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Charlotte Douglas International Airport is feeling impact from a “major nor’easter underway along the Eastern Seaboard,” data shows.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport photo
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is feeling impact from a “major nor’easter” underway along the Eastern Seaboard, data shows.
As of 8:30 a.m. Monday, 152 flights had been cancelled and 15 had been delayed, including more than 80 American Airlines flights, according to FlightAware.
Nationwide, more than 5,600 flights have been cancelled, most of them headed for major airports in New England, tracking shows.
Cancellations are likely to mount during the day due to heavy snow and high winds at airports in the Northeast.
The “historic” storm rapidly intensified over the weekend off the Delaware/New Jersey coastline and it is expected to bring “very heavy snowfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour” to the region, along with gusts of 40 to 70 mph, the National Weather Service reportedly early Monday.
The heaviest snowfall is expected between 4 a.m. and noon Monday, officials said. High-end estimates could top 30 inches in the Boston area, with 75 mph gusts, forecasters say.
This is a developing story.
This story was originally published February 23, 2026 at 7:21 AM.
Mark Price is a National Reporter for McClatchy News. He joined the network of newspapers in 1991 at The Charlotte Observer, covering beats including schools, crime, immigration, LGBTQ issues, homelessness and nonprofits. He graduated from the University of Memphis with majors in journalism and art history, and a minor in geology.
Two North Carolina restaurants are among North America’s best places to celebrate the Year of the Horse with Asian dishes, the Michelin Guide says.
The Lunar New Year celebrates the beginning of a new year in China’s lunisolar calendar, although many other Asian countries celebrate the holiday, as well. Lunar New Year celebrations stretch this year from Feb. 17-27, with red decorations and family gatherings, plus firecrackers and lantern festivals.
Elaborate meals are also key, which is where the Michelin Guide has stepped in to help.
Dan Nguyen stands outside her Charlotte restaurant, Lang Van. Alex Cason CharlotteFive
Lang Van in Charlotte
Charlotte’s Lang Van was highlighted for its crispy fried spring rolls — also called nem rán or as chả giò — usually made with minced pork, glass noodles, wood ear mushrooms and aromatics.
The Michelin Guide called the spring rolls are a fixture of celebrations for Tết — Vietnamese New Year — and made in large batches to share across generations. “Their presence on the table reflects care, patience and a belief in prosperity built through collective effort — food that brings people back to the table again and again,” the article said.
We’ll also note that while you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu at the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, other standout appetizers to try include the goi cuon summer rolls and the crispy bánh xèo pancake, a dish “Top Chef” host Kisten Kich enjoyed while filming in Charlotte.
Lang Van’s No. 19, a crispy bánh xèo pancake, goes well with an ice cold mug of Asahi beer. Timothy DePeugh CharlotteFive
Brewery Bhavana in Raleigh
Among the other foods the Michelin Guide calls out as “iconic” are the hand-folded jaiozi dumplings at Brewery Bhavana in Raleigh, which was honored with Michelin-recommended status. The curved-shaped Chinese dumplings are a symbol of wealth and new beginnings, the guide’s article explained.
At Brewery Bhavana, the hand-made dumplings are filled with chicken, ginger, bok choi and water chestnuts, then pan-fried and served with house dumpling sauce. If you’re looking to try even more there, we hear the bao is a spectacular choice.
Brewery Bhavana – a restaurant in downtown Raleigh with craft beer, dim sum, flower shop and book store – opened in March 2017. Part of the building houses a restaurant with dim sum and some classic Chinese dishes. Julia Wade JULIA WADE
Brewery Bhavana’s two renditions of bao — steamed buns filled with char siu, or delicately pan-browned with a filling of braised pork and black mushrooms — are both so good that they leave you no option but to order both. Juli Leonard jleonard@newsobserver.com
Lang Van’s goi cuon, which are Vietnamese summer rolls, come with a side of savory peanut dipping sauce that you can add sriracha to for a spicy kick. Heidi Finley CharlotteFive
Heidi Finley is a writer and editor for CharlotteFive and the Charlotte Observer. Outside of work, you will most likely find her in the suburbs driving kids around, volunteering and indulging in foodie pursuits. Support my work with a digital subscription
Winter has returned to the WCCB Charlotte viewing area. Snow is falling in the High Country and a cold wind has settled into the Foothills and Piedmont. The High Country is under a winter storm warning through Monday night as snow and windy conditions are expected to continue. Lower elevations are expected to see 3-6 inches of snow. While the highest elevations including the ski resorts could see up to a foot of snow. Snow will continue off and on all day Monday, but will begin to taper off overnight.
Outside of the High Country wind and cold temperatures are the big story. Wind has already picked up in a big way with gusts past 40 mph being common this evening in the Piedmont. While wind gusts will slowly calm down from here, expect it to remain very breezy tonight with gusts generally in the 30 mph range. On top of that temperatures will drop into the upper 20s for most in the Piedmont tonight, and the teens in the High Country. This will lead to wind chills in the teens tomorrow morning in the Queen City while it feels sub 0 in the High Country!
Monday afternoon will be the coldest in a while with highs in the low 40s in Charlotte, and 20s in the High Country. Winds will remain breezy as well, but will be much more manageable in the Piedmont. After Monday a slow trend back to warmer temperatures begins. With Wednesday getting back to the 60s. Our next rain chance looks to be Thursday into Thursday night. This will be very welcome as we continue to fight a drought across the region. An early look at next weekend looks mostly dry with temperatures in the 60s.
Purim is many Jewish kids’ favorite holiday. It’s got it all — costumes, pastries, noise, games.
Purim commemorates the thwarting of the plans to kill all the Jews in the Persian empire. The story is told in the Book of Esther, and dates to the 5th century BC.
Read on to learn a little bit about the holiday, the traditions associated with it, and how you can celebrate Purim in Charlotte.
In 2026, Purim starts the evening of Monday, March 2, and ends at nightfall on Friday, March 3.
The greeting on Purim is “Chag Purim Sameach,” which means Happy Purim.
In the story of Purim, the most important characters are King Ahasuerus, Esther, Mordecai and Haman.
The king marries Esther, who keeps her Jewish identity a secret. Her uncle Mordecai discovers a plot by two palace guards to kill the king. The guards are apprehended and hanged, and Mordecai’s service is recorded in the court’s records.
The king appoints Haman as his viceroy. Haman likes power. Mordecai refuses to bow to Haman, angering him. So Haman plans to have Mordecai killed, and, finding out that he’s Jewish, plans to kill all the Jews in the empire as well. He gets the go-ahead from Ahasuerus.
Mordecai finds out and convinces Esther to tell the king that she’s Jewish. She does so at a banquet, revealing that Haman is planning to kill all the Jews, which includes her. Ahasuerus is enraged and instead orders Haman to be hanged.
Historians differ on the historical basis of the story, but we’ll focus on the culture and traditions.
Purim Traditions
The celebration of Purim differs from community to community, depending on level of observance and local culture, but most celebrate in these ways:
Reading the story
At gatherings, members of the community or religious leaders recite the Book of Esther from the scroll called the Megillah. Have you heard the phrase “The whole Megillah?”
Photo: Depositphotos
During the reading, every time the name Haman is spoken, the listeners yell “Booo!” and shake noise-makers (called “groggers”) to drown out his name.
Food gifts and charity
It’s traditional to give food gifts, called “mishloach manot,” to others. Sometimes people put together many baskets of sweets, snacks and other food to give out.
It’s also traditional to give money to charities that help people in need.
Traditional foods
Photo: Depositphotos
The most well known food associated with Purim is the hamantaschen. A hamantaschen is a sweet pastry, rolled out, filled with poppy seed, fruit, or other filling, and then folded into a triangle. The shape of the pastry is often said to represent the three-cornered hat that tradition has Haman wearing.
Kreplach, a dumpling filled with cooked meat, and served in soup, is also frequently enjoyed during Purim.
Costumes
There’s a long tradition of masquerading on Purim. At some Megillah readings, both children and adults dress in costume. At Purim carnivals, children dress in costume and play carnival games.
Traditionally children dress as characters from the story. You’ll see a lot of Esthers and Mordecais in particular. But, really, anything goes. In many communities, Purim is similar to Halloween — a really fun time for kids (and adults) to show their creativity and personality through their costumes.
Purim Spiel
A Purim spiel is a comical skit that can be a retelling of the Purim story, but also might not be. Today they revolve around anything that relate to Judaism at all, and include satire, music, and lots of silliness.
Ballantyne Jewish Center is hosting Magical Purim Party on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The Megilla reading will be at 5:30 p.m. and the dinner and party will be at 6 p.m. It takes place at South Charlotte Banquet Center, 9009 Bryant Farms Road, Charlotte, North Carolina.
The celebration features:
Magical Purim feast
Multi media Megilla reading
Magic bubble show
Enchanted Purim bar
Activities for all ages
Before February 23:
BJC Partners $15 per person or $50 per family
Non Partners $20 per person or $60 per family
Children under age 4 are FREE
After February 23:
$25 per person or $75 per family
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However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
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Upcoming Events in the Charlotte area
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Families are invited to a Leprechaun Party on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Camp TN Spencer Park, 3155 Foxford Road, Concord, North Carolina.
The cost is $2. Registration is required. To register, go to cabarruscounty.us/register and follow the link for the 2nd Saturdays at Camp TN Spencer.
Enjoy a “Gold Hunt” at the park followed by Leprechaun Punch (sprite and lime Sherbert).
Then investigate the history of St. Patrick (Spoiler alert – it involves snakes!), meet some scaly friends of ours and make a serpentine craft.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
New to Charlotte on the Cheap? You might also be interested in:
MEXICO CITY (AP) — The Mexican army killed the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho, ” on Sunday, decapitating what had become Mexico’s most powerful cartel and giving the government its biggest prize yet to show the Trump administration its efforts.
Oseguera Cervantes was wounded in an operation to capture him Sunday in Tapalpa, Jalisco about a two-hour drive southwest of Guadalajara and he died while being flown to Mexico City, the Defense Department said in a statement. The state is the base of the cartel known for trafficking huge quantities of fentanyl and other drugs to the United States.
During the operation, troops came under fire and killed four people at the location. Three more people, including Oseguera Cervantes, were wounded and later died, the statement said. Two others were arrested and armored vehicles, rocket launchers and other arms were seized. Three members of the armed forces were wounded and receiving medical treatment.
Roadblocks and burning vehicles
The killing of the powerful drug lord set off several hours of roadblocks with burning vehicles in Jalisco and other states. Such tactics are commonly used by the cartels to block military operations. Jalisco canceled school in the state for Monday.
Videos circulating on social media showed plumes of smoke billowing over the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco, and people sprinting through the airport of the state’s capital in panic. On Sunday afternoon, Air Canada announced it was suspending flights to Puerto Vallarta “due to an ongoing security situation” and advised customers not to go to their airport.
The U.S. State Department warned U.S. citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon states to remain in safe places due to the ongoing security operations. Canada’s embassy in Mexico warned its citizens in Puerto Vallarta to shelter in place and generally to keep a low profile in Jalisco.
Jalisco Gov. Pablo Lemus told residents to stay at home and suspended public transportation.
US had offered up to $15 million for his capture
The U.S. State Department had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest of El Mencho. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, known as CJNG, is one of the most powerful and fastest growing criminal organizations in Mexico and was born in 2009.
In February, the Trump administration designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, like her predecessor, has criticized the “kingpin” strategy of previous administrations that took out cartel leaders only to trigger explosions of violence as cartels fractured. While she has remained popular in Mexico, security is a persistent concern and since U.S. President Donald Trump took office a year ago, she has been under tremendous pressure to show results against drug trafficking.
Known as aggressive cartel
The Jalisco cartel has been one of the most aggressive cartels in its attacks on the military — including on helicopters — and is a pioneer in launching explosives from drones and installing mines. In 2020, it carried out a spectacular assassination attempt with grenades and high-powered rifles in the heart of Mexico City against the then head of the capital’s police force and now federal security secretary.
The DEA considers the cartel to be as powerful as the Sinaloa cartel, one of Mexico’s most infamous criminal groups, with a presence in all 50 U.S. states. It is one of the main suppliers of cocaine to the U.S. market and, like the Sinaloa cartel, earns billions from the production of fentanyl and methamphetamines. Sinaloa, however, has been weakened by infighting after the loss of its leaders Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, both in U.S. custody.
Oseguera Cervantes, 59, was originally from Aguililla in the neighboring state of Michoacan. He had been significantly involved in drug trafficking activities since the 1990s. When he was younger, he migrated to the U.S. where he was convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in 1994 and served nearly three years in prison.
Following his release from custody, Oseguera Cervantes returned to Mexico and reengaged in drug trafficking activity with drug lord Ignacio Coronel Villarreal, alias “Nacho Coronel.” After Villarreal’s death, Oseguera Cervantes and Erik Valencia Salazar, alias “El 85”, created the Jalisco New Generation Cartel around 2007.
Initially, they worked for the Sinaloa Cartel, but eventually split and for years the two cartels have battled for territory across Mexico.
Indicted several times in the United States
Since 2017, Oseguera Cervantes has been indicted several times in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
The most recent superseding indictment, filed on April 5, 2022, charges Oseguera Cervantes with conspiracy and distribution of controlled substances (methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl) for the purpose of illegal importation into the United States and use of firearms during and in connection with drug trafficking offenses. Oseguera Cervantes is also charged under the Drug Kingpin Enforcement Act for directing a continuing criminal enterprise.
UPDATE:CMPD reported shortly before 9 a.m. Sunday that the boy had been reunited with his guardians. Additional details were not released.
The original story is below.
In an unusual twist on the typical missing persons cases, a boy has been found, and it’s his parents who are missing, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police.
A plea for help locating the boy’s guardians was shared early Sunday by CMPD.
“The child was located around 7 p.m., on Feb. 21 … near Mt Holly-Huntersville Rd and Rozelles Ferry Rd,” CMPD said in the Feb. 22 news release.
“The male child found appears to between 9 and 12 years old. He was found wearing black Nike shoes, black socks, blue under amour sweatpants and a red jacket over a blue hoodie.”
He identified himself as Bryson Usher Daniel, possibly born May 3, “but the year is unknown,” CMPD said.
The boy is in the custody of the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services until his guardians can be found, officials said.
“Anyone with information on the parents or guardians of this child please call 9-1-1 immediately,” police said.
The location where the boy was found is in northeast Charlotte, near the intersection of Mt. Holly Huntersville Road and Interstate 485.
This story was originally published February 22, 2026 at 9:35 AM.
Mark Price is a National Reporter for McClatchy News. He joined the network of newspapers in 1991 at The Charlotte Observer, covering beats including schools, crime, immigration, LGBTQ issues, homelessness and nonprofits. He graduated from the University of Memphis with majors in journalism and art history, and a minor in geology.
NEW YORK (AP) — A rapidly intensifying storm triggered blizzard warnings Saturday for New York City, New Jersey and Boston as communities along the East Coast prepared for the Sunday arrival of heavy snow and damaging winds.
The National Weather Service increased its assessment of the potential severity of a storm that was projected to be much milder only days earlier.
The weather service said 1 to 2 feet (about 30 to 61 centimeters) of snow was possible in many areas as it issued blizzard warnings for New York City and Long Island, Boston and coastal communities in New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Flooding was also possible in parts of New York and New Jersey, it said.
“While we do get plenty of these nor’easters that produce heavy snow and strong impacts, it’s been several years since we saw one of this magnitude across this large of a region in this very populated part of the country,” said Cody Snell, a meteorologist at the service’s Weather Prediction Center.
Snell said the storm would arrive Sunday morning in areas around Washington before stretching toward Philadelphia and New York City and reaching Boston in the evening.
The weather service said the storm could begin as rainfall in some places before worsening, with the heaviest snowfall expected at night and as much as 2 inches (5 centimeters) of snow per hour at times in some areas, before tapering off by Monday afternoon.
The weather service warned that the storm, with steady winds of 25 to 35 mph (40 to 56 kph) would “make travel dangerous, if not impossible. Scattered downed tree limbs and power outages possible due to snow load and strong winds.”
Officials scrambled to prepare for a storm that forecasters days ago believed would have a much more limited impact.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the city would expand on efforts it used to deal with a major snowfall weeks ago. But officials held off on deciding whether to open schools Monday for the time being.
“We saw on Friday there was expectation that the likelihood was that we were going to face maybe 3 to 4 inches of snow. Quickly that then changed,” Mamdani said. “So we want to make sure that we make a decision based on up-to-date and accurate information.”
New York brought in additional snow clearing equipment from outside the city and planned to increase use of geocoding to keep track of bus stops and crosswalks that need clearing, he said.
With the storm zeroing in, John Berlingieri scrapped plans for a family trip to Puerto Rico to prepare his company, Berrington Snow Management, for what could well be a mammoth task: Clearing snow from millions of square feet of asphalt surrounding shopping malls and industrial parks across Long Island.
Employees spent the last few days recharging batteries on the company’s 40 front-end loaders and replacing windshield wipers on snow removal vehicles, before resting up Saturday.
“I’m anticipating at least one week of work around the clock,” Berlingieri said. “We’re going to work 24 to 36 hours straight, sleep for a few hours and then go back.”
The storm approached just as the icy remains of a snowstorm that struck the region weeks earlier were finally melting away.
Officials in Atlantic City, New Jersey, urged residents and casino visitors to stay off the streets, especially in low-lying neighborhoods prone to flooding.
“I could go on and on probably with a good two dozen streets where we know we will get water and there will be snow on top of that,” said Scott Evans, the city’s fire chief and emergency management coordinator. “So you won’t be able to see it until it’s too late, so therefore please stay at home.”
Many churches canceled Sunday services and other activities. To compensate, St. Veronica Parish in Howell, New Jersey, added an extra Mass on Saturday evening.
“Please stay safe, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep one another in prayer during the storm,” the Rev. Peter James Alindogan posted online.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has launched an effort to provide affordable housing for educators, including a recent announcement that developers are setting aside up to 25 homes for teachers. In this 2025 file photo, CMS Superintendent Crystal Hill visits a classroom during the first day of school.
KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH
Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
A local development group is setting aside up to 25 newly built homes for teachers in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools as part of the district’s plan to make homeownership more affordable.
CMS is working with Kingdom Development Partners and Ascension Community Development Corporation to provide free financial literacy training to CMS educators and discounted rates on new homes in northwest and northeast Charlotte, CMS announced Friday.
It’s part of a wider effort the school district launched in 2024 called “At Home in CMS,” aimed at making housing costs more affordable for teachers, through rental discounts, pathways to homeownership and financial literacy resources.
“One of the top concerns we hear from educators is that homeownership feels out of reach,” said CMS Chief of Recruitment, Retention and Talent Development Nancy Brightwell. “This partnership is about education, support and real opportunities that make homeownership attainable.”
Through the latest initiative, CMS educators who complete a yearlong training program through Ascension on skills such as credit counseling, budgeting, home maintenance and wealth building may be eligible to purchase one of Ascension’s newly constructed homes set aside specifically for CMS teachers.
At least ten homes will be reserved at Legacy at Neal Road in northeast Charlotte and five at Legacy at Paw Creek in northwest Charlotte. Additional homes will likely be set aside for CMS teachers in the future, a news release said.
“Our goal is to create attainable homeownership opportunities that support long-term stability and wealth building,” said James Scruggs, founder of Ascension CDC and CEO of Kingdom Development Partners. “We are proud to intentionally prioritize those who serve our community every day.”
Affordability challenges in CMS
Educator pay is a critical part of home affordability and remains a hot topic in North Carolina: the state legislature still has not approved a budget for this fiscal year, leaving teachers and other state employees without a raise.
This school year, starting teachers in CMS – a group which includes educators in their first three years in the district – will make $48,943.
North Carolina ranks 43rd in the nation for teacher pay, lagging behind neighboring states like South Carolina and Virginia. The Education Law Center recently ranked North Carolina at the bottom nationally in state funding for schools. Teachers around the state, including in CMS, called out of work in protest Jan. 7, calling for higher state investment in public education.
Educator pay in North Carolina is made of two main elements: the state base salary and the district supplement. The supplement is county-funded and added onto what the state provides in order to bring salaries closer to a living wage. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Crystal Hill said in December that she plans to propose a 5% increase to teacher supplements this year, just as she has the past budget cycles. If approved, it would increase starting teacher pay in CMS by $398.
The living wage in Mecklenburg County for a single, childless adult is currently $55,307, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Living Wage Calculator. With the current CMS pay scale, teachers do not surpass that benchmark until their 10th year in the district. Under the state’s pay schedule, with no county supplement, teachers would not reach that benchmark until their 25th year.
In 2024, CMS announced plans to construct up to four “teacher villages,” comprising one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments for CMS educators at prices they can afford on land the district already owns. The first complex was initially projected to open in 2027, with 100 units.
Reactions to the proposal were mixed, with many teachers frustrated at the need for affordable teacher housing in the first place. Meanwhile, district leaders said they’re searching for creative ways to attract and keep good teachers with the tools they have available.
This story was originally published February 22, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
Rebecca Noel reports on education for The Charlotte Observer. She’s a native of Houston, Texas, and graduated from Rice University. She later received a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. When she’s not reporting, she enjoys reading, running and frequenting coffee shops around Charlotte.
Charlotte Blues Society, an affiliate of the Blues Foundation, is a non-profit organization dedicated to “Keepin’ the Blues Alive.” They host “Blues Sunday” at the Skyline Room at Heist Brewery & Barrel Arts, 1030 Woodward Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Blues Sunday takes place the first Sunday of the month, from January to June and from August to December.
The events typically include a featured performer and an open jam. Admission ranges from $10 to $15 but is free for jammers, so bring your instrument! Backline is provided for these events. Bring your instruments, sticks, any pedals or effects you may need, plus a harp amp and mic if needed.
Charlotte Blues Society presents other concerts and events as well.
Upcoming Events with Charlotte Blues Society
Make sure to visit charlottebluessociety.org for any updates or changes, and to purchase tickets. All of these events are on Charlotte Blues Society’s calendar.
Sunday Night Blues Jam Sunday, March 1, 2026 5 to 10 p .m. Heist Brewery & Barrel Arts 1030 Woodward Avenue, NC $10 (free for jammers)
Sign up at the door. Full backline. Lead by Deja Blues.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
You might also be interested in:
Upcoming Events in the Charlotte area
Check out our full events calendar, where you can enter any date, or look at the events for the next few days here:
PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An armed man drove into the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump’s resort in Palm Beach, Florida, as another vehicle was exiting before being shot and killed early Sunday morning, according to a spokesman for the U.S. Secret Service.
What You Need To Know
The U.S. Secret Service announced Sunday that an armed man was shot and killed after entering the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump’s resort in Palm Beach, Florida
Although Trump often spends weekends at his resort, he and First Lady Melania Trump were at the White House during this incident
The man killed was identified by investigators as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin, according to a person familiar with the matter. He was reported missing a few days ago by his family
According to officials, he was observed by the north gate of the Mar-a-Lago property carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can and was ordered to drop the two pieces of equipment
The man, who was in his early 20s and from North Carolina, had a gas can and a shotgun, according to Anthony Guglielmi, the spokesman. He had been reported missing by his family a few days ago, and investigators believe he headed south and picked up the shotgun along the way.
Guglielmi said a box for the weapon was discovered in the man’s vehicle after the incident, which took place around 1:30 a.m.
The man killed was identified by investigators as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin, according to a person familiar with the matter. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation.
Trump has faced threats to his life before, including two assassination attempts during the 2024 campaign. Although the president often spends weekends at his resort, he and first lady Melania Trump were at the White House when the breach at Mar-a-Lago occurred.
After entering near the north gate of the property, the man was confronted by two Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputy, according to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.
“He was ordered to drop those two pieces of equipment that he had with them. At which time he put down the gas can, raised the shotgun to a shooting position,” Bradshaw said at a brief press conference. The two agents and the deputy “fired their weapons to neutralize the threat.”
The FBI asked residents who live near Mar-a-Lago to check any security cameras they may have for footage that could help investigators.
In a post on X, FBI Director Kash Patel said that the bureau would be “dedicating all necessary resources” to the investigation.
Investigators are working to compile a psychological profile and a motive is still under investigation. Asked whether the individual was known to law enforcement, Bradshaw said “not right now.”
On Sunday afternoon, vehicles blocked the entrance to a property listed in public records as an address for Martin at the end of a sandy private road in Cameron, North Carolina.
Braeden Fields, Martin’s cousin, reacted with disbelief. He described Martin as quiet, afraid of guns and from a family of avid Trump supporters.
“He’s a good kid,” Fields, 19, said. He said they grew up together. “I wouldn’t believe he would do something like this. It’s mind-blowing,” Fields said.
He said Martin worked at a local golf course and would send money from each paycheck to charity.
“He wouldn’t even hurt an ant. He doesn’t even know how to use a gun,” Fields said.
He said his cousin didn’t discuss politics.
“We are big Trump supporters, all of us. Everybody,” Fields said, but his cousin was “real quiet, never really talked about anything.”
The incident comes as the United States has been rocked by spasms political violence.
The incursion at Mar-a-Lago took place a few miles from Trump’s West Palm Beach club where a man tried to assassinate him while he played golf during the 2024 campaign.
A Secret Service agent spotted that man, Ryan Routh, aiming a rifle through the shrubbery before Trump came into view. Officials said Routh aimed his rifle at the agent, who opened fire and caused Routh to drop his weapon.
Routh was found guilty last year and sentenced this month to life in prison.
Trump also survived an assassination attempt at a Butler, Pennsylvania campaign rally. That gunman fired eight shots before being killed by a Secret Service counter sniper. One rally attendee was killed by the gunman.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a post on X that “the United States Secret Service acted quickly and decisively to neutralize a crazy person, armed with a gun and a gas canister, who intruded President Trump’s home.”
The Secret Service is among the agencies where the vast majority of employees are continuing their work but missing a paycheck.
“Federal law enforcement are working 24/7 to keep our country safe and protect all Americans,” Leavitt said. “It’s shameful and reckless that Democrats have chosen to shut down their Department.”
The White House referred all questions to the Secret Service and FBI. Both Trump and his wife posted statements on social media after the incident, but they were unrelated to the shooting.
There have been other recent incidents of political violence as well.
In the last year, there was the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk; the assassination of the Democratic leader in the Minnesota state House and her husband and the shooting of another lawmaker and his wife; and an arson attack at the official residence of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.
Bargain hunters, this is for you. Here’s a big list of thrift stores, consignment stores, used book and record stores, and antique and vintage shops in the Charlotte area. There can be a fine line between a thrift store and a vintage store, and consignment stores can overlap too. We’ve used our judgment.
At the end of this article we have included an interactive map of all the stores.
Elsewhere on Charlotte on the Cheap
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Updating this list
This not (and can never be) a comprehensive list. There are certainly more out there. Please do feel free to email info@charlotteonthecheap.com and let us know what we’ve missed. We’ll add them as time permits. Please be patient. Also, please make sure to include the URL of the store’s website.
There is some overlap between thrift stops, vintage stores and consignment shops and we’ve put stores where we think they fit the best. If you don’t see what you’re looking for in this category, please check out one of the other categories.
Goodwill Industries Second Editions 5301 Wilkinson Boulevard, Charlotte, 28208 704-394-6024 Goodwill’s outlet store. Clothes by the pound at $1.59 per pound, everything else half-price
Found. 3100 N Davidson Street, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28205 704-640-7740 Around 70-80% women’s clothing. The rest is men’s or unisex apparel.
The Grid (Part of Goodwill Industries) 5301 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte, 28208 704-916-1655 Refurbished, donated, and new computers, electronics, games, gaming systems, TVs, printers, cords, peripherals, audio components, etc
Habitat for Humanity ReStore Wilkinson 3326 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28208 704-295-4495 Appliances, furniture, used and new cabinets, home décor, lighting fixtures, windows, doors, etc
Habitat for Humanity Wendover ReStore 1133 N Wendover Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211 704-716-7044 Furniture, cabinets, building materials, lighting, décor, plumbing, doors, windows, etc, and Julia’s Café and Books, coffee shop, and used book store
Hidden Treasures 4035 South Blvd, Charlotte 28209 704-651-5997 Thrift store, upholstery shop, and snack shop on site. Carries vintage and used clothing, appliances, used furniture, electronics, home products, etc
Salvation Army Family Store Central Ave 1011 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204 704-348-2838 Thrift stores with gently used clothing and household items, with profits going towards homeless shelters, disaster relief, and humanitarian aid
The Wearhouse 127 Stetson Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262 704-295-9119 Gently used clothing, shoes, books, furniture, and more. Proceeds support Camino, which aids the Latino immigrant community.
Gaston County
Carolina Value Thrift Gastonia 2541 West Franklin, Gastonia, NC 28052 704-861-8808 Thrift store with clothing, used furniture, housewares, etc
Carolina Value Thrift Kannapolis 900 S. Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis, NC 28083 704-938-9482 Thrift store with clothing, used furniture, housewares, etc
CVAN’s Cool Used Stuff 543 Concord Parkway N, Concord, NC 28027 704-721-9020 Clothes, household/housewares, accessories, books, DVDs, CDs, and linens. Profits go towards supporting battered women and their children
There is some overlap between thrift stops, vintage stores and consignment shops and we’ve put stores where we think they fit the best. If you don’t see what you’re looking for in this category, please check out one of the other categories.
Charlotte
Classic Attic 4301-C Park Road, NC 28209 704-521-3750 Fine furniture and household goods
Clearing House Consignments 701 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 704-375-7708 Furniture, home décor, glassware, art, rugs and other furnishings
Clothes Mentor Arboretum 8120 Providence Road, Suite 500, Charlotte, NC 28277 704-594-7949 Women’s clothes resale store–pays cash on the spot
Consignments on Park 10701 Park Rd A, Charlotte, NC 28210 704-544-8228 Furniture and home decor.
Divine Consign – The Fountains Shopping Center 8145 Ardrey Kell Rd, Ste 101, Charlotte, NC 28277 704-443-7987 Clothing for women, juniors, and maternity, as well as home furnishings and furniture
Gear Goat Xchg 3038 Eastway Dr, Charlotte, NC 28205 704-496-9244 New and used outdoor equipment including gear for cycling, hiking, backpacking, running, and more.
Hush Consignment Boutique 8042 Providence Rd Suite 800, Charlotte, NC 28277 704-919-1066 Upscale women’s clothing and accessories
JT Posh 2400 Park Rd, Suite 2-A, Charlotte, NC 28203 704-375-1334 Carries consigned clothing, new accessories, and designer apparel
Kid to Kid – South Blvd 5418 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28217 704-525-7500 Children’s clothing and toys
Little Shop of Petra’s 1919 Commonwealth Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205 Consignment vintage shop during the day (music venue at night) Bar open during shop hours
Plato’s Closet Charlotte 10215 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28213 704-717-2972 Secondhand clothing store, mostly girls sizes 0/1 to 15/16 and guys size 28-40 waist. Pays cash on the spot.
Once Upon a Child – Charlotte 8700 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte, NC 28226 704-541-5144 National company selling used clothing, footwear, toys, and gear for kids from preemies to youth size 20. Pays cash on the spot.
Clothes Mentor Rock Hill 725 Cherry Rd, #163, Rock Hill SC 29732 803-328-0054 Women’s clothes resale store–pays cash on the spot
Tender Hearts 1025 Anderson Road N., Rock Hill, SC 29730 803-366-4673 There are also locations in Clover, Chester, and York, SC. Raises funds for House of Hope women’s shelter, men’s shelter, baby care, and senior care programs.
Antique/Vintage
There is some overlap between thrift stops, vintage stores and consignment shops and we’ve put stores where we think they fit the best. If you don’t see what you’re looking for in this category, please check out one of the other categories.
Charlotte
Little Shop of Petra’s 1919 Commonwealth Avenue, charlotte, NC 28205 Music venue by night, vintage shop by day. Bar open. Sip and shop.
East 8th Vintage 1950 E 8th St, Charlotte, NC 28204 704-604-2606 Home decor, clothing, furniture, and more.
FarReach Vintage 604 W Morehead St Suite 3, Charlotte, NC 28208 717-579-5672 Vintage designer, streetwear, and casual.
Locker Room CLT 4090 Raleigh St Suite 141, Charlotte, NC 28206 Specializes in vintage sportswear.
OldNews Vintage Charlotte 3225 N Davidson Street, Charlotte, NC 28205 Clothing, including sports jerseys
Stash Pad 2708 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205 704-916-9574
South End Exchange 111 New Bern St, Charlotte, NC 28203 704-353-4600 Antiques and fine home furnishing
The Phoenix Mercantile 3925 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28205 704-589-1953 Unique vintage home decor, memorabilia and toys.
Rat’s Nest 442 E 36th St, Charlotte, NC 28205 704-371-3599 Vintage clothing shop in NoDa. Known especially for its cowboy boots and vintage t-shirt collection.
Sleepy Poet’s Antique Mall 6424 South Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28217 704-529-6369 More than 250 vendors of vintage and antique furniture, clothing, housewares, jewelry, and other collectibles.
Gaston County
Gaston Pickers 503 Long Ave, Gastonia, NC 28054 704-852-7055
Cline’s Country Antiques 11839 Highway 49 North, Mount Pleasant, North Carolina 28124 704-436-6824 One of the largest dealers of antique and collectible furniture in North Carolina. Items are in several buildings and outdoors.
The Depot at Gibson Mill 325 McGill Ave, NW, Suite 250, Concord, NC 28026 704-787-9351 Very large antique mall
White Owl Antique Mall 8455 NC Hwy 49, Mt. Pleasant, NC 28124 704-436-2063 500+ vendors located throughout a vintage textile mill. 100,000 square feet.
Pineville
Used Book Stores
Charlotte
Book Buyers 3040 Eastway Dr., Charlotte, NC 28205 704-344-8611
Julia’s Café & Books 1133 North Wendover Road, Charlotte, NC 28211 704-295-4585 Coffee shop and used book store. Part of Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Proceeds go toward building houses.
The Book Rack 10110 Johnston Road, Suite 5, Charlotte, NC 28210 704-544-8006 Used book store in Ballantyne area
Tracking winter temperatures returning to the area.
After the warmest February day on record in Charlotte on Friday, we are about to be reminded of what winter feels like. Before temperatures plummet, we will need to dodge more showers across the area tonight, mainly after midnight. Showers will linger tomorrow morning with temperatures in the 40s in the Foothills and Piedmont, with temperatures below freezing in the High Country. By Sunday afternoon, a mix of clouds and showers will be the theme in the Foothills and Piedmont, but snow will be easier to come by in the High Country.
Winter weather advisories are in effect for Ashe and Watauga counties through overnight Sunday. Meanwhile, a winter storm warning is in effect for Avery county. This comes as a strong push of cold air into the area will spark NW flow snow in the High Country. This will be enjoyable news for the ski resorts as a couple of inches of snow is likely for High Country communities. Amounts as high as half a foot will be possible in the highest elevations.
Back in the Queen City, Sunday afternoon will top out near 50 as cold air slowly works in during the day from the NW. By Monday morning we are all back below freezing with Monday afternoon highs only reaching the low 40s. That’s a 40 degree drop in high temperatures when compared to yesterday’s highs! The good news is this cold air outbreak won’t last very long as we are back to the 60s by Wednesday. Rain also looks to once again return by Thursday of next week.
Tonight: Showers late. Low: 47°. Wind: Light
Sunday: A mix of sun and showers. High 50°. Wind: NW 10-20 Gusts: 20+
Charlotte’s skyline is shown in this Charlotte Observer file photo.
Lila Turner
lturner@charlotteobserver.com
To say North Carolina is a state of weather extremes is to put it mildly.
The mountains could see up to a half-foot of snow and wind chills in the single digits this weekend, while Charlotte set a record Friday for its highest temperature ever in February, according to the National Weather Service.
Friday’s 83-degree high in the Queen City broke the 82-degree mark for February set in 2018, NWS meteorologists said.
A rainy cold front barreling into the state Saturday is forecast to return reality to Charlotte, plummeting highs by 30 degrees, according to the NWS forecast.
Throughout Sunday in the mountains, “1-3 inches of snow are likely across the counties bordering Tennessee, with isolated accumulations of 3-6 inches above 3,500 feet,” according to an NWS hazardous weather outlook bulletin.
“Additionally, strong gusty winds from the northwest are expected Sunday into Monday, with the strongest gusts likely over the highest peaks of the mountains,” forecasters wrote.
Cold weather shelters will operate Sunday in Asheville, emergency officials said. A low of 20 is expected with snow showers and “blustery” winds, the forecast showed.
Charlotte forecast
Highs in Charlotte are expected to drop from 62 on Saturday to 52 on Sunday and 44 on Monday, the forecast showed. Highs should rebound to 50 on Tuesday, 60 on Wednesday, 64 on Thursday and 62 on Friday, according to the NWS.
Charlotte has a 70% chance of rain late Saturday and early Sunday, with a 10th to a quarter-inch possibly falling, the forecast showed. Skies should gradually clear later Sunday morning.
Monday and Tuesday should be mostly sunny and Tuesday partly sunny, with rain likely on Thursday, NWS forecasters said.
Joe Marusak has been a reporter for The Charlotte Observer since 1989 covering the people, municipalities and major news events of the region, and was a news bureau editor for the paper. He currently reports on breaking news. Support my work with a digital subscription
“I’m so sorry that I have to reschedule the first batch of Arena shows” scheduled for Feb. 27 through March 17, Manilow said on X. “But when I do come back, I will COME BACK!!!”
Canceled shows also include his March 11 concert at North Charleston Coliseum in Charleston, which was a makeup date for a concert canceled in January.
His condition has limited his endurance behind the mike, he said.
“Very depressing visit,” Manilow said about Friday’s trip to his surgeon. “I told him that I have been using the treadmill three times a day (I have) but that I still couldn’t sing more than three songs in a row before I had to stop.
“But I was sure that I would be able to do the Arena shows in a few weeks,” he said.
“’You won’t make it through,’” he said his surgeon replied, shaking his head and looking down.
“Well, I had a feeling he’d say that,” Manilow posted. “Deep down, I wanted to go back — but my body knew what my heart didn’t want to admit: I wasn’t ready.”
Joe Marusak has been a reporter for The Charlotte Observer since 1989 covering the people, municipalities and major news events of the region, and was a news bureau editor for the paper. He currently reports on breaking news. Support my work with a digital subscription
The law firm Mehta & McConnell, PLLC, is providing FREE rides home on holidays, to help to keep our community safe.
The offer is in effect in 2026:
Super Bowl Sunday
St. Patrick’s Day: March 17 and 18
Independence Day
Halloween
Thanksgiving Eve & Day
New Year’s Eve & Day
If you’ve been drinking, take an Uber, Lyft or cab home and then submit a copy of your receipt and your photo ID to Mehta & McConnell and you’ll get reimbursed for your ride.
Reimbursement is limited to the first 25 people who submit for each holiday, so don’t delay in submitting. Learn more here.
Details of the Program
Rides must be in the Charlotte, NC area.
Rides must be taken between 5 p.m. on the day of the holiday and 10 a.m. the next morning.
You must be of legal drinking age to qualify (21 and over).
Valid for one, one-way ride to a safe destination.
Limit of one reimbursement per person.
A maximum value of $25.00 anywhere in the greater Charlotte, NC area.
The maximum value includes a tip of up to 10%. Anything above a 10% tip on the base fare will not be reimbursed.
Participation in this promotion is limited to the first 25 submissions per qualifying holiday.
How to Submit Your Receipt
Within 10 business days, make a copy of your receipt and photo ID and mail it to:
Mehta & McConnell, PLLC Attn: Holiday Ride-Share Reimbursement Program 1900 South Blvd., #110 Charlotte, NC 28203
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
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Upcoming Events in the Charlotte area
Check out our full events calendar, where you can enter any date, or look at the events for the next few days here:
The apartments are on Landings Drive, off Sam Furr Road (N.C. 73) and Interstate 77 exit 25 in the Birkdale area.
Jordan lived in Cornelius and was visiting friends at the apartment complex, The Charlotte Observer reported at the time. His death was Huntersville’s first homicide in more than two years.
“The story about my son’s murder needs to stay in the minds of our community,” Carolyn Averill told The Charlotte Observer in 2017 about the unsolved 2014 killing of her son Peter Jordan, shown to her left in this photo. File photo
Police: Killer or killers knew Jordan
A 911 caller in the apartment where Jordan died reported that the fatal bullet was fired through the caller’s front door by assailants who sped away in a black, newer model Chevy Impala, according to an edited tape of the call released to the Observer by police after a public records request.
Months after Jordan‘s death, police said they believed the shooting wasn’t a random crime.
“Evidence suggests the killer or killers were known to Peter Jordan,” Huntersville police Lt. Andrew Dempski told the Observer at the time.
“Our investigation has revealed that drugs could have played a part, but that the circumstances surrounding those drugs and what part it could have played is unknown,” Dempski said.
Before a 2017 race/walk fundraiser in her son’s memory, Carolyn Averill said she hoped the event would bring awareness to the community that her son’s death remained unsolved.
“The story about my son’s murder needs to stay in the minds of our community,” Averill told the Observer in an email.
The reward was upped from $10,000. Police urge anyone with information about the case to call Huntersville police Detective Torey Hardy at 704-464-5400.
This story was originally published February 21, 2026 at 8:46 AM.
Joe Marusak has been a reporter for The Charlotte Observer since 1989 covering the people, municipalities and major news events of the region, and was a news bureau editor for the paper. He currently reports on breaking news. Support my work with a digital subscription
Around the holidays, this New York Times essay called “Why Is Shopping an Abyss of Blah?”, made its rounds. And I haven’t stopped thinking about it.
The lines that grabbed me: “In a world of abundant choice but imprisoning algorithms… Our senses are flattened, our appetites dulled.”
“[Shopping] has become a bit like consuming champagne that’s gone flat.”
The point: “Taste is the fizz that’s missing. Because emulation is not taste.”
I ran straight to the best curators in Charlotte, Ruth Runberg and Laura Vinroot Poole to continue the conversation, and learn how to make shopping, and consumption, feel fizzy again.
“Consumerism is false,” Ruth told me.
If what you’re buying doesn’t mean something to you, you’re going to need something else again soon to keep chasing that fleeting feel-good rush.
Spend time finding what feels like you, understanding the story behind what you’re buying—that’s going to bring enduring joy.
You’ll start drinking from cups until they crack, and wearing your clothes until they have holes.
At R.Runberg Curiosities, you’re one degree away from the person who made whatever item you’re looking at.
Ruth can tell you about the history of the craft, who made what and what it means. She travels the world making relationships with these artisans.
Similarly, Laura and her team touch and see every piece of clothing before it makes its way into her shops, Capitol and Poole Shop.
This has always been Laura’s way, and it’s even more important now, she says.
Designers are being influenced by the algorithm, too.
They’re producing for the masses, which means quality has been cut in half and prices have doubled. That doesn’t cut it at Capitol/Poole Shop.
“We have to feel the spark when we see a piece,” Laura says. “There has to be this in-person moment before we even edit it into our selection.”
Ruth has a simple test for this, too: If it doesn’t make your heart skip a beat, then don’t get it!
Editing is the skill that hones taste; not spending a certain amount of money or traveling the world.
Once you know what great fabrics feel like, you learn that a great Merino wool is much finer than a cashmere. You can take that knowledge to Goodwill or a thrift store, where Laura still loves to shop.
You can apply that principle to everything from the food you eat to the furniture in your home.
“You can buy your spinach at the farmers market, where you might spend $2 more but it will taste $10 better,” Laura says. Her vintage schoolhouse dining chairs were $10 apiece, and she’s had them for decades.
It’s less wasteful excess, more solid working things that inspire a visceral “yes.” It’s shopping in person, and letting yourself go for the thing that inspires awe, depth, appreciation. Don’t accept just anything. That’s how we make our champagne sparkle again.
“It makes a difference,” Ruth says, “in how you experience the world, and how the world experiences you.”
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles is speaking out as concern grows over the I-77 South Toll Lanes Project.
People who live in Charlotte’s McCrorey Heights neighborhood are worried about how their homes would be impacted by the project, and if it would lower their property values.
Now, in a letter to Charlotte’s City Council, the mayor said she has spoken with North Carolina’s Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson about the concerns and that he has committed to meeting with neighborhood leaders from communities that will be impacted by the toll lane project.
Lyles has also referred the toll lanes project to the next meeting of the Transportation, Planning & Development Committee, which is scheduled for March 5. She says she has invited NCDOT to attend the meeting to explain the process and next steps.
Guest artists will join the Orchestra to perform the iconic pop songs of ABBA. They’ll be playing all of your favorites, including “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “Waterloo,” “S.O.S.,” “Take a Chance on Me,” and more.
“The Concert” tribute band features vocalists and a full band, so belting and dancing are encouraged.
There are two shows, Feb. 27 & 28 at Knight Theater. Both shows start at 7:30pm and tickets start around $35. Purchase tickets here.
