Food inspectors in Mecklenburg and neighboring counties have been busy in the weeks leading up to the Democratic National Convention. Not only have they been checking out restaurants, hotels, and caterers, but they're also keeping tabs on barbecue.
Food inspectors have long been gearing up for the DNC. But in the two weeks leading up to the big event, the Food and Drug Administration told county health departments within a 30 mile radius of Charlotte to ramp up their restaurant and hotel inspections.
The oldest delegate representing North Carolina at the Democratic National Convention is Charles Johnson of Nash County. He's 90 years old. And one of the youngest delegates is Nick Carpenter of Cleveland County. He's a 19-year-old college freshman.
His friends call him “Nick the Democrat”. That’s because most of them are Republican.
“I have a sense of humor so I can joke around and not get offended about it,” Carpenter says.
Nick Carpenter first got involved with politics as a high school freshman, volunteering for the Obama campaign.
With the Republican and Democratic national conventions about to take place, it might be good to have a Convention 101 lesson.
Don’t worry — there won’t be an exam (well, not until Nov. 6 — but there will be more study guides along the way).
First, we think of conventions as being unruly and hotly contested meetings, but unfortunately, modern conventions haven’t lived up to this historical image.
In about two weeks, the Democratic National Convention will have come and gone in Charlotte. But a group of city officials and economic development agencies are working to extend the economic afterglow of the DNC.
Political conventions don't just draw elected officials, media and political junkies. They're also a magnet for high-ranking business people looking to make connections with the powerful.
While they're here, Center City Partners CEO Michael Smith wants to meet them, too.
Street closures during the DNC have many Uptown businesses planning to close or operate on limited hours. But the EpiCentre will be open and it's shaping into one of the best spots for celebrity watching and a taste of convention excitement.
The EpiCentre is kitty-corner from Time Warner Cable Arena and inside the DNC security zone. So basically it's the convention's "front porch," says EpiCentre business development manager Ed Camp.
It's an obvious choice for delegates, reporters and celebrities looking for a quick bite or a drink outside the arena.
Everyone remembers the now famous phrase "it's the economy, stupid" that came out of Bill Clinton's first campaign for President. That phrase could be in full effect during the current Presidential campaign as well but the two candidates certainly see the issue from two different perspectives. Add to that the recent addition of congressman Paul Ryan as Mitt Romney's Vice Presidential candidate. Ryan is the Chairman of the House Budget Committee and has what some call "radical" views to reform the federal budget and revive the economy.
