A Benton Heights Elementary art teacher was arrested April 2 and charged with taking indecent liberties with a child. The district says the alleged victim is not a Benton Heights student.

Neighborhood pantries across Charlotte are rationing food as donations fall and demand spikes, forcing staff to stretch boxes and seek steady support. City and regional food banks warn the pressure is widespread.

School officials say students and staff are safe after an incident at Hidden Valley Elementary in northeast Charlotte. Details remain limited as investigators respond.

Ferncroft Capital bought a 403,000‑sf, rail‑served Home Depot distribution center in Steele Creek for $95.6M. The asset was developed by The Keith Corp. after assembling the site in 2021.

CMPD's Crime Reduction Unit said two searches in Hickory Grove on March 25 yielded suspected fentanyl, cocaine, meth, two firearms and more than $4,100; one juvenile was arrested and charged.

A Chain Store Guide report shows Walmart, Harris Teeter and Food Lion still capture about 60% of Charlotte‑area grocery spending as sales hit a record $10.8B.

The Smoke Pit opened a Lake Norman location in Mooresville at 328 W. Plaza Drive and sold out during a training-day rush, drawing lines before the 11 a.m. start.

Charlotte‑born Ilios Crafted Greek is planning a Davidson outpost at Sadler Square; signage is up but a firm opening date has not been posted.

Beloved Uptown cookie shop La Bonbonnière is opening at Blakeney Town Center in Ballantyne with a "coming soon" address at 9870 Rea Rd. No firm opening date yet.

Police say one person was killed in a shooting in west Charlotte Wednesday; detectives are investigating at the 10000 block of Florentine Way.

Piedmont Medical Center will centralize most maternity care at Fort Mill on May 12, 2026, while Rock Hill pivots to trauma and specialty services.

Rio 150 is opening a Huntersville restaurant near Lake Norman, bringing its famously giant margaritas and Baja‑style menu to the area.

Charlotte SHOUT! returns April 3–19 with 200+ events. Uptown road closures are in effect and Eighth Street is closed until April 20.