The 2-6-2026 Edition of The Charlotte Weekly Union County

By Alan Wooten Contributor

(The Center Square) – The City of Monroe has agreed to a settlement with resident Lisa Metzger over First Amendment rights.

At issue was a requirement for public comments made at city council meetings to be

preceded with a pronouncement of primary home address. at step has been ended, as has rules related to decorum. e previous rule forbid language described as “insulting,” “rude,” “abusive,” “personal” and “public ridicule” when speaking of town o cials.

“I'm grateful to the Liberty Justice Center for helping bring a resolution and victory, not

diagnosis. Photos courtesy of Go Jen Go

CHARLOTTE

– The Go Jen Go Foundation has opened registration for the Run Jen Run 5K & Festival.

e 14th annual fundraiser takes place from 7 to 10 a.m. March 21 at TowneBank Symphony Park in SouthPark. It will feature a 5K, Fun Run, festival with music and family fun zone with games and bounce houses.

ere will also be food vendors and sponsors showcasing their businesses. Consolidated Planning is returning as title sponsor. Presenting sponsors are Coastal Bridge Advisors and Smiley’s 4 C’s Charitable Endowment. Participants can register to run or walk individually or as a team. ere is also a Sleep In Supporter/Virtual option for those unable to attend in person.

Race-day registration fees on March 21 are $45 for the 5K, $30 for the Fun Run and $40 for Sleep In Supporter/Virtual. Get $5 o if registered between Feb. 4 and March 20. ere is no charge for breast cancer ghters, survivors or thrivers to participate but registration is required. Visit runjenrun5K.com for details and to sign up as a participant or volunteer.

Signs of Hope can be purchased in honor of loved ones who are battling breast cancer or are in remission. ey can also be purchased in memory of those who have passed away.

e event will feature Hope Village for breast cancer patients to be celebrated and enjoy a space to relax, feel supported and connect with one another.

Proceeds go to e Go Jen Go Foundation, which supports families in the greater Charlotte area facing the nancial burden of a breast cancer diagnosis. e nonpro t

MONROE – The City of Monroe has declared Stage 1 Water Conservation effective Jan. 28 as dry conditions continue across North Carolina and the region. is decision follows Monroe’s Code of Ordinances, which outlines that the city enters Stage 1 once available water supply reaches approximately 180 days remaining. While the area has received some recent rainfall and wintry mix, overall drought conditions remain severe across much of the state, including Monroe. Dry ground conditions and reduced in ows to lakes and reservoirs mean long-term water supplies remain under stress. With less water naturally replenishing these sources, it becomes more important for communities to use water wisely.

Stage 1 is an awareness-focused step that encourages simple, everyday ways to reduce unnecessary water use while the city continues actively managing water resources. is

is a voluntary phase of water conservation. ere are no mandatory restrictions, penalties or rate increases associated with Stage 1.

“Stage 1 is about being proactive and thoughtful,” City Manager Mark Watson said. “Even though we have seen some recent precipitation, drought conditions remain severe. By encouraging voluntary conservation now and continuing to manage our water system carefully, we are taking responsible steps to protect reliable service for our community.”

In addition to encouraging voluntary conservation, the City of Monroe is managing water resources and planning ahead to ensure reliable drinking water for residents and businesses. Current e orts include evaluating potential use of the city’s recently acquired aquifer-fed-lake for future system integration, reviewing additional operational and regional options should dry conditions continue, and monitoring system performance, usage patterns and

The Run Jen Run 5K & Festival is the signature fundraiser for the Go Jen Go Foundation, which supports families

Monroe citizen gets First Amendment victory in settlement

just for myself, but for all people who wish to speak at Monroe City Council meetings,” Metzger said, referring to the law rm taking her case. “ e fact that people who wish to address the city council will no longer have to give their home addresses before speaking, along with the repealing of vague decorum rules, is a win for free speech and the First Amendment.”

Run Jen Run 5K and Festival returning to region

supports more than 110 families per month. Its patient assistance program helps cover household expenses, including housing, utilities, transportation and groceries/necessities while a patient undergoes breast cancer treatment. ere are also programs that provide camp opportunities for our grantees’ children and deliver gifts during the holidays.

On the web: gojengo.org

City of Monroe calls on residents to use water wisely

weather conditions.

Stage 1 voluntary conservation applies only to City of Monroe Water Utility customers. Other customers should contact their local provider with any questions.

During Stage 1, residents and businesses are encouraged to take simple steps to reduce unnecessary water use, including xing leaks and running toilets, keeping showers brief, turning o faucets when not in use, running only full loads of laundry and dishes, avoiding washing driveways and sidewalks, limiting vehicle washing at home, and watering outdoors only as needed for plant survival.

e city will continue monitoring drought indicators and water system demand and will provide updates through its website, social media pages and customer contact information if conditions change.

More information about Stage 1 voluntary water conservation, including tips and frequently asked questions, is available at monroenc.org/m/news ash/home/detail/716.

Metzger’s complaint sought to restore “robust protections for free speech and the right to petition during Monroe City Council meetings.” e updated rules are e ective once a judge has formally dismissed the case pursuant to the settlement of the parties. e City of Monroe is not required to admit liability.

UCPS opens Pre-K, kindergarten enrollment this month

MONROE – Union County Public Schools will begin accepting applications this month for its 2026–27 pre-kindergarten programs and kindergarten enrollment.

UCPS o ers multiple early learning opportunities designed to meet the diverse needs of young learners.

Pre-K Programs

UCPS provides four distinct Pre-K options, each with specific eligibility requirements:

• Title I Pre-K: A free, full-day program for eligible 4-year-olds, o ered at select Title I schools.

• NC Pre-K: A no-cost, state-funded program for qualifying 4-year-olds, offered in partnership with the Alliance for Children.

• Pre-K Peer Pals: An inclusive program for children with and without special needs, available at select elementary schools.

• Exceptional Children Preschool: A specialized program for children ages 3 to 5 who qualify for special education services. Families are encouraged to review program guidelines carefully to nd the right t. UCPS is o ering three parent sessions to discuss Pre-K programs and the application process. Sta will be available to help parents complete Pre-K applications. Parents must bring proof of address and birth certi cates for students.

• Feb. 5 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Porter Ridge High Auditorium, 2839 Ridge Road, Indian Trail.

• Feb. 12 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Sun Valley High Auditorium, 5211 Old Charlotte Hwy., Monroe.

• Feb 26 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Central Academy of Technology & Arts, 600 Brewer Drive, Monroe. Families can also visit the Pre-K o ce located at Walter Bickett Education Center, 501 Lancaster Ave., Monroe, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to ask questions and get help with applications. Interpreters are available to provide support.

Kindergarten Enrollment

Enrollment for kindergarten begins this month for the 2026-27 school year. Enrollment is open to children who will turn 5 by Aug. 31. e enrollment process is completed online through In nite Campus.

ere is a wide range of academic opportunities available to families in UCPS elementary schools. In addition to a core curriculum, schools o er specialized programs such as:

• Dual Language Immersion.

• Arts-focused programs.

• Health Sciences.

• AgTech and Sustainable Energy.

• Leadership development programs. A full list of academic programs and resources can be found at ucpsnc.org/ academics.

Schools will also hold open houses/tours for families. Parents are encouraged to visit the school’s website and follow them on their social media pages for updates. To enroll, families will need to provide a birth certi cate, a certi ed immunization record, two proofs of residence and a completed Kindergarten Health Assessment Report before the rst day of school. Visit ucpsnc.org/enroll/kindergarten-enrollment for details about kindergarten enrollment and academic o erings.

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NEWSLETTER

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NEWS BRIEFS

NCDOT, contract crews plow snowy roads

CHARLOTTE – e N.C. Department of Transportation said snow fell throughout the Charlotte region Jan. 31, ranging to a foot or more in Division 10, which includes Anson, Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, Stanly and Union counties.

Leading up to the storm, crews applied more than 173,000 gallons of brine solution, a mixture of water and 23% salt across NCDOT’s ve-county bare pavement system on Jan. 29 and 30.

Once all roads were pretreated, crews began reporting Jan. 31 to begin de-icing activities, including plowing and applying salt as needed. Most roads in the division were partially or completely covered in snow on Feb. 1.

e department said it would use 72 NCDOT trucks and 121 contract trucks to monitor and treat all bare pavement routes until roadways are clear.

South Charlotte Partners focus on public safety

CHARLOTTE – South Charlotte Partners will discuss public safety at the next Breakfast Club meeting.

Residents will learn about the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s efforts to keep South Charlotte safe.

Police Chief Estella Patterson will discuss her background and priorities, such as reducing crime, enhancing community engagement and improving employee wellness and morale. She’ll also address topics such as sta ng, vehicle breakins and e-bikes. CMPD sta will also present crime stats and answer questions.

e breakfast will be held from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Feb. 19 at AC Hotel Charlotte Ballantyne (16th oor), 14819 Ballantyne Village Way. Register in advance at eventbrite.com. On the web: southcharlottepartners.com

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Steak 48 makes Most Romantic Restaurants

CHARLOTTE – Steak 48 made OpenTable’s Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in the U.S. for 2026.

This is the fourth year Steak 48 has made the list. It’s the only one from Charlotte to earn the distinction.

e recognition is based on diner reviews as well as metrics like ratings, reservation demand and how frequently diners tag their experience as “romantic.”

e family-owned and operated steakhouse opened its doors in SouthPark in December 2020. It strives for luxurious personal service and the highest quality menu of the highest quality USDA Prime Steaks, highest grade Wagyu selections from around the world and a raw bar featuring fresh seafood own in daily.

On the web: Steak48.com.

Mid-Atlantic Boat Show arrives at convenient center

CHARLOTTE - e Mid-Atlantic Boat Show takes place Feb. 5 to 8 at the Charlotte Convention Center

More than 400 new boats, ranging from luxury cruisers to pontoons, will ll the show oor, giving consumers the region’s largest opportunity to compare models, innovations and pricing in one place. Among the arrivals is the 2026 Axopar 45 Cross Top, a 45-foot vessel showcased by Je Brown Yachts of Wilmington. On the web: midatlanticboatshow.com

Donatos Pizza signs development deal in Charlotte COLUMBUS, OH – Donatos Pizza has signed a new development agreement in the Charlotte market. e new franchise partner’s rst location is expected to open in late 2026, with plans for additional growth.

is marks Donatos Pizza’s second multi-unit franchise group in the Greater Charlotte region, building

Charlotte Symphony music director wins Grammy

CHARLOTTE – Kwamé Ryan became the rst music director in the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra history to receive a Grammy Award. He attended the 68th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.

Ryan won Best Opera Recording for “Heggie: Intelligence,” recorded with the Houston Grand Opera.

“Kwamé Ryan’s Grammy win reflects what audiences in Charlotte experience every time he steps on the podium,” said David Fisk, president and CEO of the Charlotte Symphony. “We are incredibly proud of Kwamé and this well-deserved honor. He brings extraordinary clarity, emotional depth, and purpose to the music.”

Ryan will return to Charlotte to conduct the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra in Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 5” on Feb. 13 and 14 at Belk eater.

Polar plunge postponed due to weather

CORNELIUS – The inaugural Queen City Chill Polar Plunge scheduled for Jan. 31 has been postponed due to winter weather. e Polar Plunge will take place Feb. 22 at Ramsey Creek Park at Lake Norman.

e event invites people to jump into creek waters to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics North Carolina.

Participants can register as an individual for $75 or form a team of ve for $375 at https://give.specialolympicsnc.com/campaign/2026queen-city-chill-polar-plunge/ c730009.

Others can support the cause by donating to an individual or team fundraiser.

Funds support year-round sports training, competition, leadership opportunities and health services for Special Olympics athletes.

e event is being hosted by the

on the brand’s presence in Fort Mill.

Donatos already maintains a footprint in North Carolina through its partnership with Red Robin, where guests can enjoy the brand’s signature Edge to Edge pizzas. Building on that awareness, Donatos plans to bring its full menu to more communities. e menu includes pizzas, oven-baked wings, subs, salads and appetizers. On the web: donatosfranchise.com

Carolina Ascent FC names healthcare partners

CHARLOTTE – OrthoCarolina and Tryon Medical Partners have been named the Official Healthcare Providers of Carolina Ascent FC, Charlotte’s professional women’s soccer team. OrthoCarolina will provide orthopedic care. Tryon Medical Partners will deliver primary care and women’s healthcare.

e partnership takes e ect immediately as the Ascent prepares for the spring half of the season.

Services include orthopedic, primary and women’s healthcare, nutrition support, pre- and postseason screenings, weekly visits to the training facility, and medical coverage at all home matches.

“We are delighted to partner with OrthoCarolina and Tryon Medical Partners to give our players best-inclass healthcare,” head coach Philip Poole said. “We strive to ensure that our care is at the most professional level available.”

Cresswind Charlotte has 17 available homes left

CHARLOTTE – Kolter Homes announced that just 17 homes remain at Cresswind Charlotte.

Priced from the mid-$400,000s, the homes offer energy-efficient construction, modern layouts and accessible design elements. Floor plans range from about 1,500 to 2,600 square feet and include two to three bedrooms, up to three baths, and two- to three-car garages. Several oor plans are still available in the 55-plus community.

Prospective buyers are

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, the Huntersville Police Department, Special Olympics Mecklenburg County and Special Olympics Lake Norman.

Spectrum to air Super Bowl add STAMFORD, Conn. – Spectrum will spotlight the drive and determination of everyday Americans during the Super Bowl with a new 30-second commercial, “America’s Connectivity Company.”

e commercial celebrates people who work hard, work together and push through challenges, supported by Spectrum’s Fiber Broadband Network.

Created by VCCP and filmed across the country, the commercial features Spectrum employees and customers, including the company’s 90,000 U.S.-based workers who build and maintain its high-speed connectivity network. e ad highlights internet, WiFi and wireless service delivered to homes and businesses across 41 states, backed by 24/7 U.S.-based customer support.

e commercial will air in nearly 60 Spectrum markets during the Feb. 8 Super Bowl broadcast.

Students earn art awards

CHARLOTTE – Students from Ardrey Kell, East Mecklenburg, Myers Park and South Mecklenburg high schools submitted artwork that won 2026 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.

Gold Award winners were as follows:

• Ardrey Kell High: Taylor Felty, Tvisha Kumar, Adway Patel and Bella Wo ord,

• Myers Park High: Ty Clark, Alden Faherty and Charlotte Manning.

• South Mecklenburg High: Duncan Kennedy and Kaylee Navarro.

Silver Award winners were as follows:

• Ardrey Kell High: Adway Patel and Gabriel De Souza Teixeira.

• East Mecklenburg High: Allison

encouraged to visit the Cresswind Charlotte Model Park at 8913 Silver Springs Court. e model park is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Visit CresswindCharlotte.com to schedule a tour.

Charlotte Area Chamber events

CHARLOTTE –  e Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce hosts Co ee with the Chamber, Member Orientation and young professionals programming.

• Members network during Coffee with the Chamber from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Feb. 10 at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse SouthPark, 6000 Fairview Road, Charlotte. Members pay $0. Others pay $5. Register in advance.

• Members celebrate the grand opening of the Sack Company with a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 11 at 8200 Arrowridge Blvd., Suite E, Charlotte. Register in advance.

•  e Young Professionals Group hosts networking and bingo from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at Armored Cow Brewing Co., 8821 J.W. Clay Blvd., Charlotte. Members pay $15. Others pay $25. Register in advance.

• New and prospective members learn about the bene ts of the chamber during Member Orientation from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 12 at Alchemy CoWork, 2459 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte. Register in advance.

Visit charlotteareachamber.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.

Matthews Area Chamber events

MATTHEWS –  e Matthews

Area Chamber of Commerce hosts Coffee with the Commissioners and its Annual Awards Luncheon.

• Members learn about town issues during Co ee with the Commissioners from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Feb. 6 at Your Mom’s Donuts, 11025 Monroe Road, Matthews.

Ausman and Alexis Young.

• Myers Park High: Ty Clark, Alden Faherty, Akosua Okrah, Mira Szybiak and Henry Yingling,

• South Mecklenburg High: Caroline Fong and Caroline Lewis.

Furman University students make dean's list

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Several students from Union County made the fall semester dean’s list at Furman University. e following students earned a grade point average of 3.4 or higher on a four-point system to make the list:

• Matthews: Emily Grace Bernier, Kyra Michelle Cheek and Niharika Das Parui.

• Waxhaw: Anabelle Virginia Buxbaum, Vincent Angelo Jordan, Zachary Jackson Lee, Sarah Isabella Major, Jessica Christine Mattson, Luke Nathaniel McLeod, Taylor Marie Pollino, Devin Bryce Surratt and Davis Grant Wright.

• Weddington: Emma Elizabeth Jones.

Furman is a private, undergraduate liberal arts and sciences university of 2,550 students.

Quick Hits

• Winter weather may have prompted Bach Charlotte to postpone some WinterFest concerts but the nonpro t is preparing to put Charlotte Bach Festival passes on sale Feb. 16. e festival takes place May 28 to June 6.

•  e Jimmie Johnson Foundation awarded Champions Grants to seven schools including Harper Middle College High and Turning Point Academy.

• e Morehead-Cain Foundation named ve Charlotte–area high school teachers as 2026 Impact Educators: Lisa Hall (Providence), Susan Jenkins (Providence), Amy McNelis (Ballantyne Ridge), Lori Torone (Myers Park) and Kimberly Tuttle (Levine Middle College).

Register in advance.

• Jessi Rubenstein, of Edward Jones, and Chuck Wiedenhoeft, of e Pentagon Group Insurance, discuss nancial con dence as part of the Women in Business Series from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 9 at Fountains Matthews Apartment Homes, 10624 Parrish St., Matthews. Register in advance.

•  e chamber holds its Annual Awards Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 11 at Christ Covenant Church, 800 Fullwood Lane, Matthews. Advance registration costs $25 for members and $40 for others. Register in advance. Visit matthewschamber.org to learn more about the chamber and its events.

Mint Hill Chamber events

MINT HILL –  e Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce hosts Co ee Connections and Monthly Member Luncheon.

• Members network during Coffee Connections from 8 to 9 a.m. Feb. 6 at Chick- l-A Mint Hill, 7404 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill. Register in advance.

• Jim Sonefeld, of Hootie & e Blow sh, talks about his career and life during the Monthly Member Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 10 at Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation, 7500 Olde Sycamore Drive, Mint Hill. Members pay $18. Others pay $24. Register in advance. Visit minthillchamberofcommerce.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.

Pineville NC Chamber events PINEVILLE –  e Pineville NC Chamber of Commerce hosts its Co ee and Roundtable.

• e chamber hosts its monthly Co ee and Roundtable from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Feb. 11 at Hilton Garden Inn, 425 Towne Centre Blvd., Pineville. Register in advance. Visit pinevillencchamber.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.

Union County Chamber events MONROE –  e Union County Chamber of Commerce hosts a leadership seminar.

• Chiccorra Connor, of Occupancy Heros Incorporated, leads a chamber function, Unmasking Leadership: Owning Your Influence, Living Your Truth, and Leading Authentically, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 11 at Rolling Hills Country Club, 2722 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe. Members pay $35. Others pay $50. Register in advance.

Visit unioncountycoc.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.

Quick Hits

• Atrium Health Levine Children's Arboretum Pediatrics unveiled a community mural with e Basics Mecklenburg, according to Smart Start of Mecklenburg County.

• Jason’s Deli is celebrating Mardi Gras with the Mu aletta, which features ham, salami, provolone, Swiss and its signature, house-made olive mix served on a toasted muffaletta loaf.

• Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams celebrates Ice Cream for Breakfast Day on Feb. 7 with a 9 a.m. opening, House Co ee and Maple Soaked Pancakes avors, breakfast-inspired menu pairings, in-shop surprises and a chance to win free ice cream and co ee for a year.

• Nothing Bundt Cakes will o er a Banana Pudding Cake avor from Feb. 15 to April 5 in all cake sizes while supplies last.

• la Madeleine is launching a new Sweet Bakery Board with chocolate-covered strawberries, macarons, brownies, mini cheesecake, buttery pastries and sweet bites drizzled with chocolate. It’s available through Feb. 24 for $29.99.

• Taziki’s Mediterranean Café has rolled out Homemade Caper-Dill Sauce now through April 5. e brand has refreshed its menu with items such as Kýpelos Bowl, Street Gyro and Turkish Meatballs

Levine Museum plans future home in South End

CHARLOTTE

– Levine Museum of the New South is set to acquire 0.57 acres from Grace Covenant Church for its future home.

e site, located at 1800 South Blvd., includes two buildings totaling about 10,000 square feet and o ers access to public transit and Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

Richard Cooper, president and CEO of the Levine Museum of the New South, said the new campus represents a bold step forward for the museum and the city.

“It will be a gathering space where history sparks conversation and where diverse perspectives come together to explore what the

DINING SCORES

New South has been and what it is becoming,” Cooper said.

e museum has selected Pickard Chilton as the design architect for the project.

“ e Levine Museum of the New South project represents a rare opportunity to create an extraordinary place of lasting civic and cultural signi cance,” said Kristin Hawkins, associate principal at Pickard Chilton. “We are honored to partner with the Levine Museum to design a place that re ects the museum’s enduring commitment to history, storytelling and inclusive public engagement.”

Levine Museum of the New South will center its work on three core commitments:

• Sparking conversations around the dening issues of the New South.

• Fostering learning through immersive exhibitions and educational programs.

• Bringing people together across cultures, generations and perspectives.

Founded in 1990, Levine Museum of the New South occupied its rst physical location on Seventh Street in Uptown Charlotte from 2001 to 2022. In the past four years, the museum has hosted exhibitions and programs in spaces across the city while planning for its new home.

Since its inception, the museum has engaged more than 1.7 million people through exhibitions, digital storytelling, and

innovative civic programming.

“Levine Museum of the New South uses history as a way to connect people and spark understanding,” said Glen Wright, chair of the museum’s board of directors. “ is next chapter deepens that commitment by helping communities see themselves in the story of the South and inspiring participation toward a more inclusive future.” Meanwhile, the museum will continue its in-person and digital programming and host community engagement opportunities to help shape the design and programming on the new campus.

On the web: museumofthenewsouth.org

Podcast to record live with former lawmaker Doug Jones

CHARLOTTE – The “Our New South” podcast from Levine Museum of the New South will record live for the first time on Feb. 11 at Carolina Theatre.

Co-hosts Kevin Blackistone and Robert Greene II will interview former U.S. Senator Doug Jones, a renowned prosecutor who brought justice to the victims of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Alabama. e podcast, now in its third season, features the stories of in uential Southerners. It takes a more personal approach to storytelling this season, highlighting guests across professions and elds, including politics, culture, food, music and academia, showing how Southern identity and in uence shape the region and the nation today.

“Season 3 brings to life the diversity of Southern experiences, and the responsibilities

that come with understanding our region’s past and future,” said Richard Cooper, president and CEO of Levine Museum. “By sharing the stories of leaders across professions, we invite listeners to explore their own connections to the South, and engage in the kind of dialogue we try to foster every day.”

Jones shocked the political establishment in 2017 by winning a special election to ll a U.S. Senate seat in Alabama. He became the state’s rst Democrat to do so in 25 years.

While serving as U.S. Attorney, Jones prosecuted two of the four men responsible for the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church, bringing justice nearly 40 years after the attack that killed four girls.

“One thread other than Southerness that ties our guests together is they remind us how the South has been, and remains, in the vanguard

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of the necessary ght for corrective justice in the country,” co-host Blackistone said.

Other guests for this season of “Our New South” include producer and comedian Roy Wood Jr., U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost, Rutgers University professor Brittney Cooper, NASCAR driver Daniel Suárez, singer Lizz Wright, culinary historian Michael Twitty, singer-songwriter Gina Chavez, Chef Sara Bradley and Princeton Professor Eddie Glaude Jr.

Want to go?

Tickets for the Feb. 11 live podcast taping start at $40.70 and are available online for purchase through Ticketmaster. Doors open at 6 p.m. e event starts at 7 p.m. at the Carolina eatre, 230 N. Tryon St. On the web: museumofthenewsouth.org

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LIVE MUSIC

Godsmack coming to Charlotte

CHARLOTTE – Godsmack will bring its Godsmack – e Rise of Rock World Tour 2026 to North Carolina with stops at Truliant Amphitheater in Charlotte on May 14 and Coastal Credit Union Music Park in Raleigh on May 16.

The career-spanning set will celebrate their legacy while ushering in a new chapter.

e Boston rock band has 11 No. 1 singles at mainstream rock radio, including “Bulletproof,” “Unforgettable,” “When Legends Rise,” and “Under Your Scars,” all from the band’s most recent album.

e band has released seven studio albums: “Godsmack” (1998), “Awake” (2000), “Faceless” (2003), “IV” (2006), “ e Oracle” (2010), “1000hp” (2014) and “When Legends Rise” (2018).

Godsmack will be joined by Stone Temple Pilots and Dorothy.

General tickets go on sale Feb. 6 at ticketmaster.com.

Post Malone and Jelly Roll go on another stadium tour

CHARLOTTE – Post Malone and Jelly Roll are set to return to the road with a stadium tour that includes a stop at Bank of America Stadium on June 9.

Produced by Live Nation, the tour continues Post’s highest-attended and best-selling tour to date, which drew over one million fans across North America and grossed more than $170 million.

e new run builds on that success, bringing Post and Jelly back together with a career-spanning set featuring chart-topping hits and fan favorites. Carter Faith will join them on tour.

General tickets go on sale Feb. 10 at livenation.com.

Ne-Yo, Akon join forces CHARLOTTE – Ne-Yo and Akon are co-headlining the “Nights Like is”

Letter: Lawmakers should not target hemp

I am writing in response to the hemp ban quietly slipped into the recent federal funding bill. is ban is unjust and irresponsible – not only to the hundreds of thousands of Americans who work in the hemp industry, but also to the many individuals who rely on this plant as essential medication.

For the past 12 years, I have worked with elderly patients in private home-care settings, many of them veterans. I have seen hemp products help patients regain appetite, ease chronic nausea and manage degenerative pain – often because they cannot access, or are fearful of, opioid pain medications. I have also watched veterans nd rest and mental relief after unimaginable experiences, thanks to this plant.

I am a mother of three and the wife of one of North Carolina’s early hemp business owners. Before entering this industry, I worked as a manager for the Rowan County ABC Board and as a regional manager for a major vodka company. Nearly every day, I witnessed lives damaged by alcohol addiction, yet alcohol remains widely marketed with minimal warning.

Hemp, a plant that has never caused a fatal overdose and is no more addictive than ca eine, has helped countless people heal and avoid far more dangerous substances. Instead of being regulated responsibly, it is being criminalized.

I urge Rep. Alma Adams and Sens. om Tillis and Ted Budd to support the Baird-Craig extension, a 24-month extension following the current 12-month sunset. is would allow lawmakers to establish meaningful safeguards while preserving consumer choice.

Casey Hentschke, Charlotte

Have something to say? Email justin@cmgweekly.com and put “Letter to editor” in the subject line. We prefer to publish letters from people in Mecklenburg and Union counties.

global tour.

Produced by Live Nation, the 57-city tour will make a stop at Coastal Credit Union Music Park in Raleigh on July 10 and Truliant Amphitheater in Charlotte on July 12.

ey’ll share the stage in a unique backand-forth set throughout the show stacked with hits, sing-along anthems and club classics.

Fans get to hear Ne-Yo’s “So Sick,” “Closer” and “Miss Independent,” alongside Akon’s “Smack at,” “Lonely,” and “Right Now (Na Na Na).” Get tickets at LiveNation.com.

Dave Matthews Band returns to tour

CHARLOTTE – Dave Matthews Band’s U.S. headline tour will include a stop at Truliant Amphitheater in Charlotte on May 16 and Coastal Credit Union Music Park in Raleigh on June 5.

Since debuting in 1991, Dave Matthews Band has sold a combined 38 million CDs and DVDs and more than 25 million tickets. On the web: davematthewsband.com.

Feb. 6

• Amos’ Southend: Nirvani

• CharBar No. 7 (Mint Hill): Darren Deese

• Evening Muse: Bad Bad Hats

• Great Wagon Road Distillery: Jared Tugwell

• Home Brew Taproom & Tunes: Shady Ln Duo

• Moochies Tavern: Hardwired

• Neighborhood eatre: Langhorne Slim

• Ovens Auditorium: Stardew Valley

• Shep’s Bar & Grill: Brittney Lee & Gary

Ward

• SmallBar Matthews: Dustin and Tara

• Stooges Pub & Grub: Chasing Phoenix

•  e Club House Bites and Booze: Analog Crash

•  e Trail House: Pluto for Planet

•  e Underground: MC Davo & Sabino

Feb. 7

• Ames Street Market: Jennifer Alvarado

• Amos’ Southend: Shotguns N Roses

• Carolina Beer Temple: Crystal Fountains

• Great Wagon Road Distillery: Carrie

Ann

• Home Brew Taproom & Tunes: Jack

Fontana

• Local Logic: Je Rogers

• Moochies Tavern: Unknown Artist Band

• Neighborhood eatre: K-Winterland:

K-Pop Dance Party

• Peddlers Paradise Bartique: Jason Moss & the Hosses

• Shep’s Bar & Grill: Greg Parrish

• Stooges Pub & Grub: Darren Deese

•  e Club House Bites and Booze: e

Parks Project

•  e Trail House: Sweet Leaf

•  e Underground: Hot in Herre: 2000s

Dance Party

• Two Buck Saloon: Even the Losers

Feb. 9

• Neighborhood eatre: e Movement

Feb. 10

• Neighborhood eatre: Jonah Kagen

• Ovens Auditorium: Gregory Porter

Feb. 11

• CharBar No. 7 (Carmel Road): Bailey

Marie

•  e Club House Bites and Booze: Pluto for Planet Duo

•  e Trail House: Mark Stephen Pelphry

Feb. 12

• CharBar No. 7 (Mint Hill): Scoot Pittman

• Ovens Auditorium: Molotov

• Seaboard Brewing: Lisa De Novo

• VRTX Stallings: Matthew Ablan

Venues

Charlotte

• Amos’ Southend: 1423 S. Tryon St.

• CharBar No. 7: 4130 Carmel Road

• Evening Muse: 3227 N. Davidson St.

• Ovens Auditorium: 2900 E. Independence Blvd.

•  e Club House Bites and Booze: 16715

Orchard Stone Run

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Name a roach or dedicate a rose to support Discovery Place

CHARLOTTE – Discovery Place Science is capitalizing on the Valentine’s season by allowing the community to dedicate a rose to a loved one or name a roach after an ex. Now through Feb. 14, the Rose or Roach giving campaign invites people to make a $5 donation that directly feeds Discovery Place animals, while dedicating that contribution to someone in their life either as a heartfelt gesture or a humorous twist.

e options are:

• Name a Roach: For a $5 donation, name a roach after an ex, a nemesis or that frenemy who “borrowed” a charger and never gave it back. e roach will be fed to one of Discovery Place’s Animal Ambassadors.

• Dedicate a Rose: Prefer to send love instead?

A $5 donation can dedicate a rose to someone who truly deserves appreciation. e rose will be enjoyed by one of Discovery Place’s resident tortoises, showing that even the sweetest gesture helps care for the museum’s animals.

e animal ambassadors:

• Marnie, a large marine toad that is more than ready to enjoy a hearty helping of roaches.

• Turner, an Eastern box turtle that makes every roach feeding into a chase-and-catch adventure.

• Herbie, a red-footed tortoise that happily snacks on roses as part of a varied, enrichment-focused diet.

After donating, supporters can opt to send a custom e-card to their lucky (or unlucky) honoree, letting them know a celebratory snack was given in their name—whether fueled by

a ection, humor or a little Valentine’s mischief. Guests attending Science on the Rocks: (Un) Valentines at Discovery Place Science on Feb. 13 can also participate in Rose or Roach in person. With a $5 donation, guests will receive an exclusive Rose or Roach sticker. With a $20 donation, guests receive a real rose and a physical Valentine’s card, along with the option to name a roach or dedicate a rose.

Beyond feeding the Animal Ambassadors, Rose or Roach directly supports Discovery Place’s Living Collections team. ese care specialists provide daily care, enrichment and conservation education for the museum’s animals. Visit https://give.discoveryplacemuseums. org/campaign/758392/donate to participate in the Rose or Roach campaign.

Don’t become a victim twice… keep roofing scammers at bay

By Mike Causey Contributor

Fortunately, Winter Storm Fern wasn’t as bad as many feared it would be. That won’t keep professional scammers from making their way through North Carolina neighborhoods, hoping to rip o hard-working residents.

That always happens following a major weather event, such as an ice storm, snowstorm, hurricane or tornado.

If your house has been damaged by the storm, I encourage you to be on guard for scam artists who’d love to make you a victim a second time.

In the days and weeks following a storm, when homeowners are looking for ways to repair the storm damage, roo ng scammers will come out of the woodwork to take advantage of consumers. Often, a scammer will take a homeowner’s money, including insurance money, but never deliver on the services they promised.

Here’s a red ag: An unsolicited salesperson o ering to go up on your roof to inspect it for storm damage. Some scammers will climb up on the roof alone and create damage where none existed before.

Here are a few tips I suggest you follow before contracting for roo ng services:

• Beware of contractor or roo ng representatives going door-to-door after a disaster.

• Call your insurance agent or insurance company before signing a contract or paying for repairs.

• Don’t let the contractor work directly with your insurance company unless your agent gives approval.

• Work with only licensed and insured contractors.

• Get more than one estimate. Don’t be pushed into signing a contract right away.

• Get everything in writing. e cost and the type of work to be done, time schedule, guarantees, payment schedule and other expectations should be detailed.

• Require references and check them out.

• Check out roofing companies through the Better Business Bureau or through online

clearinghouses. Don’t be afraid to Google the business.

• Ask to see the salesperson’s driver’s license. Write down the license number. Also take down his or her license plate number.

• Never sign a contract with blanks. Fraudulent contractors may enter unacceptable terms later.

• Never pay a contractor in full or sign a completion certi cate until the work is nished. When a homeowner is trying to recover from a disaster, this can seem overwhelming. If you need help or have questions, call your insurance agent. Or you can call the Department of Insurance to speak to a consumer specialist at 855-408-1212 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You may also visit us online at www.ncdoi.gov. To report suspected roo ng or contractor fraud, contact the Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840 or toll-free from anywhere in North Carolina at 888-680-7684.

Mike Causey serves as North Carolina insurance commissioner.