Meck Co. commissioners hear concerns over proposed budget

Dozens of people spoke their mind this evening at a public hearing for the proposed Mecklenburg County budget. The proposed $1.41-billion budget would lower the county property tax rate to its lowest level in eight years and add funding for Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools, parks and libraries. But despite that, not everyone is happy.

Meck Co. commissioners hear concerns over proposed budget

05/24/2012 08:33 PM

Authorities say major roundup will impact gang's organization nationally

More than two dozen alleged members of the United Blood Nation gang were arrested earlier this month in Gaston, Cleveland and Lincoln counties. The U.S. Attorney's Office says the roundup will have a significant impact on the organizational structure of the gang, nationally, from leadership down to street level.

Authorities say major roundup will impact gang's organization nationally

Updated 05/24/2012 05:44 PM

Memorial Day brings reminder about water safety

North Carolina recreational boating deaths are slightly up and drowning is now the No. 1 cause of accidental deaths in toddlers ages 1 to 4, according to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Memorial Day brings reminder about water safety

05/24/2012 05:27 PM

NASCAR drivers irked by proposed sports sponsorship ban for military

A budget battle is brewing over military branding and NASCAR. A 2013 Defense Authorization Bill in Congress includes a provision to ban Pentagon sponsorship of NASCAR drivers. That could impact one of the sport's most popular drivers, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

NASCAR drivers irked by proposed sports sponsorship ban for military

05/24/2012 05:18 PM

Biden's Charlotte visit excites supporters, frustrates drivers

Vice President Joe Biden appeared at two events Thursday afternoon in Charlotte. While he was in town many drivers were looking for ways to not only get around Speed Street but also police and Secret Service delays and detours.

Biden's Charlotte visit excites supporters, frustrates drivers

05/24/2012 05:13 PM

Report predicts growth in commercial real estate market

A new report says commercial real estate sectors will improve during the next year. The National Association of Realtors predicts growth in occupancy rates for office, industrial and retail spaces. It's welcome news for commercial realtors in North Carolina.

Report predicts growth in commercial real estate market

05/24/2012 04:58 PM

NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon teams up with AARP to help curb hunger in NC

Four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon and hundreds of other volunteers spent the morning at the Charlotte Convention Center packing meals. It's part of the AARP Foundation's ongoing effort to end widespread hunger.

NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon teams up with AARP to help curb hunger in NC

05/24/2012 02:34 PM

Speed Street kicks off NASCAR weekend festivities

NASCAR is taking over the Queen City. Food Lion Speed Street kicks off in uptown Charlotte Thursday ahead of the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday. Speed Street kicked off at 12 p.m. Thursday with opening ceremonies and runs through Saturday night.

Speed Street kicks off NASCAR weekend festivities

Updated 05/24/2012 01:01 PM

VP Joe Biden to attend fundraiser in Charlotte

Vice President Joe Biden will be in Charlotte Thursday. He's scheduled to attend a fundraiser luncheon at a private residence to be followed by an event with grassroots supporters.

VP Joe Biden to attend fundraiser in Charlotte

05/24/2012 07:46 AM

Charlotte-area police probing connection in Harris Teeter robberies

Police across the North Carolina-South Carolina border are looking into whether two armed robberies at Harris Teeters within hours of each other are connected. The first happened before 10 p.m. Monday at a 24-hour store in Fort Mill; the second, shortly after midnight at another 24-hour supermarket in Cornelius.

Charlotte-area police probing connection in Harris Teeter robberies

05/23/2012 09:04 PM

KKK plans cross burning in North Carolina this weekend

Authorities became aware of the Ku Klux Klan's plans to hold a rally in Harmony when some residents of Reidsville found fliers for the event in their driveways.

KKK plans cross burning in North Carolina this weekend

05/23/2012 06:09 PM

Former CRVA CEO charged with DWI and hit-and-run

Tim Newman, the former head of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, is in trouble with the law after being arrested Tuesday night on drunken driving and hit-and-run charges on Interstate 77 near LaSalle Street. Newman resigned from the CRVA earlier this year.

Former CRVA CEO charged with DWI and hit-and-run

Updated 05/23/2012 05:13 PM

Despite smaller crowds, race fans pump millions into local economy

NASCAR fans in town for this weekend's Coca-Cola 600 will spend millions of dollars on food, gas and souvenirs. While the race pumps money into the local economy the crowds -- and the bottom lines -- aren't as big as they used to be.

Despite smaller crowds, race fans pump millions into local economy

05/23/2012 05:03 PM

CMPD taking ideas from Chicago NATO protests to use at DNC

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department is just back from Chicago, and says it has new ideas for handling the Democratic National Convention in September. About 100 officers made the trip to assist other law enforcement, as the city hosted the NATO summit. CMPD wasn't directly involved with the violent protests, but said it did learn from observing.

CMPD taking ideas from Chicago NATO protests to use at DNC

05/23/2012 04:25 PM

Police look into string of Harris Teeter robberies; unclear if related

Police across the Charlotte area are looking into robberies from Harris Teeter stores. The most recent happened Tuesday on North Cove Road in Cornelius. Police say a man came in the store just after midnight wearing a black bandana over his face and carrying a gun.

Police look into string of Harris Teeter robberies; unclear if related

05/23/2012 04:12 PM

CATS officials to include small, minority-owned businesses in light rail extension

The Charlotte Area Transit System is gearing up for the next phase of the Blue Line Light Rail extension project. CATS will begin awarding $1.16 billion dollars in construction contracts later this year and officials want to make sure small and minority owned businesses are part of the process.

CATS officials to include small, minority-owned businesses in light rail extension

05/23/2012 02:02 PM

Charlotte-area law enforcement officers honored for service

Five area law enforcement officers were honored Tuesday during the annual Respect for Law awards luncheon. The luncheon was held by the Queen City Optimist Club at the Hilton University Place.

Charlotte-area law enforcement officers honored for service

05/23/2012 10:45 AM

West Meck operates on two-hour delay after storm knocks out power

West Mecklenburg High School is operating on a two-hour delay Wednesday. Power to the school was knocked out by Tuesday night's storms.

West Meck operates on two-hour delay after storm knocks out power

05/23/2012 08:30 AM

Lightning sparks apartment fire in south Charlotte

Lightning sparked an apartment fire in south Charlotte Tuesday night. It broke out on Cherrycrest Lane.

Lightning sparks apartment fire in south Charlotte

05/23/2012 08:21 AM

Uptown street closures begin to prepare for Speed Street

Getting around uptown Charlotte will be a little more challenging this week. Starting Wednesday, several streets will shut down to prepare for the annual Food Lion Speed Street.

Uptown street closures begin to prepare for Speed Street

05/23/2012 07:26 AM