsky. And Paramount+ touts a star-filled lineup, including Drew Barrymore, Sir Patrick Stewart and Creed.
Squarespace also hired a big name for behind the camera with Martin Scorcese directing his first Super Bowl ad for the domain hosting site.
While star-power is exciting, it’s always possible to overdo it. Advertisers can risk viewers remembering what stars they saw in a commercial but not the brand name, University of Minnesota associate professor of marketing Linli Xu notes.
One organic way advertisers can pull off celebrity appearances is to choose a featured star that already has a connection to the brand, Collins said, or tap into a recent pop culture moment.
“A lot of times you’ll see a celebrity just show up and you’re like, ‘That person would have never used that product. Why are they there?’” she said.
Some serious moments
Of course, this year’s Super Bowl commercials won’t all be laughs.
Robert Kraft’s Foundation to Combat Antisemitism has said it will run an ad featuring Martin Luther King Jr.’s speechwriter Dr. Clarence B. Jones. Dove’s ad focuses on the fact that low body-confidence leads to girls quitting sports. And Google’s heartstring-pulling ad follows a blind man as he uses “Guided Frame” — Google’s A.I.-powered accessibility feature for the Pixel camera that uses a combination of audio cues, high-contrast animations and tactile vibrations — to take pictures of the people and places in his life.
Surprises
As always, there will still be some game day surprises. Some advertisers such as Amazon have stayed mum on any plans. Upstart e-commerce site Temu has reportedly bought several ads. In a presidential election year, it’s possible we might see a candidate ad. And while there have been no indications of such, many wonder if advertisers will capitalize on this year’s Taylor Swift buzz in some way.
Regardless of whether or not she makes her way into the commercial-side of the big game, marketers say advertisers are taking note of the “Taylor Swift effect” and trying to reach everyone, not just sports fans.
“We have people that have never watched Football a day in their life now watching the entire game — not just for the ads, but for the game itself and for the celebrity sightings,” Collins said.
Yesterday was a busy day for the Charlotte Hornets. The previously mostly dormant front office came to life and sent out Gordon Hayward and PJ Washington a couple weeks after trading away Terry Rozier. Apparently that wasn’t entirely of their own doing.
This matches what I heard too.
In the build up to the trade deadline the current front office answered the phones and facilitated calls but new ownership was leading on decisions.
Ownership sought advice from external advisors, as well as Charlotte’s front office. https://t.co/NoB9WwALvM
Regardless of whose idea it was to churn a third of the roster, there are a lot of new faces to get to know. Given that the Hornets are presumably opening an extra roster spot by waiving three players on top of eventually buying out Kyle Lowry, there will be at least one more player to get acquainted with at a later date. We’ll worry about that if and when the time comes. For now, let’s meet the newest Charlotte Hornets.
Davis Bertans
Because I consume media, I know the best way to make sure most people consume all of the media is to make sure the less interesting stuff is presented before building up to the more interesting stuff. So that brings us to our first newest Hornet, Davis Bertans.
The best thing Bertans has to offer at this point in his career is a nickname that Eric Collins is going to absolutely love. He’s the Latvian Laser. The Laser has seen his playing time dwindle to almost nothing as he moved from the Wizards to the Mavericks to the Thunder. He can shoot the basketball but at this point of his career, his other deficiencies (read: just about everything else) make it hard to give him consistent playing time. His contract has an early termination option with only $5.25 million guaranteed next season, so it’s more than likely that he’ll be traded or released before the start of next season.
Vasilije Micic
Another fun name. The Thunder brought the 30 year old over from Anadolu Efes in Turkey to provide some guard depth behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. They ended up not needing his services with Cason Wallace being a usable player right out of the gate, so his playing time was limited.
The 2021 EuroLeague MVP was a good shooter and very efficient scorer during his time in Europe. He was more of a facilitator in Oklahoma City and never really found his footing. The Hornets will be hoping he can return to the form of his European glory days in a new situation.
Tre Mann
Tre Mann’s name literally translates to “guy who makes 3-pointers.” He probably has the most accurate name in NBA history. The efficiency hasn’t quite matched the talent yet, but he’s fully capable of getting scorching hot from three. He fell out of the rotation in Oklahoma City this season given their aforementioned guard depth, but he’s still a talented player. He only just turned 23, so there’s still time for him to put it all together.
He’s not dissimilar from Hornets rookie Nick Smith Jr. They probably won’t get a ton of court time together, but it’s kind of fun having a couple of microwave guards waiting in the wings on the bench.
Grant Williams
The Hornets were rumored to be interested in the native Charlottean when he was an unrestricted free agent last summer despite his redundancy with PJ Washington and Miles Bridges. They swapped Washington for Williams and other pieces, which removes that redundancy.
Williams has a reputation as being a good defender and immediately steps in as the Hornets most physical player. If nothing else, he can be a tone setter for a team that needs one. He’s developed into a good catch-and-shoot threat and should be a very good glue guy for the Hornets.
Seth Curry
Hornets fans (and I) have been clamoring for the Hornets to bring in a Curry. The older one is probably pretty tough to pry away from Golden State, but the younger Curry still brings a lot of what the Hornets need. And that’s purely from a basketball perspective. That’s not even considering the fact that it’ll be super fun to hear Dell Curry do totally unbiased commentary about his son, especially if he has a game where he gets hot.
Curry has seen his minutes reduced the last couple of seasons. He’s played sparingly this season, but he can still be an important player. He’s a career 43.2% 3-point shooter, which is seventh best in NBA history and better than Stephen Curry. He’s also capable of running an offense as a point guard even if he’s not the most advanced ball handler. He’s going to get plenty of burn as long as LaMelo is out and will hopefully provide some extra oomph to the Hornets below average but improving 3-point attack.
Lucky for local foodies, the city is home to dozens of delicious restaurants serving up slices of the beloved dish. So if you’re looking for an excuse to enjoy some pizza, this is it.
Here’s our list of the 5 best ways to celebrate National Pizza Day around Charlotte:
Enjoy National Pizza Day deals
Looking to dine on a discount for National Pizza Day? In addition to some national pizza chains that have specials going on around the holiday, here’s where you can go to get a deal on pizza for the holiday:
Emmy Squared is offering $5 off any pizza this National Pizza Day. You can find the promo code on the restaurant’s Instagram page for orders placed through the Emmy mobile app or website.
Emmy Squared has locations in South End and Plaza Midwood. Courtesy of Emmy Squared
Check out the best pizzeria in Charlotte
While not every restaurant is offering special deals for National Pizza Day, there are still plenty of other places where you can treat yourself to a nice slice of pizza — so why not try the best of the best? After hundreds of nominations and multiple rounds of voting for CharlotteFive’s Readers’ Choice best pizza contest, here are top four pizza spots in Charlotte, according to C5 readers.
Bisonte Pizza Co.’s Meat Lovers pizza has pepperoni, ham, capicola, sausage, ground beef and bacon on top of a three-cheese mix of mozzarella, cheddar and romano with pizza sauce. Alex Cason CharlotteFive
Have a pizza party with every style of pizza
Though we’re in the Carolinas, you can find just about every style of pizza in Charlotte. From a classic Chicago-style deep dish to a thin New York slice, we have a long list of local pizzerias you can go to, no matter what you are craving.
Here’s a list of some popular spots you can check out around the city:
Try out a pickle pizza (or other interesting toppings)
Nothing beats a classic pizza topped with pepperoni, sausage or fresh veggies, but some pizzerias have gotten creative in the kitchen with toppings, too — and I’m not talking about the great debate of pineapple on pizzas.
If you’re up for the challenge of spicing up your slice this National Pizza Day, here’s a a list of local restaurants where you can find pickle pizzas and other unusual pies around Charlotte:
Who says you can’t have pizza for dinner and dessert? If you’ve got a sweet tooth, here’s a list of restaurants that have dessert pies on the menu, including s’mores pizza and Nutella pizza:
Chyna Blackmon is a service journalism reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she grew up in Columbia, SC, and graduated from Queens University of Charlotte. She’s also worked in local television news in Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA. Support my work with a digital subscription
Catawba – It’s been almost one month since a deadly tornado ripped through catawba county. On Wednesday, Governor Roy Cooper signed a Type I state disaster declaration for individual assistance for Catawba County. This declaration makes additional assistance available to Catawba County and surrounding counties, following the disaster declaration issued from the Small Business Administration.
On Saturday, the SBA announced that they would be making low-interest disaster loans available to people whose homes and businesses were affected by January’s storms. Not just in Catawba, but Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Iredell and Lincoln Counties as well.
An SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center will be open from February 5 through February 19 at Catawba County Emergency Services, located at 100 Government Drive, Newton, NC 28658. Hours will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. The center will permanently close at 4:00 p.m. February 19.
Customer service representatives will be available at the Center to answer questions about the disaster loan program and help individuals complete their applications.
Loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans are also available for businesses that may need working capital due to the disaster regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage. This includes small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations.
Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase of up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements may include a safe room or storm shelter, sump pump, French drain or retaining wall to help protect property and occupants from future damage.
Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.25% for nonprofit organizations, and 2.688% for homeowners and renters, with terms of up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and monthly payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the initial disbursement. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Most of the interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson focused on Ukraine, where the war is nearing the two-year mark.
NEW YORK — Russian President Vladimir Putin used an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson to urge Washington to recognize Moscow’s interests and persuade Ukraine to sit down for talks.
Putin also said that Russia stands ready to negotiate a potential prisoner exchange that would free Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was detained last March on espionage charges he denies, and hinted that Moscow wants the release of its agent imprisoned in Germany.
Most of the interview, released Thursday, focused on Ukraine, where the war is nearing the two-year mark. Putin repeated his claim that his invasion of Ukraine, which Kyiv and its allies described as an unprovoked act of aggression, was necessary to protect Russian speakers in Ukraine and prevent the country from posing a threat to Russia by joining NATO.
Putin pointed at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s refusal to conduct talks with the Kremlin. He argued that it’s up to Washington to stop supplying Ukraine with weapons and convince Kyiv, which he called a U.S. “satellite,” to sit down for negotiations.
“We have never refused negotiations,” Putin said. “You should tell the current Ukrainian leadership to stop and come to a negotiating table.”
Putin warned that the West will never succeed in inflicting a “strategic defeat” on Russia in Ukraine and rejected allegations that Russia was harboring plans to attack Poland or other NATO countries.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby tried to minimize the impact of Carlson’s interview ahead of its release: “Remember, you’re listening to Vladimir Putin. And you shouldn’t take at face value anything he has to say.”
Putin has heavily limited his contact with international media since he launched the war in Ukraine in February 2022. Russian authorities have cracked down on independent media, forcing some Russian outlets to close, blocking others and ordering a number of foreign reporters to leave the country. Two journalists working for U.S. news organizations — The Wall Street Journal’s Gershkovich and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Alsu Kurmasheva — are in jail.
Asked by Carlson whether Russia would release Gershkovich, Putin said Moscow is open to talks but repeated that the reporter was charged with espionage, an accusation Gershkovich has denied.
“He was caught red-handed when he was secretly getting classified information,” Putin said of Gershkovich, adding that he doesn’t exclude that the reporter could return home.
“There is no taboo on settling this issue,” Putin said. “We are ready to solve it but there are certain conditions that are being discussed between special services. I believe an agreement can be reached.”
He pointed to a man imprisoned in a “U.S.-allied country” for “liquidating a bandit” who killed Russian soldiers during the fighting in the Caucasus: “He put our soldiers taken prisoners on a road and then drove a car over their heads. There was a patriot who liquidated him in one of the European capitals.”
Putin didn’t mention names, but he appeared to refer to Vadim Krasikov, a Russian serving a life sentence in Germany after being convicted of the 2019 brazen daylight killing of Zelimkhan “Tornike” Khangoshvili, a 40-year-old Georgian citizen of Chechen ethnicity.
German judges who convicted Krasikov said he had acted on the orders of Russian federal authorities, who provided him with a false identity, a fake passport and the resources to carry out the hit.
The Wall Street Journal reaffirmed in a statement that Gershkovich “is a journalist, and journalism is not a crime,” adding that “any portrayal to the contrary is total fiction.” “We’re encouraged to see Russia’s desire for a deal that brings Evan home, and we hope this will lead to his rapid release and return to his family and our newsroom,” it said.
Let’s face it, there are several options when it comes to ‘lifts’, and which option is right for you starts with understanding how the procedures are defined with you and your surgeon.
So, what is a facelift exactly … vs a brow lift or an eye lift or a neck lift?
We made an appointment to learn more with Dr. Joel Beck, one of the industry’s preeminent plastic surgeons who has just opened his new state-of-the-art facility for BECK AESTHETIC SURGERY at Waverly/Rea Farms in South Charlotte.
Straight-up: a facelift, brow lift, eye lift, and neck lift are all surgical procedures that aim to enhance areas of the face and neck to achieve a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.
A facelift is the biggie which typically addresses issues with the jowls. Think: Lower face (A very common issue as we age, is that the lower face can appear wider due to sagging skin and tissues.)
BEFORE AND AFTER ~ Dr Beck
Lets walk through it – the Facelift VIP Tour Starts Now
A facelift involves lifting and repositioning the skin and underlying tissues to create a more defined jawline.
So, for example, while a facelift addresses the lower face and jawline, a neck lift specifically focuses on the neck area targeting excess fat, sagging skin, muscle laxity and sometimes neck bands (known as platysmal bands).
Today’s first stop on your tour:
Neck lift
Can involve fat removal, partial gland removal, and muscle tightening to create a more acute angle to the neck
Complements the results of a facelift, ensuring a pleasant transition from the lower face to the neck
Brow lift
Concentrates on the forehead and brow area
Elevates the brow to its optimal position, improving the heaviness and overall brow shape. It can also address forehead wrinkles and furrows, creating a more refreshed appearance
Eye lift
There are two directions:
Upper eyelid surgery (known as blepharoplasty) combats excess skin or fat in the upper eyelid. Removing excess skin and fat can open the eyes and create a more youthful and alert look.
Lower eyelid lift is ideal for individuals experiencing sagging skin or fat accumulation in the lower eyelid area
Wait, there’s one more stop on the tour: What is a deep plane facelift and how does that differ from a ‘regular’ facelift?
For a deep plane facelift, the surgical focus extends beyond the superficial layers of the face.
The technique involves the dissection and elevation of a deeper facial layer called the ‘SMAS’ (superficial musculoaponeurotic system). The SMAS layer is situated beneath the skin and plays a crucial role in facial structure.
One of the primary objectives of a deep plane facelift is to enhance the overall shape of the face by lifting and repositioning the deeper tissues to provide facial contours.
Think: A ‘Regular’ facelift focuses primarily on the skin’s tightening, while a deep plane facelift goes beyond the skin’s surface.
BEFORE AND AFTER ~ Dr Beck
What can a facelift ‘fix’ and what can it NOT fix?
Keeping up with our tour? Let’s recap:
A facelift can
Improve the appearance of laugh lines
Soften the depth of these lines and create a more youthful contour
Improve jawline and jowls with a more defined jawline, reducing the appearance of sagging and jowls
A facelift does not
Restore lost volume in areas like the cheeks
To address volume loss, you may want to consider procedures such as fat grafting (fat transfer). Fat grafting involves transferring fat from one area of the body to the face to restore volume, particularly in the deep fat pads of the cheeks. Dr Beck is one of the only surgeons in the country trained in the latest technique’s on this known as ITR.
A facelift also does not
Improve neck issues. For comprehensive neck rejuvenation, a separate neck lift procedure is often needed with a facelift.
Do most people get more than one procedure done when they have a facelift?
It’s not uncommon for individuals considering a facelift to combine multiple procedures to focus on various aspects of facial aging.
Uniquely when approaching facial rejuvenation, Dr. Beck takes a comprehensive view that encompasses more than just the face and neck. This holistic approach considers the entire facial region and includes various surgical procedures that can be performed in combination to achieve a balanced result.
Some procedures commonly combined at Beck Aesthetic Surgery with a facelift include brow lift, upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, fat transfer to the face, upper lip lift, and laser skin resurfacing.
These additional procedures can address specific concerns such as forehead wrinkles, eyelid sagging, volume loss, lip definition, and skin texture irregularities. The decision to combine multiple procedures depends on individual needs, goals and finances.
Dr. Beck works closely with patients to create a customized treatment plan that aligns with your unique concerns and desires, focusing on a natural approach. The goal is to be a refreshed, best version of yourself.
Laser skin resurfacing can also be integrated into the overall treatment plan, although it is typically performed selectively on specific areas of the face. Laser resurfacing can help improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and enhance overall skin quality, making it a valuable addition to a comprehensive facial rejuvenation strategy.
One of the notable advantages in Dr. Beck’s new facility is the utilization of laser technology including laser resurfacing and microneedling devices, which create channels in the skin (the channels not only promote quicker recovery times but also improve the appearance of your skin.)
Is there a good time to have your facelift, age-wise?
The ideal age for undergoing a facelift obviously varies by person (age alone is not the sole determining factor), but there are some key considerations to keep in mind:
The typical age range is between 48 – 52. This is the age when many people start to notice visible signs of facial aging, such as sagging skin and the development of wrinkles and jowls. Doing so may lead to more subtle and natural-looking results because the changes in appearance are not as drastic or noticeable.
Based on that, can you have more than one lift in your lifetime?
Yes, says Dr. Beck’s team, reminding us that while a facelift is a highly effective procedure for rejuvenating your appearance, it does not halt the aging process altogether.
While it can set back the clock approximately 10 years, your face will continue to age naturally.
Over time, factors such as gravity, sun exposure, and genetics can contribute to ongoing changes.
Did you know? A minor touchup and laser tightening can extend the life of your facelift.
Now, Let’s talk Scars – definitely not something we want to see on our face.
In a well-executed facelift procedure, the visibility of scars is minimized and strategically placed to ensure they blend-in seamlessly with the natural contours of your face.
This is another reason to seek-out a board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Beck, to determine the most suitable approach for achieving your cosmetic goals.
Common areas for incisions include along the contour of the ear, along the neck hairline, and around the sideburns.
By following the natural lines and curves of your face, scars tend to be less noticeable and can often go unnoticed.
The skin on your face has a remarkable capacity to heal well, and scars from facelift surgery typically tend to heal favorably.
What is the recovery time?
Depending on the procedure most individuals are out and about within 2-3 weeks.
Within this time-range the initial swelling and bruising will subside and you’ll feel more confident about resuming normal activities.
This isn’t your mother’s facelift.
Over the past decade one of the most groundbreaking advancements is the use of regenerative cells, including stem cells and exosomes.
Exosomes are messenger cells that play a crucial role in tissue repair. These regenerative cells are harnessed to improve the skin’s elasticity and appearance. They are delivered into the tissue through various methods, including microneedling and skin laser resurfacing with a fractionated component to aid in wound healing and reduce downtime.
The inclusion of exosomes in regenerative cell therapy represents a significant step forward. These messenger cells play a vital role in repairing damaged tissue, making them a valuable addition to the treatment arsenal. By utilizing exosomes alongside stem cells, a more comprehensive and effective approach to skin rejuvenation is achieved.
Another development is hyperbaric oxygen as a supportive modality. What does that mean?
Hyperbaric oxygen helps improve the oxygenation of tissues, which can aid in the healing process. By enhancing tissue oxygenation, recovery times may be accelerated, leading to faster healing and improved outcomes.
Dr Beck’s new facility features a hyperbaric chamber, which can play a crucial role in enhancing tissue oxygenation and consequently, speeding up the healing process.
Dr. Beck is also exploring the implementation of body scan technology. This innovative tool will provide the team with 3D imaging allowing for detailed assessments and ongoing monitoring of success.
Complimentary consultations on most procedures are available with Dr. Beck’s Patient Care Coordinator, Darla. To schedule: 704-800-4642 www.beckaestheticsurgery.com
The Charlotte Hornets have agreed to trade PJ Washington Jr. and two second-round draft picks to the Dallas Mavericks for Seth Curry, Grant Williams, and a 2027 first-round draft pick, according to the Athletic’s Shams Charania.
The former Kentucky Wildcat was selected with the 12th overall pick in the 2019 draft. Washington spent four seasons with the Hornets, before signing a three-year, $48 million extension to stay in Charlotte prior to the 2023-24 season.
The 25-year-old has become one of the valued floor-spacing forwards in the NBA, with the ability to provide roster versatility on both sides of the court. Washington is averaging 13.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 44 games this season.
Charlotte Christian School graduate and former Duke Blue Devil Seth Curry with his father, Hornets legend Dell Curry in 2012. Photo: Don Juan Moore / AP
Charlotte native Seth Curry (the son of former Hornets legend Dell Curry and the brother of Steph Curry), who graduated from Charlotte Christian School, will return home. Curry is one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA, with a career 43.2% shooting percentage from behind the arc. Curry’s playing style is heavily predicated on off-ball movement, a much-needed dimension for this Hornets team.
Another Charlotte native and Providence Day School graduate, Grant Williams, will also return to the Queen City. The fifth-year forward has experience playing deep in the postseason, making the Finals with the Boston Celtics in 2022. Williams signed a four-year, $53.3 million deal with the Celtics prior to the 2023-24 season, before being dealt to the Mavericks.
Dallas will also send a 2027 first-round draft pick (top-two protected) to the Hornets, and will receive two second-rounders (2024 and 2028) in return.
The Hornets’ moves at the trade deadline have shown that the organization is committed to building around their young backcourt. Charlotte has targeted floor spacers with roster versatility that can play alongside Ball and Miller, without needing the ball to be effective.
A North Carolina license plate agency that often draws long lines out into the parking lot, will close next week after the current operator announced her retirement, a spokesman for the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles said Thursday.
The busy agency, at 125 N. Main St. in Mooresville, is set to close on Feb. 14 at 5 p.m., NCDMV spokesperson John Brockwell said in a news release. Pamela Morgan, who’s been operating the agency since 2015, is retiring.
The shutdown should be temporary, though.
“A new agency will open under a selected contractor at a later date,” according to the news release.
People who need services will need to visit a license plate agency in another town, Brockwell said in the news release.
In response to a public records request by the Observer, NCDOT released figures showing the Mooresville agency completed 165,094 total transactions from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and 74,747 transactions between July 1 and Dec. 31, 2023.
DMV license plate agencies near Mooresville
NCDMV recommends people who use the Mooresville agency visit any of these five nearby agencies until the Mooresville location re-opens with a new contractor. Each is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, except for Huntersville, which operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays:
▪ Statesville, 121 W. Water St.
▪ Salisbury, 130 E. Kerr St.
▪ Kannapolis, 1509 Dale Earnhardt Blvd.
▪ Concord, 929-D Concord Pkwy. S.
▪ Huntersville Express, 12101 Mount Holly-Huntersville Rd..
The state’s 117 license plate agencies offer vehicle registration services and title transactions, vehicle license plate renewals, replacement tags and duplicate registrations.
Many of the services are available online, including property tax payments and registration renewals. Visit MyNCDMV.gov.
This story was originally published February 8, 2024, 3:28 PM.
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Joe Marusak has been a reporter for The Charlotte Observer since 1989 covering the people, municipalities and major news events of the region, and was a news bureau editor for the paper. He currently reports on breaking news. Support my work with a digital subscription
A man was injured in a police shooting in Charlotte on Thursday, authorities said.
The shooting happened Thursday morning on the 2100th block of Beatties Ford Road, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
There was a heavy police presence outside the Fast Mart #5 convenience store late Thursday morning.
The man had life-threatening injuries when he was taken to the hospital, according to MEDIC. Police said the man was awake, speaking and alert at the hospital Thursday afternoon and will survive his injuries.
No officers were hurt, police said.
Police said two officers went behind the convenience store and one ran toward them and pulled out a gun, pointing it at the officers.
One of the officers shot the man, who has not been named, CMPD said. The officers started first aid on the man immediately, police said.
SPECTRUM NEWS 1 SPECIAL REPORT: POLICE SHOOTINGS IN NORTH CAROLINA
The Charlotte Hornets have agreed to trade Gordon Hayward to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Tre Mann, Davis Bertans, Vasilije Micic, and two second-round draft picks (2024 and 2025), according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Hayward signed a four-year, $120 million deal with the Hornets in 2020, choosing to decline his $34 million player option that would’ve kept him in Boston. Hayward is in the last year of his deal ($31.5 million) and will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
Thunder are finalizing a trade to send Tre Mann and Davis Bertans to the Hornets for Gordon Hayward, per @wojespnpic.twitter.com/AC8jxVBmOp
Former Hornets majority owner Michael Jordan showed interest in Hayward prior to 2020, extending an offer sheet in 2014 that was signed by Hayward, but ultimately matched by Utah to retain the restricted free agent.
Hayward’s tenure in Charlotte has been marred by injuries, playing in only 168 games throughout four seasons. He last suited up for the Hornets on December 26 in a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers and is currently averaging 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 25 games this season.
Tre Mann is in his third NBA season, and the No. 18 pick in the 2021 draft out of University of Florida will provide much-needed depth at the point guard position for the Hornets. Ish Smith and Cody Martin have been Charlotte’s primary point guard options due to LaMelo Ball’s absence. The Hornets also added perimeter shooting in the frontcourt with the acquisition of Davis Bertans. Bertans shoots 39.8% from the perimeter for his career, giving Charlotte a reliable floor spacer.
The Thunder are including Vasilije Micic and draft compensation to the deal, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/IXEJ7ibaC1
Neapolitan, Chicago deep-dish, New York-style, Sicilian, Detroit-style. Everyone has their favorite take on this universally loved food. Order it with thin crust, extra cheese, vegetarian toppings, or gluten-free. In no particular order, here’s where you can find each of these options across Charlotte.
Pizza Baby 2135 Thrift Road, Ste. 101 980-207-1320 Pizza Baby was born in Charlotte, but its 18-inch New York-style pies might have you believe otherwise. Co-owners Trey Wilson and Steven De Falco took bread-making courses with pizzaiolos in Long Island and tested 29 dough recipes before they opened Pizza Baby in Wesley Heights.
The Classic Cheese gets everything right, with crispy edges, bubbling cheese, and smoky flavor. For something a little more complex, try the Prosciutto di Parma with arugula, shaved Parmesan, fig spread, and balsamic glaze.
Osteria Luca’s Prosciutto di Parma pie. Photo by Peter Taylor.
Sal’s Pizza Factory 3723 Monroe Road 980-219-7108 Sal’s has made believers of those New Yorkers who can’t stop complaining about the city’s lack of “good pizza.”
Benny Pennello’s 2909 N. Davidson St., Ste. 100 980-949-8398 Benny’s, known for its 28-inch Virginia-style pizzas with slices so big they’re served on two paper plates, has a sister location called Benny Ferrovia’s in South End.
Luisa’s Brick Oven Pizzeria 1730 Abbey Place 704-522-8782 Order the pizza named for founder Luisa Land, stacked with sliced tomatoes, garlic, ricotta, and pesto.
The Pizza Peel & Tap Room Multiple locations Find inspired pies like The Godfather, a white pizza with a garlic oil base topped with three meats—salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni—plus spinach and roasted red peppers.
Photo by Peter Taylor.
Stagioni 715 Providence Road 704-372-8110 Cut into this wood-fired pie with pizza shears and savor that first warm, cheesy bite.
Portofino’s Italian Restaurant Multiple locations The house-made dough and sauce is the way you’d have it on the coast of northern Italy.
Hawthorne’s New York Pizza and Bar Multiple locations Hawthorne’s made national headlines when nearly 70 visitors reported that the restaurant’s buffalo chicken pizza—nicknamed “The Inducer”—sent pregnant Charlotteans straight into labor.
Aliño Pizzeria 500 S Main St., Ste. 401, Mooresville The wood-fired pies at this spacious Mooresville spot are thin as can be, making it acceptable for a single person to indulge in a full 16-inch pizza (the smallest size).
Zio 116 Middleton Drive 704-344-0100 The pizza crust is crisp, the tomato sauce is homemade, and herbs come from the patio garden.
Emmy Squared Pizza Multiple locations The Detroit-style pizza menu is split between Reds (topped with sauce and mozzarella) and Whites (topped with just mozzarella). The Hot Chicken pie is a White, and a major hit.
The Jimmy 2839 Selwyn Ave., Ste. X 704-979-4242 You can get a traditional Margherita, but for something a bit more adventurous, try the Funghi, aka “Jimmy’s Pie,” topped with roasted mushrooms, taleggio cheese, and balsamic reduction.
Inizio Pizza Napoletana Multiple locations This family-friendly spot serves Neapolitan pizzas that include traditional Margherita pie and the just-quirky-enough Pistachio Pesto pie.
Salud Cerveceria 3306 N. Davidson St., Ste. C 980-495-6612 Salud’s 12-inch, wood-fired pies match the quality of its stellar beer.
A rectangular Grandma Pie from Geno D’s Pizza. Photo by Peter Taylor.
Geno D’s Pizza 224 E. Seventh St. 704-900-5202 The “Jersey Shore-style” pizza joint comes from father-and-daughter team Geno and Gena DiPaolo, and options include a rectangle, sauce-on-top, Grandma-style ’za.
Capishe: Real Italian Kitchen 500 East Morehead Street 980-819-9494 This fast-casual joint slings fresh, handmade Neapolitan pizzas that typically cook within two minutes.
Bird Pizzeria 510 E. 15th St. Described by its owners as “East Coast-style” pizza, this Optimist Park spot prepares three kinds of pie—plain, vegan, and white—with your choice of nine toppings on charred crust.
Mama Ricotta’s 601 S. King’s Dr., Ste. AA 704-343-0148 Classic Italian entrées like lasagna and penne alla vodka tend to be the main attraction here, but don’t miss out on Mama Ricotta’s Neapolitan-style pizza.
Libretto’s Pizzeria 15205 John J Delaney Dr 704-714-1442 After operating Libretto’s in Manhattan for years, the owner moved his family and his pizzeria down South. You’ll find authentic NYC pizza, traditional Italian plates, deli sandwiches and wings.
House of Pizza 3640 Central Ave 704-459-1161 A Charlotte staple since 1978, their staple is their pie, but loyal customers also rave about the famous Philly Sub.
Pizzeria Omaggio 1055 Metropolitan Ave, Suite 130 704-370-0777 They call themselves passionate pizza makers – a claim you can taste in their seasonal pizza menu. On the regular menu, try the Emilia.
To celebrate Black History Month, the Carolina Hurricanes revealed a new “Black Excellence” jersey designed by North Carolina artist, Mike Jones. The special edition hockey jersey quickly sold out following the release.
The sleek black Adidas jersey features a multicolored rose which replaces the team’s primary hurricane logo. The numbers on the back of the jersey are detailed with 23 thorns, representing the number of players on an NHL roster. The inspiration for the jersey? Tupac Shakur’s poem, “The Rose That Grew From Concrete,” served as the main design cue for the logo.
Inspired by Tupac Shakur’s poem, “The Rose That Grew From Concrete,” the jersey features a multicolored rose which replaces the team’s primary hurricane logo. Model: Kaia Bryant / Photo: Malik Gist
“As I was looking at a rose, it kind of reminded me of seeing a hurricane on a graph,” Jones said. “A rose can symbolize many different things, including love and passion, and you have to have love and passion for the game.”
Tupac Shakur’s poem, “The Rose That Grew From Concrete.” Photo: Malik Gist
The rose has a deeper meaning as it relates to the sport of hockey. In 2022, the NHL released its first-ever comprehensive diversity and inclusion report, revealing roughly 93% of the league consisted of white players, with the 7% being Black, Latino, Arab, Asian, or Indigenous, according to Kim Davis, who joined the NHL as Executive Vice President of Social Impact in 2017.
The numbers on the back of the jersey are detailed with 23 thorns, representing the number of players on an NHL roster. Photo: Marc Prosper
Jones, who is a big advocate for pursuing dreams and supporting youth programs, sees the rose as sort of a motif for the NHL’s pursuit of diversity and inclusivity.
“A rose from concrete can be symbolism for not letting somebody deter you from blossoming or being successful, even if it’s in an environment where it doesn’t seem possible,” Jones said.
Hurricanes “Black Excellence” jersey designed by Mike Jones. Model: Kaia Bryant / Photo: Malik Gist
This isn’t the first jersey Jones has helped design for a professional sports team. Last year, he worked with Charlotte FC’s creative director Taylor Banner on their “Excellence Was Once A Dream” campaign that saw his designs on game-worn jersey numbers, and on the club’s June 2023 Scarf of the Month. It represented the North Carolina creatives who have inspired him to pursue his dreams. People like Victor Lytvinenko (Raleigh Workshop), who Jones considers to be a mentor and motivator in his fashion and design pursuits.
Jones now wants to help the next generation of creatives in North Carolina through his agency, VIOLET, by working on programs that provide photography students with camera equipment, laptops, and Adobe subscriptions in the near future. Proceeds from the sales of the “Black Excellence” jerseys, which retailed at $450, benefited Durham Success Summit, a non-profit organization that provides professional development experiences to young Black men from the ages of 16 through 24.
Jones was recognized at the game on Tuesday night and presented the non-profit with the news.
“The whole experience was so overwhelming and warming,” he said. “It is truly a moment I’ll never forget, especially seeing the reaction of the Durham Success Summit after presenting them with the proceeds of the jersey.”
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