Charlotte chef takes on Food Network + Can you get reimbursed for saving energy?

TGIF! KJ here. As you’ve probably heard by now, Charlotte Pride is this weekend. Here’s some things to know before you celebrate.

• A list of the best events to attend on Saturday, Sunday and beyond

• What you can expect with traffic disruptions, crowds and rain

• Mecklenburg County is offering 2,000 monkeypox vaccines during Pride

• In small towns beyond Charlotte, despite resistance, LGBTQ+ Pride abounds

There’s more news below. Enjoy your weekend!

1. Charlotte chef takes on another Food Network star. The results are a ‘surreal’ first.

When I heard a Charlotte chef was making his return to Food Network, I got very excited. Honestly, I could watch Food Network for an entire day.

Chris Coleman of The Goodyear House and Old Town Kitchen & Cocktails went on to ”Beat Bobby Flay” last June. This week, he was a competitor on “Alex vs. America,” which brings chefs from across the nation to compete in an attempt to take down chef Alex Guarnaschelli. And get this: the episode was cheese-themed.

“I barely snuck into the final round as the underdog. I didn’t think I had a chance to beat Alex or even place,” Coleman told CharlotteFive. “I’m no cheese expert, but I’ve been in the industry for 24 years and have had plenty of time to research and experiment with ingredients.”

Shannon Greene has the full story.

2. How the Inflation Reduction Act could reimburse NC residents for saving energy

Legislation signed into law by President Biden on Tuesday will reserve nearly $370 billion to strengthen combative efforts against climate change. A portion of those funds will go toward lowering energy costs and emissions for individuals, saving money for many families in North Carolina and across the country.

NC homeowners who make energy-efficient home improvements, such as replacing leaky doors or upgrading to more environmentally-friendly appliances, will be able to claim up to $1,200 a year through tax credits. Also, those who are able to switch to solar power can receive up to 30% of their energy costs through their tax filings.

Evan Santiago has more details.

3. 2 lanes open, I-77 south traffic in York County still backed up for miles

Interstate 77 near the South Carolina line has been backed up for miles after a multi-vehicle crash involving a tanker truck.

York County Emergency Management Director Chuck Haynes said one of the vehicles involved was a tanker carrying gasoline. No gasoline spilled from the tanker, Haynes said, but the manner of handling a gasoline tanker requires special steps. A small amount of diesel fuel from the truck did spill on the road, Haynes said.

Mark Price and Andrew Dys will have updates here.

It’s not been a good week for I-77 traffic in our area. On Tuesday, a Walmart produce truck was involved in a fiery crash in Charlotte.

4. Some weekend reads

• What last sights would you savor if you were going blind? This NC woman had to decide.

• Home tours: This lakefront home has an artist studio and gallery, home office, outdoor bar.

• ‘Significant global interest’: NASCAR race at Watkins Glen has record international field

• Is Charlotte’s hot real estate market cooling down? The trends say yes. Here’s why

• Centene timeline in Charlotte: From billion-dollar fanfare to quietly quitting big plans

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