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Congressional leaders are working to pass $24 billion in additional aid to Ukraine, but rising opposition on the right is complicating its passage.

Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts invites audience members of all ages to dive in and experience the magical big blue world of the ocean floor when ‘Disney’s Finding Nemo JR.’ comes to life on stage October 12-22, 2023. This vibrant underwater adventure, based on the popular 2003 Pixar film, shares a story about family, friendship, and adventure. 
The production is being directed by Charlotte actor/director/theatre artist Sidney Horton, and features an all-youth cast portraying loveable characters like Nemo, Marlin, Dory and many others. Audiences will delight in the production’s imaginative costumes, an exciting underwater-themed set, creative puppetry, and memorable musical numbers composed by award-winning songwriting team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, best known for their Oscar-winning score for Frozen.
‘Disney’s Finding Nemo JR.’ runs approximately 60-minutes with no intermission and is suitable for most children. This family-friendly musical adaptation of the Disney classic opens Thursday, October 12, 2023 with a special “Pay-What-You-Can” preview performance benefiting C.O.S.Kids, a non-profit child care organization based in Matthews. Performances will continue through Sunday, October 22, 2022. Here are some of the special events the theatre is offering in conjunction with the production: 
October 12th - Pay-What-You- Can- Performance- The 7:30 p.m. performance Thursday, October 12th will be a Pay-What-You-Can performance benefiting C.O.S.Kids. Seating is general admission and there will be no advanced reservations. Patrons will be seated on a first-come-first-serve basis. The theatre suggests a $10 donation per person, but any amount will be accepted. Donations can be made with cash or credit.   
October 13, 2023 - Family Pajama Night! Put on your PJs and get cozy! Any child wearing pajamas to the 7:30 p.m. performance of Disney’s Finding Nemo, Jr. gets to choose a fun prize from the Matthews Playhouse “Treasure Box”. 
October 21, 2023- Sensory Friendly Performance @ 11 a.m. - The 11 a.m. performance on Saturday, October 21st  will be modified to accommodate children on the autism spectrum and/or with a cognitive or developmental disability. Tickets to this performance (and all other performances) can be made by going to www.matthewsplayhouse.com/finding-nemo-jr . 
October 21, 2023- Kids with Disabilities in the Spotlight (KiDS) Mini-Camp 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Children ages 7-16 on the autism spectrum or who have a cognitive and/or developmental disability are invited to participate in the Finding Nemo, Jr. KiDS Mini-Camp. The cost to participate is $25 and will include theatre games and activities, a back-stage-tour, an opportunity to meet cast members, and one (1) ticket for your child to attend the 11 a.m. Sensory Friendly Performance of Disney’s Finding Nemo JR.. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 
Weekday Performances for School Children- Matthews Playhouse is offering weekday performances of ‘Disney’s Finding Nemo, Jr.’ for school children, teachers and homeschool communities to enhance and support the classroom curriculum the week of October 16-20, 2023. Those interested in attending a weekday performance can visit www.matthewsplayhouse.com/plan-your-field-trip. 
Performance Dates- October 12-22, 2023 
Where- 100 East McDowell Street, Matthews, NC 28105
Tickets- Prices range from $10-$19 and are available for advance purchase. Tickets and show times are available at www.matthewsplayhouse.com/finding-nemo-jr .
Happens on the following Dates:
Oct 13, 2023, 7:30pm to 8:30pm CDT
Oct 14, 2023, 11:00am to 12:00pm CDT
Oct 14, 2023, 2:00pm to 3:00pm CDT
Oct 21, 2023, 11:00am to 12:00pm CDT
Oct 21, 2023, 2:00pm to 3:00pm CDT
Oct 22, 2023, 2:00pm to 3:00pm CDT

Caritas A Cappella Ensemble (Cathy Youngblood, artistic director) and the Charlotte Contemporary Ensemble (JoVan Adams, conductor) join forces to present non-idiomatic choral music of Black composers – works that are not necessarily associated with Afro-American culture (jazz, R&B, or spirituals).

Composers featured will be James Furman, Nathaniel Dett, Adolphus Hailstork, Rosephanye Powell, Marques L.A. Garrett, Undine Smith, Moses Hogan, Sedrick Dent, Evelyn Simpson Cureton, and Dr. Joel Thompson’s 2014 cantata, Seven Last Words of the Unarmed. The concert culminates in a rousing performance of Richard Smallwood’s Anthem of Praise.

Music will be enhanced by the digital artwork of artist Zaire McPhearson. The program will be available on CD or by download by the end of summer 2023.

HEHLEHLOOYUH: A Celebration of Choral Music by Black Composers, will be presented on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at First United Methodist Church of Charlotte, beginning at 4:00pm. General admission $25, Students $5.
Our nonprofit partner is Brownicity, a local organization offering eye-opening, anti-racism education through customized courses and events with individuals, churches, schools and companies.

This project was made possible, in part, with funding from ASC, and the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources.

🌟 Join Us for the FREE Yoga and Meditation Peace Event! 🌟

Registration link: (Only online registration. No on-site. Spots are limited) https://heartfulness.us/event/cultivate-peace-within-charlotte-nc/
Celebrate International Peace Day with Heartfulness on Sunday, Sept 22, at William R. Davie Park, Charlotte, NC.

This is your chance to dive into a day of transformative experiences, including:
🧘‍♀️ Heart-Centered Meditation – Discover techniques to achieve deep inner peace.
🧘 Revitalizing Yoga Sessions – Enhance your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
🤝 Community Connection – Meet like-minded individuals united for peace.

🕒 Session Times:
- 9:30 am - 10:45 am (Beginner's Yoga + Meditation)
- 11:30 am - 12:45 pm (Fire Yoga + Meditation)
- 1:30 pm - 2:45 pm (Power Yoga + Meditation)
- 3:30 pm - 4:45 pm (Deep Stretch Yoga + Meditation)

📍 Location: 4635 Pineville-Matthews Rd, Charlotte, NC 28226

Join us in creating a ripple effect of peace and harmony this International Peace day!

In New Orleans Sunday night, it's the women's turn to put on a college basketball show at the Final Four. Traditional powers UConn and Notre Dame are facing off, while the presence of California against Louisville is proving to doubters that the women's game has depth — and some pizzazz, too.

In Kentucky, two police officers in Louisville were shot during protests Wednesday night in reaction to the charges filed earlier in the day in the Breonna Taylor shooting.

"I do not make this decision lightly," McCarthy told reporters Tuesday. It's unclear whether any formal impeachment resolution would have the votes in the House to pass.

Drawing on numerous genres, including jazz, singer-songwriter, rock, alt-R&B, hip-hop, rock and soul, these are artists making exciting music for the current moment.

Join Apparo on July 11th and 25th for our upcoming educational webinars for nonprofits. Apparo's webinars are free, but require registration. Webinars will be recorded and shared for later viewing to those who registered.

Here are the details:

⭐ On July 11th from 12-1 PM, Centric Consulting’s Brit Kwait presents Mastering Project and Task Management with Microsoft 365.
- Are you getting the most out of your Microsoft 365 subscription? Join us for an insightful webinar where we’ll dive into the lesser-known gems of Microsoft 365 that can transform the way you manage projects and tasks to boost your and your team's productivity. In this webinar, complete with live demos, you will learn how to use Microsoft 365’s Planner and Lists. By attending this webinar, you will: say goodbye to the clutter of sticky notes and disparate task lists, learn how to streamline your work and bring order to chaos, discover the art of visualizing all the moving pieces with clarity and confidence, and unlock the potential of peak productivity by syncing with your team like never before.
⭐ On July 25th from 12-1PM, Sharp Advising’s Matt Sharp presents Smart Strategies for Nonprofits: Streamlining Operations on a Budget.
- Feeling overwhelmed by operational tasks at your nonprofit? This webinar offers practical strategies to streamline workflows, utilize free and low-cost tools, and maximize your impact. In this webinar, you will: gain practical strategies to streamline operational tasks and workflows, learn how to leverage limited resources for greater efficiency and impact, and discover free and low-cost tools to simplify common nonprofit operations. Register today and discover how simple systems can revolutionize your nonprofit's operations!

Register today and subscribe to Apparo’s newsletter to stay up to date on future sessions.

The United Auto Workers union said Friday that nearly 9,000 workers at the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville will strike on Feb. 23 if a local contract dispute is not resolved.

NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks to Reverend Quincy Worthington, from Highland Park Presbyterian Church, about what he's seeing on the ground during ongoing ICE protests in Chicago.

Marisa Peñaloza is a senior producer on NPR's National Desk. Peñaloza's productions are among the signature pieces heard on NPR's award-winning newsmagazines Morning Edition and All Things Considered, as well as weekend shows. Her work has covered a wide array of topics — from breaking news to feature stories, as well as investigative reports.

Another CMS superintendent is fired with time left on his contract. The future of the Panthers’ headquarters in Rock Hill is up in the air and two Charlotte streets with racist ties get new names. We'll look at those stories and more with guest host Erik Spanberg and a panel of local reporters.

The Senate majority leader says he has the votes to press ahead and won't seek a deal with Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who demanded witness testimony and rules for evidence.

The GOP senator from Alaska says she agrees with former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis' sharp rebuke of the president. The public critique from an ex-Cabinet official exposed a split within the party.

This holiday season, Matthews Playhouse invites families and friends to come together and experience a heartwarming tale filled with uplifting musical numbers, beautiful period costumes, and show-stopping choreography. With a blend of fresh new faces and exciting twists, including new special effects and music, this year’s production promises a joyous and high-energy holiday experience.

Set in 19th-century London, "Scrooge! The Musical" brings the classic holiday tale to life with Leslie Bricusse’s award-winning score. Geof Knight stars as Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly man visited on Christmas Eve by the ghost of his former partner, Jacob Marley (Jeff Powell), and the three spirits of Christmas (played by Sarah Baumgardner, Tristan Nogueira, and Davis Hickson). Through their visions, Scrooge sees the hardships faced by his clerk Bob Cratchit (Jared Shank), Mrs. Cratchit (Lauren Wilson), and their frail son Tiny Tim (alternated by Tobey Fincher and Charlotte Thomson). Inspired, Scrooge finds redemption, embracing the joy and spirit of Christmas.

Let the magic of "Scrooge! The Musical" bring you and your loved ones closer during this festive time of year.

Dates: December 13-22, 2024
Location: Fullwood Theatre (Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts), 100 McDowell St, Matthews, NC
Tickets: Available at matthewsplayhouse.com

A Director’s Fresh Perspective
Making his directorial debut, Johnny Hohenstein is eager to bring a fresh perspective to this year’s production. “Although we’re telling a well-known story, we hope to create a high-energy and fun environment for cast, crew, and audiences alike,” says Hohenstein. “Expect some surprises this year that will keep this beloved tradition fresh and alive!”

A Bittersweet Farewell
Local radio personality and actor Geof Knight will reprise his role as Ebenezer Scrooge for the third and final time. Knight, a beloved figure in the Charlotte theatre community, has announced his retirement from the stage after this production. “I am very honored to be spending a third year as part of this holiday tradition,” Knight says. “This will be my last year, and more than likely, my last time on stage in Charlotte. I look forward to another journey to 1843 London with both new friends and old.”

Special Performances and Community Impact
In addition to the eight regular performances, Scrooge! The Musical will feature a "Pay What You Can" performance on Thursday, December 19th, at 7:30 pm, benefiting Common Heart, a local non-profit dedicated to eradicating food insecurity and eliminating generational poverty in the community.

Introducing Kids Night Out - A New Way to Experience Live Theatre
For children who may not yet appreciate live theatre, Matthews Playhouse is excited to announce its newest program, Kids Night Out—a fun-filled evening for children in grades 1-5, offered during the Friday and Saturday evening performances of Scrooge! The Musical. While parents enjoy a night out, kids will have a blast with themed activities, games, dinner, and a cozy PJ party from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.

A jury ruled last Friday that Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools did not violate the Title IX civil rights of a former Myers Park High student who sued and said the school system didn't protect her after a 2015 sexual assault. Details emerge in a hit-and-run last month involving state auditor Beth Wood. The trial is underway in the case of a prominent South Carolina attorney accused of murdering his wife and son and defrauding his clients. And Mecklenburg County Commissioners discuss priorities during this week's budget retreat. Mike Collins and a panel of reporters discuss these stories.

On the local news roundup: a public hearing on the Panthers’ request for stadium remodeling funds gives city council “a lot to think about.” Tension at the county commission meeting regarding Pride Month. Meanwhile, Mecklenburg County Commission approves a new way to operate CATS. And CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings is disappointed by a gubernatorial veto.

The Kentucky Derby was delayed because of the pandemic, now demands are being made that Churchill Downs use this moment to make lasting changes and to take a stand against racial injustice.

After the famous toucan received a prosthetic replacement, it's story has helped spark a national movement against harming animals in Costa Rica, where a new anti-abuse bill is also gaining traction.