Good morning, Huntersville.

The Lake Norman Chamber Foundation’s Thanksgiving breakfast raised about $41,000 for local nonprofits on Dec.

3, with Cornelius Early Scholars and Bridge of Hearts each receiving roughly $18,000 + funding for the Lake Norman Education Collaborative. Check presentations will be made at the Chamber’s Christmas networking social later this month.

Nominations are open for the 2026 Crowns of Enterprise Awards, which honor local small businesses through six categories.

The program — sponsored by Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte — accepts self-nominations until Jan. 23, 2026 while winners will be named in May 2026.

Regional business leaders from the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance say the local economy is strong and growth is expected in 2026; their outlook is based on current trends and expert input from the region.

North Carolina’s Attorney General is checking Duke Energy’s proposed 15% rate hike that may add $20—$30 per month to bills if approved for January 2027.

Gov. Stein and Jackson say the review targets unfair increases amid rising energy demand.

North Carolina's Department of Justice is reviewing Duke Energy’s proposal for a 15% rate hike over the next two years to help balance energy investments & protect customer bills; the case will be heard by the North Carolina Utilities Commission.

A new healthcare plan launched Monday offers Medicaid-enrolled kids and adults under 26 who are current or former foster children & their families access to essential medical and mental health care in North Carolina.

The program is run in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.

Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center resumed in-person maternity tours on Dec.

3 – ending more than five years of virtual tours – on Gilead Road near exit 23, giving expectant parents a firsthand look at the labor and delivery rooms and mother-and-baby units.

A HUD sign has been put up at the site for River Rock Manor — a planned 55+ 142-unit complex — which suggests that preparation work will soon begin at Alexander Farms despite ongoing legal and financial issues; construction will start later in 2025 with a fall grand opening slated for 2026.