Kannapolis’s restored Gem Theatre won a statewide Downtown Excellence Award after a phased renovation. The project has driven ticket sales and helped revive downtown businesses.

Gastonia officers measured about 170°F inside a parked car during a Walmart safety demo and urged residents to "look before you lock." The outreach included handing out materials and reminding people to call 911 if they see a child or pet alone.

A late-night break-in at Monroe Tobacco and Stuff left an employee shaken and a Lexington man jailed after license-plate cameras traced the getaway car.

A June Catawba College–YouGov poll found most North Carolinians call cars, gas and groceries unaffordable; 72% say they’re cutting back and many struggle with monthly bills.

A 53-year-old man was killed after he became trapped between a backing tractor-trailer and a loading dock at a southeast Charlotte shopping center.

CMPD says a search in west Charlotte turned up suspected crack, meth, three firearms and six malnourished dogs; two people were arrested. The department is asking for tips.

Three fires struck Charlotte overnight; two homes were damaged and investigators are working to determine what started the blazes. City crews contained the scenes with no reported injuries at two locations.

Two Charlotte residents were pulled from Lake Wateree on July 3; both later died and autopsy results are pending.

Monroe moved to Stage 2 mandatory water restrictions on July 6 as reservoir levels lag after a dry spring. Outdoor watering windows are limited and some uses — including home car washing — are banned.

A state judge has kept most claims alive in a class action accusing Bojangles of failing to protect workers’ data after a 2024 hack. Plaintiffs seek damages and security upgrades.

Forsyth County’s sheriff unveiled a humanoid robot that can walk, talk and 3D‑map crime scenes — and he says it could be used on hostage calls and dangerous calls.

Gov. Josh Stein signed a law on July 6 that raises paid parental leave for eligible North Carolina state employees to 12 weeks as part of a broader HR overhaul. The State Human Resources Commission will write rules on eligibility, prorating and implementation.

Atrium Health agreed to a $1.8M settlement after lawsuits alleged tracking pixels sent patient portal activity to ad platforms. Eligible users can file claims by Sept. 28, 2026.