LGBT, drag groups allege racism + NBA Draft chatter about the Charlotte Hornets

Hey, friends. Tamia here. It’s Thirsty Thursday! Although I’m staying in... I did Wine Wednesday can’t be a party animal all the time.

And for those who RSVP’d, our in-person panel is tonight! Growth vs. Gentrification: Stop it or embrace it, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library. The Charlotte Observer presents a community conversation illuminating this key topic of concern to residents.

On to your news.

1. LGBTQ groups boycott Charlotte gay bar, saying owner shouted drag queen off stage

A South End gay bar that promotes itself as “The best LGBTQ friendly spot in Charlotte” is being accused this week of taking a particularly unfriendly stance toward one drag performer.

More than 250 individuals have signed a letter announcing a boycott of The Bar at 316, in the wake of a Saturday night incident in which local drag performer Shelby Savage alleges that the establishment’s owner angrily shouted them off the stage mid-performance.

Théoden Janes has more.

2. Live updates: NBA Draft chatter about the Charlotte Hornets, who hold the No. 2 pick

Happy NBA Draft day!

After spending the bulk of the past two months working out more than 160 prospects from all around the globe, the Charlotte Hornets are preparing to step into the spotlight Thursday night.

The Hornets are essentially already on the clock at No. 2 overall and hold the keys to the draft.

View our live updates here.

3. Uptown Cabaret home to disappear soon as $700M South End high-rise breaks ground

A Chicago developer is breaking ground this week on a $700 million, skyline-defining project between uptown and South End.

Riverside Investment and Development’s project Queensbridge Collective will total close to 2 million square feet.

The project is expected to be complete by mid-2025.

Gordon Rago has details on the high-rise project.

4. How close was Charlotte to a rainfall record this week? And is more ahead?

As of mid-week, Charlotte had received 1.72 inches of rain since Sunday. Charlotte’s record for most rainfall in a day is 6.88 inches, which happened on July 23, 1997, according to the NWS.

Flood watches in the area expire overnight Thursday. More rain is expected Friday into Saturday, with lower chances later in the weekend.

Evan Moore has more.

5. Some more stories to read

• Why new favorite for Hornets’ top draft pick is nicknamed ‘Scoot’ Henderson

• Hearing scheduled on Planned Parenthood request to block NC abortion ban

• Charlotte Hornets hosting NBA Draft party Thursday. Here’s how to get free tickets

• They’ve waited years. Now, 200 from east Charlotte join petition urging city to act

• Hornets mock draft 3.0: A final prediction of what Charlotte will do with No. 2 pick

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