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Sunday, January 31, 2016
Arts / Today's Top Five Today's Top 5: Sunday
Posted By Anita Overcash on Sun, Jan 31, 2016 at 7:00 AM
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, Jan. 31, 2016 as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.
• Cradle of Filth at The Fillmore
• Antigone at UpStage
• In the Mood at Knight Theater
• King Kountry Wayne at The Comedy Zone
• Wicked at Ovens Auditorium
• Cradle of Filth at The Fillmore
• Antigone at UpStage
• In the Mood at Knight Theater
• King Kountry Wayne at The Comedy Zone
• Wicked at Ovens Auditorium
Saturday, January 30, 2016
Arts / Today's Top Five Today's Top 5: Saturday
Posted By Anita Overcash on Sat, Jan 30, 2016 at 7:00 AM
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, Jan. 30, 2016 as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.
• Radok Fest at Snug Harbor
• Charlotte Mini-Con at Grady Cole Center
• 2016 Greater Charlotte Health & Fitness Expo at The Park Expo & Conference Center
• 2016 Tết at Oasis Shriners
• Pop-Up Valentine's Jewelry Market at Free Range Brewing Company
• Radok Fest at Snug Harbor
• Charlotte Mini-Con at Grady Cole Center
• 2016 Greater Charlotte Health & Fitness Expo at The Park Expo & Conference Center
• 2016 Tết at Oasis Shriners
• Pop-Up Valentine's Jewelry Market at Free Range Brewing Company
Friday, January 29, 2016
Sunday's Hallmark Channel flick has Charlotte ties
Posted By Anita Overcash on Fri, Jan 29, 2016 at 2:03 PM
If you’ve already sworn off Hallmark Channel’s movies for making you too sentimental, then now is a time to consider switching up your TV viewing habits. That’s because the channel’s upcoming premiere of The Ultimate Legacy, the third firm in the Ultimate Gift trilogy, on Sunday, Jan. 31 has a local tie.
Joanne Hock of GreyHawk Films (she’s co-owner, cinematographer, director, writer and creative director over there) in Charlotte directed the flick, which is based on a trio of novels by author Jim Stovall. The film, shot in Kentucky due to better film tax incentive programs than here in North Carolina, stars Bill Cobbs, Brian Dennehy, Raquel Welch and Lee Meriwether.
It’s described as being family-friendly, but the story is filled with characters facing ups and downs as they partake in the game of life. Just remember (in the case of one of any emotional scenes): We all need a good cry every once in a while. If your eyes start welling up with tears, just let them flow. No need to worry about mascara runs behind closed doors.
Joanne Hock of GreyHawk Films (she’s co-owner, cinematographer, director, writer and creative director over there) in Charlotte directed the flick, which is based on a trio of novels by author Jim Stovall. The film, shot in Kentucky due to better film tax incentive programs than here in North Carolina, stars Bill Cobbs, Brian Dennehy, Raquel Welch and Lee Meriwether.
It’s described as being family-friendly, but the story is filled with characters facing ups and downs as they partake in the game of life. Just remember (in the case of one of any emotional scenes): We all need a good cry every once in a while. If your eyes start welling up with tears, just let them flow. No need to worry about mascara runs behind closed doors.
News Lunch Break (1/29/2016): Two men involved in fatal single-car accident
Posted By Madeline Lemieux on Fri, Jan 29, 2016 at 12:15 PM
Police have released the identities of two young men involved in a fatal single-car accident that occurred late Thursday night near UNC Charlotte. The accident occurred when Martin Juan Duran Palma, 34, was driving down Heathway Drive in a pickup truck and failed to adequately brake where the road dead-ends and makes a 90 degree turn onto Timberway Drive. Instead of turning, the truck traveled straight off the road and collided into a tree. In an updated press release this morning, CMPD confirmed that “speed and alcohol are factors in the crash,” and added that the men were not wearing seat belts. Responders found Palma deceased at the scene; passenger Olegario Nava Saldana, 23, was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. An investigation has been opened with CMPD’s Major Crash Investigation Unit. (Madeline Lemieux)
After a thorough investigation that spanned the Carolinas, two arrests were made Thursday in connection with a triple homicide that occurred on December 4, 2015, in the Steele Creek area. Initial police reports revealed that the murders of Naquivs Aqueece Benson, Jarvis Mandrell Benson, and Javarius Deshawn McGee were believed to be drug related. In a press release Thursday evening, CMPD homicide detectives identified the suspects as Antonio Lafloyd Robinson, 34, and Jovon Raymar Twitty, 34, and confirmed that both men were in custody and facing murder charges. Robinson, captured Thursday morning in Lancaster, SC, awaits extradition while Twitty, arrested the same day in Charlotte, is being interviewed at CMPD headquarters. (Madeline Lemieux)
Thousands of Panthers fans are expected to flock to uptown’s Romare Bearden Park for a Panthers Pride Rally, scheduled to begin at noon today. The event will include cameos from the Carolina TopCats, team mascot Sir Purr, and North Carolina Mayor Pat McCrory. Fans are also promised an appearance from Panthers players, but specific names weren’t announced. Select Uptown streets began closing Thursday morning in advance of the rally, as event personnel anticipate crowds that will overflow the park into the streets, which neighbor BB&T Ballpark and Bank of America Stadium. (WSOC staff)
Christopher Crump, 64, was arrested on child pornography charges after Gaston County Police conducted a month-long investigation that uncovered graphic sexual material involving children in his possession. Crump, retired at the time of his arrest, had lead an JROTC army training program at Gastonia’s Hunter Huss High School for 18 years. Crump is held in Gaston County jail on $150,000 bond, awaiting his February court appearance. He was denied a public defender. (Ty Chandler, WCNC)
In a proposal that could cost Mecklenburg County upwards of an estimated $16.7 million, and result in another tax increase for Charlotte residents, CMPD has outlined plans to create over 200 new jobs throughout the department — including 125 officer positions, and 80 civilian jobs. The proposed staff increase, which comes in response to Charlotte’s continued growth, comes as council members convene for a budget meeting in Winston-Salem. (Steve Harrison, Charlotte Observer)
After a thorough investigation that spanned the Carolinas, two arrests were made Thursday in connection with a triple homicide that occurred on December 4, 2015, in the Steele Creek area. Initial police reports revealed that the murders of Naquivs Aqueece Benson, Jarvis Mandrell Benson, and Javarius Deshawn McGee were believed to be drug related. In a press release Thursday evening, CMPD homicide detectives identified the suspects as Antonio Lafloyd Robinson, 34, and Jovon Raymar Twitty, 34, and confirmed that both men were in custody and facing murder charges. Robinson, captured Thursday morning in Lancaster, SC, awaits extradition while Twitty, arrested the same day in Charlotte, is being interviewed at CMPD headquarters. (Madeline Lemieux)
Thousands of Panthers fans are expected to flock to uptown’s Romare Bearden Park for a Panthers Pride Rally, scheduled to begin at noon today. The event will include cameos from the Carolina TopCats, team mascot Sir Purr, and North Carolina Mayor Pat McCrory. Fans are also promised an appearance from Panthers players, but specific names weren’t announced. Select Uptown streets began closing Thursday morning in advance of the rally, as event personnel anticipate crowds that will overflow the park into the streets, which neighbor BB&T Ballpark and Bank of America Stadium. (WSOC staff)
Christopher Crump, 64, was arrested on child pornography charges after Gaston County Police conducted a month-long investigation that uncovered graphic sexual material involving children in his possession. Crump, retired at the time of his arrest, had lead an JROTC army training program at Gastonia’s Hunter Huss High School for 18 years. Crump is held in Gaston County jail on $150,000 bond, awaiting his February court appearance. He was denied a public defender. (Ty Chandler, WCNC)
In a proposal that could cost Mecklenburg County upwards of an estimated $16.7 million, and result in another tax increase for Charlotte residents, CMPD has outlined plans to create over 200 new jobs throughout the department — including 125 officer positions, and 80 civilian jobs. The proposed staff increase, which comes in response to Charlotte’s continued growth, comes as council members convene for a budget meeting in Winston-Salem. (Steve Harrison, Charlotte Observer)
News / sports Top 10 reasons to love the Carolina Panthers
Posted By Ryan Pitkin on Fri, Jan 29, 2016 at 11:40 AM
We'll start by saying that lists like the ones below aren’t the type of thing you’ll regularly see in Creative Loafing, but following the publication of a click bait listicle titled “The Top 10 Reasons to Hate the Carolina Panthers” by an unnamed alt weekly in Phoenix leading up to the NFC Championship game, we felt the need to stand by our boys.
Now, we could have stooped to that level and tried some similar nonsense tearing apart the Denver Broncos team or Arizona Cardinals fans (although we’re pretty sure there are none left after only two fans showed up to meet them in Phoenix following the loss) but we’d rather stay positive and share the 10 reasons we couldn’t be more excited for February 7.
Enjoy…and Keep Pounding.
10. Michael Oher…The Blind Side guy is finally having his come-uppance
Michael Oher was certainly a big name coming out of the draft; an Oscar-nominated film depicting his life as a troubled black youth adopted by a well-to-do white woman played by Sandra Bullock certainly made him one of the most visible players in the 2009 draft.
He never panned out as the great player fans of the movie hoped he could be, and after being signed by the Panthers in 2015, he made it known to reporters that he was sick of talking about The Blind Side and believes the movie, which he didn't even like, hurt his career.
On Wednesday, Cam Newton said he made an extra effort to recruit Oher to the Panthers, mainly with texts like one saying, “I fucking need you.” He ended up being very right. While Oher has still struggled to be effective as a run blocker this year, he has been a huge help in pass protection on Newton’s blind side (We know, we know).
9. Best uniforms in the NFL
This is not just us talking; the Panthers’ all-black jerseys were literally voted the best NFL uniforms of all time by fans in an NFL.com poll two years ago.
They chose not to go with the all-blacks, however, and will be rocking the black jerseys with silver pants and helmets at Super Bowl 50 in San Francisco on February 7.
The only uniform combination out of the question for the Panthers at the Super Bowl was the all-white pairing they’ve been donning in both playoff wins thus far. As the home team, the Denver Broncos had first pick for unis and went with their own white road outfits, with owner John Elway stating that the Broncos’ 0-4 Super Bowl record while wearing orange played a part in the decision.
With a team like this year’s Panthers, though, who needs superstition?
Arts / Today's Top Five Today's Top 5: Friday
Posted By Anita Overcash on Fri, Jan 29, 2016 at 10:43 AM
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, Jan. 29, 2016 as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.
• Brothers Osborne at The Fillmore
• Panthers Pep Rally at Romare Bearden Park
• The Business People at Visulite Theatre
• Freestyle Friday Paint Party at Vida Vida
• Sinfonica at Knight Theater
• Brothers Osborne at The Fillmore
• Panthers Pep Rally at Romare Bearden Park
• The Business People at Visulite Theatre
• Freestyle Friday Paint Party at Vida Vida
• Sinfonica at Knight Theater
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Arts / Today's Top Five Today's Top 5: Thursday
Posted By Anita Overcash on Thu, Jan 28, 2016 at 5:07 PM
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, Jan. 28, 2016 as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.
• Reverend Horton Heat at Neighborhood Theatre
• Pencils & Pixels: Charlotte Cartoonists, Illustrators & Comic Artists exhibit at Queens University of Charlotte
• Rave Trivia at VBGB
• Intervention at Petra's
• Joey Diaz at The Comedy Zone
• Reverend Horton Heat at Neighborhood Theatre
• Pencils & Pixels: Charlotte Cartoonists, Illustrators & Comic Artists exhibit at Queens University of Charlotte
• Rave Trivia at VBGB
• Intervention at Petra's
• Joey Diaz at The Comedy Zone
News Lunch Break (1/28/16): Cam Newton points out racism as reason for high level of criticism
Posted By Ryan Pitkin on Thu, Jan 28, 2016 at 11:30 AM
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has decided to confront an issue that's been clear to many people paying attention to the level of criticism he's received throughout his career, stating at a press conference yesterday that he believes some of that criticism is based on his race. Newton said the fact he's an African-American quarterback scares people, "because they haven't seen nothing that they can compare me to." (Fox46 Staff) Despite being the leading frontrunner for MVP this season and leading the Panthers to a near perfect record with only one loss thus far, Newton has faced an amazing amount of criticism. That includes almost regular letters to the editor published in the Charlotte Observer written by fans of teams he has beaten, chiding him for celebrating touchdowns, removing other teams' merchandise from the front rows of Bank of America Stadium and just about any other reason they can find to dislike him.
Cam Newton today responded to the critics he'll face heading into the Super Bowl. https://t.co/dQKmSDQ4iK pic.twitter.com/4Ds8NbABUf
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) January 27, 2016Hundreds in east Charlotte have been without power this morning after a vehicle crashed into a utility pole on E W.T. Harris Boulevard at about 2:30 a.m. The accident happened near Idlewild Road, and closed the southbound lanes of Harris Boulevard during the morning commute while also leaving nearly 300 homes without power, most of which are in the Waterford Creek Apartments. As of 9 a.m., the homes were still powerless and it was unclear what time it would be restored. Police said they are still looking for the vehicle that wrecked into the pole. (WSOC Staff)
At a press conference yesterday afternoon, local police and FBI officials discussed the Wednesday morning raids on homes throughout the Belmont neighborhood near NoDa that resulted in the arrest of 19 people on state and federal drug charges. Overall, 22 people are in custody and six more are on the run for charges stemming from the federal investigation. The group of suspects is of a diversity ages, from men and women in their 20s to their 60s, most of whom have prior drug records that will help put them away for longer prison sentences. (WBTV Web Staff)
CMPD, FBI conduct large scale drug bust in Belmont https://t.co/B6ytCpANNu #charlotte #clt
— Explore The Mill (@ExploreTheMill) January 28, 2016A man was arrested and charged after allegedly firing at a police officer responding to a disturbance in Cramerton last night. Four suspects were taken into custody, but Devin Richard Killian faced the most serious charges, including first-degree burglary, assault with a deadly weapon on a government official, conspiracy to commit burglary, discharging a firearm within the town limits and attempted first-degree murder. He is being held in the Gaston County Jail without bond. (WCNC Staff)
A judge announced yesterday that a pool of 600 potential jurors would be needed for the selection process in the upcoming trial of Dylann Roof, charged with the racially-motivated murder of nine parishioners at a Charleston church last year. The judge said the large pool of jurors will be needed because of the complexity of the case. The trial is set to begin on July 11. Roof will be facing the death penalty. (Associated Press via WCCB)
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Arts / Today's Top Five Today's Top 5: Wednesday
Posted By Anita Overcash on Wed, Jan 27, 2016 at 1:24 PM
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, Jan. 27, 2016 as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.
• Marianas Trench at The Fillmore
• Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus at Time Warner Cable Arena
• Blues & Funk at BluNotes
• The Children of Children Keep Coming at Duke Energy Theater
• Parks & Recreation - What's Ahead at Freedom Park Pavilion
• Marianas Trench at The Fillmore
• Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus at Time Warner Cable Arena
• Blues & Funk at BluNotes
• The Children of Children Keep Coming at Duke Energy Theater
• Parks & Recreation - What's Ahead at Freedom Park Pavilion
News Lunch Break (1/27/16): West Charlotte driver hospitalized after crash with empty school bus
Posted By Ryan Pitkin on Wed, Jan 27, 2016 at 11:30 AM
A driver was injured after rear-ending a school bus with no students aboard this morning in west Charlotte. The crash reportedly happened at around 5 a.m. on Freedom Drive near the I-85 interchange. It's unclear at this time what bus the school was servicing. The driver of the vehicle was reportedly transported to the hospital. (WBTV Web Staff)
A broken water line in Newton has forced officials to cut off water service to the entire town, closing schools and the Catawba County courthouse. There are an estimated 6,000 water customers in Newton, who are now being asked to boil water or use bottled water while crews work to fix the line. The repair could take several hours. (WSOC Staff)
Cleveland County law enforcement is currently investigating a homicide in Kings Mountain after an ongoing dispute between neighbors came to a head this morning. A man allegedly shot one of his neighbors, with whom he had been arguing over a right of way near their home, at around 7 a.m. this morning on Mann Court. The man was reportedly arguing with a couple, though it is unclear whether he shot the man or woman. The suspect is in custody but has not yet been charged. (WCNC Staff)
At its meeting last night, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education approved a survey to be given to CMS parents and students, as well as Mecklenburg residents without children, in what it hopes to be the first step in developing a student assignment plant that will desegregate the school system and decrease the amount of schools with majority low-income students. The survey will go live on the CMS website on Friday and remain up for anyone to participate in until February 22. The survey will also be available in Spanish. (Fox46 Staff)
One militant is dead and seven others are in custody in Oregon following a traffic stop on a highway near the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge yesterday, which has been occupied by anti-government militants since Jan. 2. Robert "Lavoy" Finicum was reportedly killed by FBI agents as they tried to apprehend him and others involved with the standoff on a highway leaving town. Among those arrested was ringleader Ammon Bundy. His brother, Ryan Bundy, suffered a minor gunshot wound, according to officials. The FBI has since created roadblocks around the refuge and told the people inside that they're free to go, although most have stayed. (Robbie DiMesio, Oregonian)
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Today's Top 5: Wednesday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today.
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Question the Queen City: The unsolved death of Delette Nycum 2
The trial that followed was nothing short of a Charlotte version of the O.J. Simpson spectacle.
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Question the Queen City: What is the story of Washington Heights? 2
It served as the first community for middle-class African Americans and remains a symbol of their struggles - and successes
