The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter dedicated to local business and insights, brings you the latest happenings in the Queen City. With a focus on various aspects of life, from sports to infrastructure and more, this newsletter keeps you informed and engaged.

Uncovering the Heart of Charlotte's News

End of Cruises from Charleston

For the past 14 years, Carnival Cruise Line has been a convenient option for North and South Carolina residents, with ships departing from Charleston to the Bahamas and Caribbean ports. However, authorities in Charleston declined to renew the contract. The 3,000-passenger Carnival Sunshine, which ran four- and five-night itineraries, has five sailings remaining, all sold out except for one starting at $899 per person over Christmas. It will be redeployed to Norfolk, Virginia, in February.This marks the end of an era for those who enjoyed cruising from Charleston. The decline in this service highlights the changing dynamics of the local tourism industry and the need for continuous adaptation.

Reader's Question on I-485 Bridge Status

Reader Adam asked about the status of the Ballantyne Commons Parkway bridge over I-485. The bridge near Tom Short Road has been a puzzle for months. Jennifer Goodwin, a communications officer for the N.C. Department of Transportation, replied that the contractor should return to work around Thanksgiving and finish the job in spring 2025. The additional width is for a future project, and the current traffic pattern on Ballantyne Commons Parkway will be minimally affected. The stretch of I-485 below the bridge is part of a project to add one express lane in each direction.This update provides some clarity for the concerned reader and gives an idea of the timeline for the bridge project's completion.

City's Progress on Meeting Minutes

For over a year, the city of Charlotte has been behind in producing minutes of City Council meetings. Despite a staff of nine and a budget of $1.1M, the city clerk's office was between a year-and-a-half and two years behind. However, tonight, the City Council is expected to approve a batch of 51 meeting minutes spanning from April 2023 to April 2024, reducing the backlog to just 7 months. This is a significant step forward for government transparency and accountability.It shows that efforts are being made to address the issue and improve the availability of important meeting records for residents.

More Detailed Airport Noise Map

After City Council members sought more information about possible new flight paths from Charlotte's airport, officials released a more detailed map. The existing takeoff paths are in purple, and the proposed ones are in blue. The suggestions are preliminary and need approval from the Federal Aviation Administration as part of an aircraft noise reduction program. Some of the new takeoff paths include areas over Tyvola Road, Woodlawn Road, and Selwyn Road in south Charlotte, the I-85 corridor north of uptown, and the I-77 corridor south of I-485.This map provides valuable information for residents and helps in understanding the potential impact of new flight paths on the local area.

New UNCC Coach

UNC Charlotte announced the hiring of Ohio head football coach Tim Albin to lead the Charlotte 49ers. Albin's teams had a 33-19 record in his four years at Ohio, including three 10-win seasons. This new appointment is expected to bring a boost to the football program at UNC Charlotte.It shows the university's commitment to improving its athletic programs and providing a competitive environment for students.

Local Events and More

TUESDAY: "Charlotte Area Chamber Holiday Drop In" at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse SouthPark from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join the Charlotte Area Chamber for an afternoon of appetizers and networking.DEC. 16: "Tosco Music Holiday Party" at Knight Theater from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Celebrate the holidays with diverse acts and music styles.These local events offer opportunities for community engagement and entertainment.In brief:N.C. and S.C. college football teams learned their postseason fates. Clemson plays in the College Football Playoff, UNC Chapel Hill plays UConn in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl, N.C. State plays East Carolina in the Go Bowling Military Bowl, South Carolina plays Illinois in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, and Duke plays Ole Miss in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. Additionally, the Duke's Mayo Bowl in Charlotte will feature Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech.No Union County participation in drag shows was prohibited by county commissioners.Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police are investigating a death on the 300 block of East Trade Street following an "altercation" with security employees.If Santa were on LinkedIn, well, that's a thought for another day!Need to sign up for this e-newsletter? We offer free and paid memberships. Opt in or out on your "My Account" page.Learn more about The Charlotte Ledger at our website. We strive for fairness and accuracy and correct all known errors.Like what we're doing? Forward this along and tell a friend.Social media: On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.Sponsorship information/customer service: email support@cltledger.com.Executive editor: Tony Mecia; Managing editor: Cristina Bolling; Staff writer: Lindsey Banks; Business manager: Brie Chrisman