After a 2024 crash left Eleanor Shell facing a long brain-injury recovery, she created a Charlotte nonprofit built around small moments of relief for families in crisis.

Charlotte Black Pride held its 2026 celebration after five corporate sponsors cut or reduced support, leaving organizers to find more than $11,000 in replacement funding.

Cabarrus and Rowan leaders say childcare shortages are costing the local economy about $149.1M a year and are lining up state funding and local programs to stabilize care.