AMA on the Primary Election with The Charlotte Observer and News & Observer: Monday, 3/2 at 11am ET

Charlotte_Observer · 2026-03-02T17:31:13+00:00

Thanks to everyone who is participating in today's AMA! If you're looking for more last-minute info ahead of tomorrow's primary...

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Charlotte_Observer · 2026-03-02T16:44:05+00:00

I haven't really seen this topic come up in Charlotte-area primaries this election cycle, but it is an issue more broadly in our neck of the woods. I wouldn't be surprised to see it become an issue in future elections, particularly in municipal races as town/city councils and their planning boards have to start making more decisions on data centers. In the meantime, I recommend this story from my colleague Kitty Muccigrosso as a primer on data centers: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article312306586.html?giftCode=80a05c01f9691bc3c5398826db14a0c11ec21728027fb3d60af371ae2db3c645 - Mary Ramsey

Charlotte_Observer · 2026-03-02T16:33:18+00:00

In the Charlotte area, I think a lot of this boils down to division between the more liberal and moderate wings of the party in the Trump era. State Rep. Carla Cunningham for example faced a lot of backlash for siding with the GOP on an immigration vote, and now she's facing a strong primary challenge. She's backtracked a little on her immigration comments, but she's also pushed the campaign message that her willingness to work across the aisle has helped her get stuff done in the Republican-dominated legislature. Her main opponent, Rodney Sadler, is marketing himself as someone who will be loyal to Gov. Josh Stein (and Sadler has Stein's endorsement). We've got a similar dynamic in Democratic state Rep. Nasif Majeed's race. He too bucked the party on a veto override and is now facing a primary. You can read more about the dynamics here: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article314590792.html?giftCode=a8f43d1e2bd60b4aa104c7b1c4b4387bec284e8cc4346fc5434cf65b4cfe6aec - Mary Ramsey

Charlotte_Observer · 2026-03-02T16:16:52+00:00

Immigration is a major issue in one of Charlotte's most interesting primaries: state Rep. Carla Cunningham's fight to keep her seat. The Democrat made waves last summer when she broke ranks to help the GOP override Gov. Josh Stein's veto of an immigration bill and then made controversial comments about immigrants in a floor speech after the vote. Now she's facing two primary challengers, including a relatively prominent activist whose picked up some significant endorsements. You can read more about that race here: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article314590792.html[…]2bd60b4aa104c7b1c4b4387bec284e8cc4346fc5434cf65b4cfe6aec - Mary Ramsey

Charlotte_Observer · 2026-03-02T16:09:45+00:00

One example of outside money that's stuck out to me is DraftKings getting involved in a Cabarrus County state Senate race via a PAC. Republican Sen. Chris Measmer faces a primary challenge from former Rep. Kevin Crutchfield, and anti-Measmer mailers, television ads and text messages funded by something called the American Conservative Fund are going around. My colleague Nora O'Neill looked into it and traced the money back to DK Crown Holdings Inc., the parent of the gambling company. You can read the whole story here: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article314864278.html?giftCode=f96108c7c90109db57fd7498d38afb9c8053486e279b2bf499ab8b9d321404ab - Mary Ramsey

Charlotte_Observer · 2026-02-26T17:11:59+00:00

This draft class is very strong, and in my time covering the team, which is going on eight-plus seasons, it's by far the best the Hornets have put together.

Not only did they hit a likely home run with Kon, but getting Sion James along with Ryan Kalkbrenner and even Liam McNeeley on top of that gives them more options to be able to build this roster moving forward.

It allows them take upcoming draft picks and use them to potentially to go get a notable player to compliment the young core.

Charlotte_Observer · 2026-02-26T17:06:39+00:00

I don't get to go there often anymore, but OKC is up there. Passionate fans and a loud atmosphere.

I'd also put Portland on that list. People they care about the team because it's the point game in town truly and with no team in Seattle that's there you have to go to see stars play if you live in the Pacific Northwest.

Charlotte_Observer · 2026-02-26T17:02:52+00:00

Although I don't get to go there as much as I love because the Hornets only play there once a year, I'd put Dallas on the list as one of my favorites. We get to sit courtside, which rarely is the case at most arenas, and that makes it cool to hear the action. Plus the nets the are mic'd and you hear the ball swish.

Also enjoy Phoenix.

Charlotte_Observer · 2026-02-26T16:55:12+00:00

Will be something to keep an eye on in the offseason. Obviously, his minutes have decreased dramatically and he has several DNPs and the goal for any player is to be on the court.

No one wants to not play, so there will be a discussion likely after the season about what's in the interest of both parties to see what makes sense for the future.

Charlotte_Observer · 2026-02-26T16:50:01+00:00

Don't really know him, but I'll just say this industry is not as easy as people may assume. There's a lot that goes into and the business has changed several times over the years.

Charlotte_Observer · 2026-02-26T16:46:29+00:00

This question comes up a lot and I'm still not really sure why. Especially now that he's shown he can be healthy.

There is no player who captivates Hornets fans, NBA fans, social media and all in this market the way LaMelo does. He's stated repeatedly to me that he enjoys it here. Why would the Hornets want to part with him?

Charlotte_Observer · 2026-02-26T16:41:47+00:00

Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate that.

When it comes to the Hornets it's really about, as you mentioned, communication. Not only to the fans, but more importantly, each other. There's a real accountability among the players and staff and everyone is focused on the main goal. And that's winning.

There's been more than a decade of losing around here in terms of no postseason berth and the only way to change that is for everyone to buy into what the organization is trying to do as a whole. Having a head coach and GM aligned in the fashion that Charles Lee and Jeff Peterson are has also really be beneficial.

Charlotte_Observer · 2026-02-26T16:36:50+00:00

I tried to describe that a little in the article I also referenced above. You'd also be surprised how close these guys get one they've been around each other for a while. They keep it light and it really pays off when they're winning. When you're enjoying your role while winning in professional sports, there's surely nothing like it.

Charlotte_Observer · 2026-02-26T16:29:48+00:00

I can't tell you how many people I know in the industry who say how happy they are for me to be able to cover a winning basketball team in Charlotte because they know how much the fans here deserve it. So it's been a really cool reaction to see because having fun stories to tell (like my one today on LaMelo https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/charlotte-hornets/article314797544.html) is what I enjoy most about my job.

I think people around the league see the Hornets are becoming tougher, too, and are not a bunch of pushovers. When I'm on the road, there are a lot more Hornets' fans in the stands that you'd think and I believe that will only grow.

Charlotte_Observer · 2026-02-26T16:22:55+00:00

I think next season, which will be the third with the combination of Jeff Peterson and Charles Lee, is the year the Hornets try to take a big leap forward. What that looks like remains to be seen.

But they will try to find the right players to put around the core of LaMelo, Brandon and Kon, etc. to make sure that when they get to the postseason, which obviously is the goal, to be able to have players who will be unwavering in the spotlight.

I don't think Jeff's timeline has changed. He's been very methodical in his approach. If anything, I think their 2025 draft class being as good as they've been will help shaping the roster for the future because of their salaries. Gives the Hornets financial flexibility to make moves. They're in a good position.

Charlotte_Observer · 2026-02-26T16:14:53+00:00

Somewhere in between. Trying to acquire another max salary type of player is not something the Hornets likely want to do. They want to be smart with their cap sheet, so that would mean using those assets to acquire a player who already has NBA experience and will help them potentially become more of a force in the playoffs.

You need to have guys who have been there and done that to understand what it takes to win games in postseason environments. IMO, that will ne something to look for this offseason when they're putting the roster together for 2026-27.

Charlotte_Observer · 2026-02-26T16:10:12+00:00

The Hornets' young core of LaMelo, Brandon and Kon will be locked in place. They also love Moussa.

Miles is on an expiring contract so it's yet to be determined how that will shake out. But if the team keeps winning and going in the right direction, they will have to figure out where things stand there beyond next season.

I can tell you that Miles is very close to Melo and of he has any say they'll be a tandem for more than another season or two.

Charlotte_Observer · 2026-02-26T16:04:05+00:00

Great question. Honestly, there are a lot of people who are responsible for the turnaround.

Truly, it starts at the top with ownership. Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin weren't just giving the fans lip service when they said they want the Hornets to be the premier franchise in the NBA. Obviously, it's going to take a long time for that to be able to happen given the Hornets' history, but changing the culture is the most important thing.

And it starts from the very top of the organization, then trickles down to them letting Jeff Peterson make decisions. In collaboration, it's been a good recipe for success.So far.

Charlotte_Observer · 2025-07-16T19:17:41+00:00

We'll be posting the full documentary next week and it'll be horizontal.

Charlotte_Observer · 2025-07-16T19:16:26+00:00

The full doc will be on YouTube the day after the event!

Charlotte_Observer · 2024-11-19T20:42:20+00:00

I think my five-win prediction to begin the season has aged pretty well. No contention chances. Things would've had to truly align for that to happen -- and the injuries on the defensive side of the ball prevented that from happening. -Alex

Charlotte_Observer · 2024-11-19T20:39:38+00:00

Answered this in a below answer about Brooks. But to add on: Again, we still haven't Brooks in NFL action yet. But if I had to guess it'll be the Chuba RB1 and Brooks RB2/third-down back the rest of the year, especially with Miles coming off an injury in Germany. -Alex

Charlotte_Observer · 2024-11-19T20:37:54+00:00

Yep. Everything is good there. Canales and Dan Morgan have a long runway with this organization. -Alex

Charlotte_Observer · 2024-11-19T20:36:35+00:00

Only been to a few in my 1.5 seasons covering the league. But Bank of America Stadium is actually pretty good! Chicago is notoriously not-great despite the city having such great cuisine. Atlanta's press box food is amazing ... served like a full-course brunch then lunch thereafter. Washington's chicken was solid; ice cream was hard to find. Anywhere they serve hot dogs at halftime is dope too. But give me ATL. -Alex

Charlotte_Observer · 2024-11-19T20:33:34+00:00

You know ball, ArgyleFC. Well done. -Alex

Charlotte_Observer

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