Students at UNC Charlotte explore the possibilities of virtual interactions using AI technology. | Photo via UNC Charlotte
How do you feel about AI being used in Charlotte classrooms? While we’re still learning the ins and outs of artificial intelligence, it’s already making its mark in Queen City industries — offering support, sparking innovation, and forging new career paths.
The Charlotte Hornets debuted the NBA’s first-ever virtual fan store.
Rendering via Charlotte Hornets
Sports and shopping
Mooresville-based Lowe’s has implemented security robots in some of its Charlotte-area stores for surveillance and to prevent theft.
This is causing a buzz atSpectrum Center, too.The Charlotte Hornets teamed up withthe AI platform MeetKai to launch the NBA’s first virtual team store, giving fans the chance to shop in a 3D environment.
Charlotte Magazine BOB Awards | 6:30-10 p.m. | The Union at Station West | $104+ | Sample award-winning restaurants + dress for this year’s “The Best of the Best Goes Wild West” theme to celebrate “Charlotte’s best.”
Soca Thursday with Clay | 7-9 p.m. | Kevin Loftin Park US 74 Ramp, Belmont | $59+ | Escape on a sunset boat tour featuring the vibrant sounds of Caribbean music.
Friday, May 30
Blackened Cigars Night | 5-8 p.m. | The Suffolk Punch | $19+ | Unwind during a sultry evening with premium cigars, craft whiskey, and beer.
The Carolina Fashion Awards 25 | 6-10 p.m. | Euphoria Charlotte | $75 | Dress to impress in this black-tie gala celebrating the most prestigious fashion the Carolinas have to offer.
Luminaria Charlotte | 7-9:30 p.m. | The Olde Mecklenburg Restaurant & Biergarten at Ballantyne | $25 | Join a ceremony honoring lost loved ones by igniting lanterns at sunset in their memory.
Tired of wading through resumes from applicants that are states away? Ditch oversaturated national job boards for our locally focused CLTtoday Job Board.
We’ll connect you with candidates from our community who understand the local culture and can actually start next week — not next month. Whether you’re hiring baristas, bookkeepers, or bike techs — skip the big platforms and find folks who are already nearby.
Get started at no cost. List your job for free — and boost your visibility with a Featured Post in our newsletter. You can post unlimited job listings for free.
Come hungry. Soma Bistro and Cafe opens this Saturday, May 31. The Indian-inspired fusion restaurant in University City will offer a variety of dishes from curry and pizza to Indo-Chinese.
Shop
Thrift and vintage clothing store Nouveau Chapeau debuts a new location in Plaza Midwood near Undercurrent Coffee, starting this Sunday, June 1. Peruse for hidden gems or a new wardrobe from 12-5 p.m.
Read
Mooresville’s Fred & June’s Books is opening a new location in Denver, NC this summer. Get ready to find your next read in a cozy setting. Fun fact: The independent bookstore began 40 years ago, and is one of many local spots for book lovers to get lost in a story.
Closed
McCormick & Schmick’s in Uptown is now closed. The upscale steak restaurant’s Google location and official Facebook page show the restaurant as closed, marking its final Charlotte location. No reason has been released for the abrupt closure. (The Charlotte Observer)
Development
The Huntersville Planning Board approved a 259-housing community called Edgewater Farm east of I-77 that would include town and cottage homes, plus, a public park, 10-acre public fishing pond, nature trails, pickleball courts, a dog park, and splash pad. The final vote is scheduled for June 17. (WCNC)
Open
Need a sweet treat? Mrs. Fields Charlotte is now open in Birkdale Village. The bakery offers freshly-baked, melt-in your-mouth cookies, available in the Tiny Retail District.
Community
Still need a REAL ID? The NC DMV is opening Saturday walk-in services at its Charlotte locations + spots in Huntersville, Monroe, and Salisbury. Here’s a glimpse of our personal experience trying to get a REAL ID. (WSOC)
State
NCDOT says full restoration of I-40 near the NC-Tennessee line may take up to three years. The interstate suffered heavy damage during Helene, however two lanes opened back in March. The projected cost of these repairs is expected to be up to $1 billion. (WCNC)
Trending
A-B-C... it’s easy as 1-2-3. This year’s Scripps National Spelling Bee has four contestants from the Queen City, including Sach Akella, Holden Good, Aishwarya Kallukuri, and Kushi Gottimukkala. Watch the finals live tonight at 8 p.m. via ION.
Ranked
Home sweet Charlotte. The city ranked No. 6 on ConsumerAffairs’ list of US cities with the most new homes. The study assessed the number of building permits issued + new home sales, and growth in the Queen City was attributed to its below-average median home price.
Sports
As the Panthers gear up for OTAs, all eyes are on their quarterback Bryce Young. Go beyond the field for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Try This
Prioritizing wellness feels effortless at Longview Carolina, a gated “agrihood” in Easley, SC. Rooted in Blue Zone principles, it blends scenic mountain views, a working farm, and thoughtful design — all just minutes from Greenville, Clemson, and downtown Easley. Learn more + schedule a tour.*
More than 10-percent of households in Mecklenburg County live with food insecurity. | Photo via The Bulb
We’re keeping our eyes (and stomachs) peeled for new grocery stores soon to debut in the Queen City, but we’re also monitoring smaller incoming food spots playing a vital role.
Counter- is teaming up with The Bulb to open a new market in West Charlotte, starting Tuesday, July 8.
Set to open every Tuesday, the market aims to provide fresh produce for Charlotteans in need of nutritious food.
“It has been our mission since day one to end food insecurity here in Charlotte, and this is our next step. It won’t end it by itself, but this is the next stepping stone to making the biggest impact possible in the Queen City,” according to Counter-.
A rechargeable handheld fan to keep you cool all summer long. With a battery life of up to 14 hours and three adjustable speeds, it’s our favorite hack to keep from overheating in warm weather.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
I must admit, I’m still getting used to living in a world where AI is becoming more common. However, I must give credit to AI for turning City Editor Maria and myself into awesome action figures. We’re still waiting on our deal with FAO Schwarz.
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