Charlotte chef named James Beard Award finalist + UNC’s Tyler Hansbrough talks life & basketball

Andrew Nantais
·2 min read
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Hey, everyone! Drew here. Happy Hump Day!

Many people help make a school run well.

We want to honor those unsung heroes in the Charlotte area. Have someone in mind? Let us know!

We’re looking for public, charter and private school employees or volunteers in Mecklenburg, Gaston, Lincoln, Catawba, Iredell, Rowan, Cabarrus, Stanly, and Union counties in North Carolina.

On to your news.

1. James Beard Award finalists announced, featuring one notable Charlotte chef

Chef Sam Hart of Biblio and Counter-.
Chef Sam Hart of Biblio and Counter-.

The 2023 James Beard Award finalists were announced today and they included a local chef.

Chef Sam Hart is moving forward in the Best Chef Southeast category. The Counter- and Biblio chef and owner was a first-time James Beard semifinalist.

“It’s a showcase of how stubborn this team has been,” Hart told CharlotteFive. “We felt so misunderstood the first two years, and this is a form of validation that makes the blood sweat and tears worth it. It’s not over. We aren’t at a finish line. This is still the beginning.”

Heidi Finley shares more on Hart’s recognition.

2. Exclusive: UNC legend Tyler Hansbrough on great wins, cheap shots and taking NIT bids

Tyler Hansbrough remains the all-time leading scorer at UNC, where he was a four-time All-American from 2005-09. Hansbrough is also No. 1 all-time in the ACC in scoring.
Tyler Hansbrough remains the all-time leading scorer at UNC, where he was a four-time All-American from 2005-09. Hansbrough is also No. 1 all-time in the ACC in scoring.

The latest episode of “Sports Legends of the Carolinas” dropped today featuring a Tar Heel hoops legend: Tyler Hansbrough.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s all-time leading scorer sat down with Scott Fowler to discuss his favorite collegiate win, *THAT* infamous moment with Duke’s Gerald Henderson, his NBA career and more.

Check out their full conversation.

3. Antisemitism in Charlotte has increased since 2022. More education can slow the trend.

Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte in Charlotte
Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte in Charlotte

Antisemitic incidents are on the rise across North Carolina  — with many cases seen in Charlotte.

The Anti-Defamation League’s annual audit reported 39 antisemitic incidents across the state in 2022, up from 30 the previous year.

A local Jewish organization says more education can help slow that trend.

DJ Simmons explains.

4. NC law prevents cities from controlling rent prices. Could this bill change that?

FILE - In this July 19, 2006 file photo, a woman walks next to a “For Rent” sign at an apartment complex in Palo Alto, Calif. Many tenants aren’t familiar with the ins and outs of their renters insurance policies, but what they don’t know could cost them money (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File)
FILE - In this July 19, 2006 file photo, a woman walks next to a “For Rent” sign at an apartment complex in Palo Alto, Calif. Many tenants aren’t familiar with the ins and outs of their renters insurance policies, but what they don’t know could cost them money (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File)

High rent prices continue to put a squeeze on many North Carolina families, and one state legislator is pushing a bill to help.

State Sen. Lisa Grafstein, a Democrat from Wake County, is the primary sponsor of Senate Bill 225 which would give North Carolina municipalities the power “to enact rent control.”

It comes at a time when Charlotte has seen one of the largest increases in rent prices year over year compared to the national average, the Charlotte Observer reported previously.

Mary Ramsey has the details on the bill.

5. Some more stories to read

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Drew Nantais is a Senior Growth & Engagement Producer for the Charlotte Observer.
Drew Nantais is a Senior Growth & Engagement Producer for the Charlotte Observer.