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Tag: charlotte

  • Helene displaced thousands of students. Some struggled to get back on track

    SWANNANOA, N.C. (AP) — When 12-year-old Natalie Briggs visited the ruins of her home after Hurricane Helene, she had to tightrope across a wooden beam to reach what was once her bedroom.

    What You Need To Know

    • Thousands of students across western North Carolina lost their homes a year ago when Helene hit with some of the most vicious floods, landslides and wind ever seen in the mountainous region

    • Helene damaged more than 73,000 homes

    • The homeless student population surged, doubling in some places and even increasing fourfold in one county

    • Across the state, more than 2,500 students were identified as homeless as a direct result of Helene, according to state data obtained by The Associated Press


    Knots of electrical wires were draped inside the skeleton of the house. Months after the storm, light filtered through breaks in the tarps over the windows. “All I could think of was, ‘This isn’t my house,’” said Natalie, who had been staying in her grandparents’ basement.

    At school, Natalie sometimes had panic attacks when she thought of her ruined home in Swannanoa.

    “There were some points where I just didn’t want people to talk to me about the house — or just, like, talk to me at all,” Natalie said.

    Thousands of students across western North Carolina lost their homes a year ago when Helene hit with some of the most vicious floods, landslides and wind ever seen in the state’s Appalachian region, once considered a “climate haven.” Across the state, more than 2,500 students were identified as homeless as a direct result of Helene, according to state data obtained by The Associated Press.

    While storm debris has been mostly cleared away, the impact of the displacement lingers for the region’s children. Schools reopened long before many students returned to their homes, and their learning and well-being have yet to recover.

    The phenomenon is increasingly common as natural disasters disrupt U.S. communities more frequently and with more ferocity.

    ___

    The Associated Press is collaborating with Blue Ridge Public Radio, Honolulu Civil Beat, CalMatters and Centro de Periodismo Investigativo in Puerto Rico to examine how school communities are recovering from the disruption of natural disasters.

    ___

    In the North Carolina mountains, the challenge of recovery is especially acute. After all, many families in rural, low-income areas already deal with challenges such as food insecurity and rent affordability, said Cassandra Davis, a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill public policy professor.

    “I would almost argue that they don’t get the opportunity to recover,” Davis said.

    Finding stable housing became all-consuming

    After Helene flooded her rental home in Black Mountain, Bonnie Christine Goggins-Jones and her two teenage grandchildren had to leave behind nearly all their belongings.

    “They lost their bed, clothes, shoes, their book bag,” she said.

    The family lived in a motel, a leaky donated camper and another camper before moving into a new apartment in June.

    Goggins-Jones, a school bus aide at Asheville City Schools, struggled to heat the camper during winter. Her grandchildren kept going to school, but it wasn’t top of mind.

    The area around Asheville, western North Carolina’s largest city, still has a significant housing shortage a year after the storm.

    The family of America Sanchez Chavez, 11, had to split up to find housing. Helene left their trailer home in Swannanoa uninhabitable, and money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency wasn’t enough to cover the renovations.

    America and some relatives went to stay at her grandmother’s apartment, while her older brother lived at a friend’s house. Eventually, America moved with her mother to a room at a Black Mountain hotel where she works.

    America said she is still frightened by rain or thunder.

    “At one point when the rain actually got, like, pretty bad … I did get scared for a while,” she said.

    Helene damaged more than 73,000 homes, knocking out electricity and water for weeks if not months. The destruction of local infrastructure also closed schools for large stretches of time, and a barrage of snow days exacerbated the time out of class even more. In rural Yancey County, which has approximately 18,000 residents, students missed more than two months of school last year.

    Displaced students spread across North Carolina

    After natural disasters, it’s common to see a surge in students living in unstable, temporary arrangements, such as sleeping on a couch, staying in a shelter, or doubling up with another family, according to research from UCLA’s Center for the Transformation of Schools. Those arrangements qualify students as homeless under federal law.

    In Puerto Rico, more than 6,700 students were identified as homeless in Hurricane Maria’s aftermath during the 2017-2018 school year, the study found. Hawaii saw a 59% increase in its homeless student population following the 2023 Maui wildfires.

    In Helene’s aftermath, student homelessness spiked in several hard-hit counties, according to AP’s analysis of data from the North Carolina Homeless Education Program.

    Yancey County saw the region’s highest percentage increase. The number of homeless students went from 21 in the 2023-2024 school year to 112 last school year. All but 15 were homeless due to Helene.

    Some students enrolled in other school systems, at least temporarily. Others never returned.

    Terri Dolan of Swannanoa sent her two young children to stay with her parents in Charlotte ahead of the storm. After seeing the extent of the devastation, Dolan had them enroll in school there. They stayed over a month before returning home.

    “My job is to make money for our family and their job is to go to school,’” Dolan says she’d always told her kids. “Just because the school wasn’t open here, I felt like they needed to go to school and do their job.”

    Some districts receive federal money for services such as transporting homeless students to their usual school buildings and providing tutoring under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. But districts must apply in a competitive process, and they can’t request more money immediately after a natural disaster until the next application cycle. Many miss out on McKinney-Vento funding entirely.

    Helene-impacted students made up at least a fifth of the homeless population in 16 counties, but only six counties received McKinney-Vento money last funding cycle. Nationally, only 1 in 5 school districts receives McKinney-Vento money due to limited funds, said Barbara Duffield, executive director of Schoolhouse Connection, a nonprofit that advocates for homeless students.

    “If there’s a disaster, it’s going to involve districts that don’t get money from McKinney-Vento,” Duffield said.

    Housing instability has a lasting impact

    Gwendolyn Bode, a pre-law student at Appalachian State University, had to leave her mud-wrecked apartment complex after Helene. Told she couldn’t get campus housing, she found an Airbnb where she could stay at until her FEMA housing application went through, and then she moved into a hotel.

    She felt like she was drowning as she tried to keep up with her classes and a part-time job.

    “I can’t tell you what I learned,” Bode said. “I can’t even tell you when I went to class, because (mentally) I wasn’t there.” She found more stability after moving into an apartment for the spring semester.

    For Natalie Briggs, now 13, the grief of losing almost everything, coupled with the tight quarters in her grandparents’ basement, sometimes got to her — and to her mother, Liz Barker. Barker said it felt like a “time with no rules” because there was so much to deal with on top of her job as a health care worker.

    The circumstances sometimes led to friction. But Barker said overall, she and Natalie had “done pretty well” together.

    “She’s been a little bit more loving since all of this happened,” Barker said, smiling at her daughter.

    “I give her hugs and stuff,” Natalie said, “and I’ll tell her I love her, more than I did.”

    Associated Press

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  • Mecklenburg board of commissioners approve transportation authority

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Change could be coming to Charlotte’s transit system after Mecklenburg County commissioners voted 8-1 Tuesday night to approve the creation of a Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority.

    The plan now heads to voters in a November referendum. If approved, a one-cent sales tax would go directly toward public transportation projects. Essentials like groceries, gas and medicine would be excluded from the tax.

    What You Need To Know

    • Mecklenburg County commissioners voted 8-1 Tuesday night to approve the creation of a Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority

    • If approved, a one-cent sales tax would go directly toward public transportation projects

    • Advocates with Sustain Charlotte pushed commissioners to include riders directly in the decision-making process in Tuesday night’s hearing

    • The conversation around transit has stretched for years, but safety has become more urgent since the murder of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte’s light rail in August


    Commissioner Chair Mark Jerrell said the decision reflects growing urgency around improving mobility.

    “The consensus is that something needs to be done.”

    Jerrell says the new authority would replace the existing board and play a crucial role in overseeing transit.

    “Transit and transportation are important components of any growing community. We have got to be able to move people to critical points, access points to jobs, employment, education centers,” he said.

    Advocates with Sustain Charlotte pushed commissioners to include riders directly in the decision-making process in Tuesday night’s hearing.

    “We urge you to incorporate the following principles into your appointment process. First, to prioritize lived experience by including at least one daily catch bus rider among the appointees. This would require coordination with the city,” Meg Fencil of Sustain Charlotte said.

    Commissioners agreed, pledging that at least one board seat will be reserved for a rider.

    “That’s what we want. We want everyone to be able to participate with respect to the authority, and we’re going to make sure that we get the right people that are reflective of the community,” Jerrell said.

    The conversation around transit has stretched for years, but safety has become more urgent since the murder of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte’s light rail in August.

    “One life is too many. And so it did help amplify this conversation to allow us to make sure that we remain focused on safety,” Jerrell said.

    Jerrell added that while safety on public transit remains a priority, it is still unclear whether revenue from the tax would help fund private security already contracted by the Charlotte Area Transit System.

    If approved, officials say about 30% of the money raised would come from people living outside Mecklenburg County.

    Jerrell confirmed the application process for the authority has begun, and there will be deadlines for the board selection process.

    Founder and Executive Director of Sustain Charlotte Shannon Binns sent the following statement:

    “Sustain Charlotte is very encouraged that the County Commission voted to move this important step forward. Creating a regional transit authority is a vital investment in our community’s future and will help build a more coordinated, accountable, and rider-focused transit system. We are especially glad to hear that at least one seat for a local transit user will be reserved on the new board. Riders bring essential lived experience to these decisions, and their voice will strengthen the authority’s work. We would like to see all appointing bodies go further by prioritizing lived experience in their selections, ensuring transparency in the appointment process, and requiring board members to ride transit at least periodically. That way, decisions about the future of our transit system are grounded in the realities of the people who depend on it every day. Buses are the backbone of our transit system and will continue to be, so representation from those who use them regularly is critical.”

    Jordan Kudisch

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  • Amber Alert for missing child in Randolph County canceled

    Law enforcement officials called off an Amber Alert after previously requesting the public’s help in finding a missing 1-year-old child.

    The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office issued the alert for Iris Everly-Marie Fargis Wednesday. She’s white, approximately 2 feet tall and weighs 23 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes.

    Officials said the child was last seen in a Halloween shirt with a white ghost on the front, and black tights with jack-o’-lanterns on them.

    It was believed that the child is with Tyler Ray Toodle. However, officials did not say if the child was located with him. Toodle was described as a white, 26-year-old. Toodle weighs about 175 pounds and is about 6-feet-tall. Officials said he also has the number “336” tattooed on his left arm in blue ink, and “respect” tattooed on his right forearm.


    Daniel Gray

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  • Tropical Storm Gabrielle forms in the Atlantic

    Tropical Storm Gabrielle has formed in the central Atlantic. It’s the seventh named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

    What You Need To Know

    • Gabrielle has formed in the central Atlantic

    • It’s expected to become a hurricane this weekend or early next week

    • It’s not a threat to the U.S. at this time


    Gabrielle has maximum winds of 45 mph and is currently moving north-northwest at 22 mph. It’s not expected to strengthen much in the next 48 hours as it moves through unfavorable conditions with strong upper-level winds keeping Gabrielle disorganized.

    This weekend, Gabrielle should enter a more favorable environment for strengthening, and it’s forecast to become a hurricane by this weekend or early next week.


    The cone of uncertainty displays where the center of a storm could be located. It does not predict which areas may feel the storm’s impact. Anyone outside but near the cone should be on alert and make storm preparations.

    Gabrielle is out in the central Atlantic, far from land. Although it’s moving north-northwestward, the motion is uncertain during the next several days until a better defined center forms. 

    As of now, it doesn’t look like a threat to the Caribbean or the U.S., but it could move near Bermuda next week.


    Spaghetti models or plots show a series of individual computer forecast models together on one map. They are useful to give insight into whether multiple models are in agreement on the path of the storm but they do not address the storm’s forecast intensity, winds, flooding and storm surge potential or other data. Tap here for more details on how to best use these models.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Neighborhood reacts to 4-year-old killed after bullets hit his home

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A 4-year-old boy died early Wednesday morning after a suspect fired shots into his residence.

    What You Need To Know

    • A 4-year-old died after shots were fired into his home

    • Police said it’s unknown the reason the suspect shot at the victim’s house because the victim and his family didn’t pose a threat to the suspects

    • Neighbors said the victim and his siblings lived with their grandmother after their mother passed away from cancer earlier this year

    • CMPD said shooting into homes incidents have increased and launched a pilot program to combat this trend


    The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is investigating the homicide on Cigar Court, which is located in the Steele Creek neighborhood of the city. 

    Officers initially responded to a stolen vehicle call and when they arrived to the scene, they learned shots were fired into a nearby townhome for an unknown reason.

    The rounds hit a 4-year-old boy and killed him. 

    “That’s the most frustrating part of this. There is no indication that anyone in the residence discharged any weapons or presented any threat to these suspects whatsoever at this time. For some reason rounds were fired into this residence unprovoked,” CMPD Maj. Ryan Kendall said.

    Brandon Flowers, who lives nearby, had a home security camera that captured the aftermath.

    “It’s just heartbreaking. It’s a scary thing,” Flowers said. 

    Tabitha and Amy, two neighbors who knew the family, only shared their first names for safety concerns. 

    Tabitha described the boy as sweet.

    “He had so much life ahead of him. It’s just really tragic what happened,” Tabitha said.

    They both shared the victim and his siblings lived with their grandmother after their mom passed away from cancer earlier this year.

    “That family has already been navigating grief for the past few months, and this just adds, it’s going to compound that grief,” Tabitha said. 

    The shooting into the home shook this community.

    “It’s also heartbreaking when a child is lying in their bed, in their home, in their safety, and then it hits and then it hits a 4-year-old,” Amy said. 

    Amy told her daughter to take cover when she heard the gunshots.

    “You could tell the gunshots were close. You didn’t know where they were, where they were coming from and you just you don’t want your family, anybody in intermediate shot of a window or anything,” Amy said.

    Police said shootings targeting homes have been on the rise in the Charlotte area. Last year, they said there were 856 of them, leaving 174 people with gunshot wounds.

    In February, CMPD introduced SWITCH, a pilot program to combat this crime.

    Amy hopes this trend subsides.

    “Your home is supposed to be your sanctuary, your safe place,” Amy said. 

    Flowers now questions his safety.

    “You wake up on a morning like this and somebody’s just shooting. It does kind of make you wonder, you know. Am i in the right place? is this the right city still?” Flowers said.

    Flowers and Amy both said elected officials should do more to stop the violence. 

    CMPD said shootings into homes not only lead to personal harm but create a sense of fear and trauma for anyone living where these crimes have taken place. 

    Mid-year crime statistics show violent crime is down in Charlotte, while vehicle thefts increased this year. There’s also an initiative tasked with recovering stolen vehicles. 

    Estephany Escobar

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  • Durham Highway Fire Department encourages people to volunteer

    RALEIGH, N.C. — Volunteer firefighters make up 65% of the U.S. Fire Service, according to the National Volunteer Fire Council.

    In North Carolina, a number of communities rely on volunteers to respond to all types of emergencies. 

    What You Need To Know

    • National Volunteer Fire Council: Volunteer firefighters make up 65% of the U.S. Fire Service

    • Majority of fire departments in the United States are volunteer departments

    • NVFC launched the national junior firefighter program in 2007


    A majority of fire departments in the United States are volunteer departments.

    From structure and wildland fires to vehicle crashes, medical emergencies and natural disasters, these men and women show up and get to work.

    Durham Highway Fire Department volunteer Craig Dunkley said after he’s done saving lives with the fire department, he heads to his job as a full-time marketing expert.

    “If I have to stay late from a shift, and because of a fire or some situation like that, and I start work late, I’ll just work later in the evening to sort of cover the hours,” Dunkley said.

    Many volunteers work 12 to 16 hours a month depending on the department’s needs. They receive small stipends and benefits, such as a state pension plan.

    Luckily for Dunkley, he doesn’t volunteer for the money. He said he does the job for the community, camaraderie and commitment.

    “My kids always thought it was pretty cool. My wife took a little bit of convincing, because I’d had a busy job beforehand. And then when I started adding this on, she was like, ‘when are you going to be home?’ But we all worked it out,” Dunkley said.

    The National Volunteer Fire Council said a community’s population determines whether it gets a volunteer fire department.

    The agency said large communities with over 100,000 people are protected by departments that consist of primarily paid staff.

    Assistant Chief Mac Schultz said with the growing population in the Triangle, many volunteer departments need more people.

    Dunkley, who began volunteering six years ago, encourages volunteering. 

    “You have to make time not only for being here at the station to run calls and do your duty, but also for training, because we all train to a pretty high standard. There’s a lot of hours that go into that. And also, you have to make time to maintain your own physical fitness,” Dunkley said.

    Durham Highway Fire Department is actively seeking volunteer firefighters.

    All training and certifications will be provided free of charge. Prior training is not needed.

    In addition, the NVFC launched the national junior firefighter program in 2007, and it’s still active.

    The goal is to get more youth interested in the fire service.

    Jatrissa Wooten

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  • Elon and Queens universities announce merger

    Elon University and Queens University Charlotte will be merging, according to an announcement made by the universities Tuesday morning.

    “Elon University, with Queens University of Charlotte, is embarking on a strategic merger – combining complementary strengths, shared values and a deep commitment to Charlotte,” a statement on Elon University Charlotte’s website read. “Together, we’re honoring the past, strengthening the present and redefining what a great educational experience can – and should – be.”

    The Boards of Trustees for both institutions gave the merger unanimous support, officials said, and was backed by trusted civic and education leaders across the Queen City.

    Once the merger is complete, officials say Elon University will operate Queens University.

    “Queens has long been a leader in education, deeply connected to Charlotte’s civic and business community. This merger with Elon accelerates that vision, ensuring continuity while creating bold opportunities to expand our impact,” Jesse Cureton, acting president and CEO of Queens University, said in a statement.

    For more information on the merger, click here.

    Justin Pryor

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  • QB Young showed fight Panthers want to see despite loss to Cards

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Dave Canales benched Bryce Young two games into the 2024 season for ineffectiveness following a flurry of turnovers resulting in Carolina losing its first two games by a combined margin of 73-13.

    More than six quarters into this season it looked as if Canales might be answering similar questions about Young’s future.

    The Panthers fell behind 27-3 to the Arizona Cardinals and appeared on the verge of getting blown out for the second straight week. Young had two turnovers on the first two drives, one that was returned for a touchdown.

    And then something clicked.

    Young got going in the second half against Arizona, rallying the Panthers to 27-22 with three second-half touchdown passes. The Panthers, aided by a recovered onside kick and a few costly penalties on the Cardinals, had several chances to pull off the largest comeback in franchise history — but Young never managed to complete a single pass on the final drive and Carolina dropped to 0-2.

    But even though Young failed to complete the comeback, he still displayed the resilience and fight that general manager Dan Morgan and Canales have been looking for from the 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick as he continues to work through the maturity process in Year 3.

    Young completed 35 of 55 passes for a career-high 328 yards and three touchdowns against Arizona.

    This time, he won’t be benched.

    “He makes some magical plays,” Canales said. “It’s the mistakes that we have to continue to clean up.”

    However, getting the Panthers into the win column became more of a challenge for Young on Monday.

    Canales announced that guard Robert Hunt, who signed a $100 million contract last season, and center Austin Corbett are headed to injured reserve. Hunt tore his left biceps, while Corbett has a grade 3 MCL left knee sprain, which normally means a tear ligament.

    That’s a huge blow to the offensive line, once considered the strength of the team.

    Canales wouldn’t completely rule out either from returning, but it’s clear that would be a long shot.

    What’s working

    There were some questions about whether wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 with the Las Vegas Raiders, would be able to make it back from a severe case of ulcerative colitis which kept him out of last season and a hamstring injury he sustained earlier this year. Even Renfrow had his doubts. But the team’s slot receiver, who failed to make the final roster cut before re-signing with Carolina after it traded Adam Thielen, showed he still has the ability to get open. Renfrow caught seven passes for 48 yards and two touchdowns against Arizona.

    What needs help

    Turnovers. They continue to be an issue with the Panthers, who have five in two games — all of those belonging to Young. Young’s fumble on the opening possession resulted in an Arizona defensive touchdown and an early 7-0 deficit. He then threw an interception on the second drive.

    Soon, the Panthers trailed 20-3 at halftime and never had a chance to establish the run game.

    “We have to eliminate the mistakes,” Canales said. “Two weeks in a row … early, self-inflicted wounds. … We’re not able to play the complementary football that we’re looking for to be able to mix the runs, the play actions.”

    Stock up

    WR Tetairoa McMillan. The No. 8 overall pick in the draft is clearly Carolina’s No. 1 option in the passing game. McMillan has 11 receptions for 186 yards this season, including six catches for 100 yards — some of which included some nifty moves after the catch — against Arizona. McMillan has yet to find the end zone, but it’s coming soon. The rookie is too talented not to score a bunch, and he showed that knack in college when he caught 26 TD passes in three seasons with the Arizona Wildcats. The Panthers simply need to design a few more plays — and look his way — more when they’re in the red zone.

    Stock down

    Xavier Legette. Carolina’s 2024 first-round draft pick is floundering in Dave Canales’ offense. He could wind up losing his starting job to Brycen Tremayne (3 catches, 48 yards) or veteran David Moore if his production doesn’t improve. Legette was targeted eight times by Young on Sunday, but finished with one catch for minus-2 yards. For the season Legette has 8 yards on four catches despite being targeted 15 times.

    Injuries

    With Corbett and Hunt headed to IR, Cade Mays will start at center and Chandler Zavala at guard. Because of past injuries, both have starting experience with the Panthers. Mays has 15 starts in three seasons, including eight at center last season, and Zavala has nine in two years.

    Key number

    20 — Percent of games (6-24) the Panthers have won with Young as their starting quarterback.

    Next steps

    The Panthers host Interstate-85 rival Atlanta on Sunday in their home opener.

    Associated Press

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  • 26-mile stretch on Blue Ridge Parkway reopens almost a year after Helene

    A 26-mile section of the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville to Craggy Gardens has reopened, the National Park Service announced Monday.

    The reopening marks the completion of two more landslide repair projects following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.

    After the completion of the projects at mileposts 375 and 380, officials said they were able to reopen the section of the parkway between Asheville and the Ridge Junction Overlook near NC 80 and the Mount Mitchell State Park entrance.

    The newly reopened section includes popular stops in the Craggy Gardens area, near milepost 364. Those stops include the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center, Craggy Pinnacle Trail and short sections of the Mountains to Sea Trail.

    Officials said the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area and sections of the Mountains to Sea Trail from the Craggy Trail Shelter to the Snowball Mountain Trail remain closed, however.

     

    “Today’s opening also provides access to other popular, adjacent recreation areas, including Mount Mitchell State Park and lands managed by the USDA Forest Service,” the park service said.

    For more information on Mount Mitchell State Park’s reopening, click here.

    Officials said additional projects are beginning at 45 remaining locations along the parkway as part of a phased system to restore road access to areas damaged by Helene.

    Anyone traveling to the Blue Ridge Parkway should plan their trip carefully, officials said, to ensure safe travel and avoid delays. To find more information on road closures along the parkway, click here.

     

    Justin Pryor

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  • Organizers cancel festival due to immigration raid concerns

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hispanic Heritage Month started Monday, but it’s already looking different for some. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The Hispanic Heritage Festival of the Carolinas had three yearly events in Uptown Charlotte

    • Organizers canceled this year’s event due to the immigration climate

    • Co-founder Rick Herrera said there were concerns about potential immigration enforcement operations near the venue

    • Other groups are still planning to host events for Hispanic Heritage Month


    Organizers for an annual celebration in Charlotte canceled their celebration amid the political climate over immigration, fearing the community could be targeted.

    Hispanic Heritage Festival of the Carolinas celebrated three annual events at Truist Field in Uptown Charlotte.

    Festival co-founder Rick Herrera is also the co-founder of Progreso Hispano News, a Spanish publication. 

    “To be able to have a voice for the Latino community is so important, and we take it very seriously, over 35 years of serving the Latino community in Charlotte,” Herrera said. 

    Herrera, who moved to the U.S. from Ecuador at age 8, made Charlotte his home, and he hosted Hispanic Heritage Festival of the Carolinas with pride at the ballpark. He estimates more than 10,000 attended the event each year to enjoy food, concerts and entertainment.

    “The food and the dancing is the best part of the festival,” Herrera said. 

    La Unica Mexican Restaurant brought its sizzling food to the festival last year as a vendor and sponsor. 

    General Manager Julio Nolasco explained the exposure brought added support.

    “A lot of people show a lot of support, and we got the chance to put our name out there so people can try our food,” Nolasco said. 

    This year, Herrera and other organizers announced the event is canceled this year due to the immigration climate.

    “Why give people an opportunity where we usually have 10,000 to 11,000 people on Saturday together. It’s a massive number for our community to perhaps be targeted,” Herrera said. 

    He added the biggest concern was a potential ICE enforcement operation near the venue.

    “The reality of scaring or separating a family. That wasn’t going to happen with us,” Herrera said. 

    He added concerns stemmed from vendors and images of immigration raids on TV.

    “We’ve all seen different raids. We’ve all seen different things are happening on TV.  For me, it’s a friend of mine, a friend of mine that got picked up. When it hits home, that’s when you start, really start saying, what do we do here?” Herrera said. 

    It was hard for Nolasco to learn about the festival’s cancellation. However, he respects the decision, if it keeps the community safe. 

    “We don’t want to give anybody a reason to get detained or to get pulled over for any reason,” Nolasco said. 

    Even without the festival this year, Nolasco and Herrera are finding other ways to celebrate. 

    Nolasco is hosting events at the restaurant. Meanwhile Herrera said they are collaborating with Carolina Theater during Hispanic Heritage Month and partnering with the group for other cultural events. 

    As far as the festival, the hope is to bring it back next year. 

    “We appreciate the support of the community. We understand that it was a let down not to have this year’s festival but please if you can just see if perhaps next year we can have it, if you care to support,” Herrera said. 

    While this event is canceled, other groups are still hosting their festivals this year.

    La Fiesta del Pueblo in Raleigh and the 35th Latin American Festival and the Hola Charlotte festival are scheduled to go on. 

    The Latin American Coalition, which hosts the Latin American Festival, said it is monitoring the immigration situation but can’t allow fear to prevent it from showing up for the community. In addition, the event brings a diverse crowd and not everyone is undocumented. 

    Estephany Escobar

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  • Bryce Young, Panthers come up short with late rally in loss to Cardinals

    GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — A disastrous start quickly turned to hope as Carolina strung together three second-half scoring drives. The Panthers beat the odds by recovering an onside kick, caught a break when a potential game-ending sack was negated by a penalty.

    All that fortune and the Panthers still ended up falling just short. If only they had found their groove a little earlier.

    Carolina nearly rallied from a 24-point deficit early in the third quarter behind the stellar play of quarterback Bryce Young, before falling 27-22 to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

    “It’s just showing the fight of this team, a team full of guys who are going to play until the last snap, are going to believe, are always going to fight,” said Young, who threw for a career-high 328 yards and three touchdowns on 35-of-55 passing. “Obviously, you don’t want to be in that spot to start with.”

    The Panthers (0-2) began the season with a flat 26-10 loss at Jacksonville. They opened Sunday’s game by getting pancaked early by the Cardinals (2-0).

    Young lost a fumble on a strip sack on Carolina’s opening drive and Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins scooped it up for a 3-yard touchdown. Young was hit again on the next drive, fluttering the ball right into the hands of Arizona’s Baron Browning for an interception that set up a field goal.

    Three minutes into the game, 10 points down.

    “Two weeks in a row, early inflicted wounds — 10 points just like that,” Panthers coach Dave Canales said.

    The Panthers seemed resigned to a second straight disheartening loss with a 17-point deficit at halftime that extended to 27-3 in the third quarter.

    Then they started chipping away.

    Carolina’s defense tightened, keeping Kyler Murray and the Cardinals in check as Young began picking apart their defense.

    Young hit Hunter Renfrow on a 4-yard touchdown late in the third quarter, then pressure on Murray led to an interception by Panthers linebacker D.J. Wonnum at Carolina’s 12-yard line. Young went back to work, zipping passes around the field on a 14-play, 88-yard drive capped by his 5-yard touchdown pass to Chuba Hubbard.

    Even after failing on the 2-point conversion, the Panthers had pulled themselves within reach, down 12 with just over five minutes left. Carolina’s defense held again and Young drove the Panthers down the field again, finding Renfrow on a 1-yard TD pass that made it 27-22 after another failed 2-point conversion.

    The new NFL rules make it even tougher to convert an onside kick — the other teams knows it’s coming — but the Panthers came up with Ryan Fitzgerald’s kick after it squibbed off a Cardinals player.

    That left Carolina with two minutes to go 51 yards for the winning score.

    The potential game-winning drive almost ended quickly when Young was sacked on fourth down, but Arizona was called for defensive holding. The Panthers reached Arizona’s 38 after the teams traded penalties, but their hopes ended with Young on his back from a game-ending sack that counted.

    “You don’t come back and make that game close without guys that are willing to fight,” said Renfrow, who had seven catches for 48 yards. “I think we proved a lot to each other that we weren’t just going to take it.”

    They just needed to get it started a bit sooner.

    Associated Press

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  • When to expect the best fall foliage

    Every fall, people travel far and wide to go ‘leaf-peeping.’ The goal is to catch the leaves at peak color to see all the vibrant reds, oranges and yellows that Mother Nature has to offer.

    Weather plays a primary role in knowing when and where to go.

    What You Need To Know

    • Weather plays a significant role in fall foliage


    • Heat and soil moisture determine foliage timing and intensity


    • Stressed trees will lose leaves earlier or later than normal


    Right place at the right time

    The first step of successful leaf-peeping is being at the right place at the right time. All other factors aside, this is the average time of the year around the U.S. that you can see peak fall colors according to Explore Fall.

    (Explore Fall)

    Aside from the Florida peninsula, the Gulf Coast and parts of the desert Southwest, most of the continental U.S. sees color change during fall.

    Weather’s role

    The weather determines whether the fall foliage comes out early, on time or late every year, but what role does it play?

    Heat and moisture are the biggest factors that influence fall foliage. The summer weather helps give an idea of when colors will pop, but the weather during September and October are the biggest influencers.

    Here is how soil moisture and air temperature affect fall foliage.

    Weather impacts on fall foliage

    (Explore Fall)

    A prolonged late-spring or severe summer drought that leads to dry soils in the fall not only affects the timing, but the quality of the colors. Drought and drier soil puts a higher stress on the trees, dulling down the colors and forcing them to lose their leaves sooner.

    Heavy rainfall and wet soils in the summer and fall can delay the colors’ arrival by a few days, or even weeks. The later arrival time can produce better fall colors.

    Colder and below-normal temperatures bring out fall colors early, while prolonged summer heat and above normal temperatures delay the colors.

    According to the USDA Forest Service, “a succession of warm, sunny days and cool, crisp but not freezing nights seems to bring about the most spectacular color displays.” In other words… typical fall weather.

    Current fall foliage

    Here is a map of the current fall foliage around the U.S.


    In some parts of the country, leaves have already started turning. The first areas to see color are typically further north and at higher elevations, including parts of the Upper Midwest and Northern Plains, the Mountain West and interior Northeast.

    Parts of New England are in a severe drought, with much of the mountain west under an extreme or exceptional drought, which could cause the trees to lose leaves early and mute the colors.

    7-Day foliage outlook

    Here is a look at Explore Fall’s 7-day foliage forecast and what the foliage is expected to look like in a week from now.


    You can submit your fall foliage photos here.

    Our team of meteorologists dive deep into the science of weather and break down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • NCAA investigates 13 former basketball players for sports betting violations

    The NCAA is investigating potential violations of sports betting rules involving 13 former men’s basketball players who competed for six schools.

    What You Need To Know

    • The NCAA is investigating potential sports betting violations involving 13 former men’s basketball players from six schools.

    • Cases include athletes formerly associated with Eastern Michigan, Temple, Arizona State, New Orleans, North Carolina A&T and Mississippi Valley

    • The schools themselves are not under investigation 

    • The NCAA’s integrity program flagged unusual betting activities, including athletes betting on their own games and sharing information for betting purposes


    Cases include athletes formerly associated with Eastern Michigan, Temple, Arizona State, New Orleans, North Carolina A&T and Mississippi Valley. The schools are not under investigation or at risk of being penalized.

    The NCAA’s integrity monitoring program and network of sources flagged text messages and direct messages on social media platforms and revealed unusual betting activities around regular-season games. The violations include student-athletes betting on and against their own teams, sharing information with third parties for purposes of sports betting, manipulating scoring or outcomes and/or refusing to participate in the investigation.

    “Arizona State University is aware of the NCAA investigation and outcome related to a former student-athlete who is no longer enrolled at ASU,” the school said in a statement. “The university cooperated fully with all inquiries and was not implicated in any way.”

    The NCAA Committee on Infractions has resolved three similar cases, concluding that three men’s basketball student-athletes who played for Fresno State and San Jose State violated the NCAA’s rules against sports betting and manipulated game outcomes. In the case involving Fresno State and San Jose State, the enforcement investigation concluded that Mykell Robinson, Steven Vasquez and Jalen Weaver bet on one another’s games and/or provided information that enabled others to do so last season. Two manipulated their performances to ensure winning bets. Their eligibility was permanently revoked.

    The NCAA said it will not name the athletes in the six cases until after the investigation. None of them are enrolled at their previous NCAA schools.

    “The NCAA monitors over 22,000 contests every year and will continue to aggressively pursue competition integrity risks such as these,” NCAA President Charlie Baker said in a statement. “I am grateful for the NCAA enforcement team’s relentless work and for the schools’ cooperation in these matters.”

    Baker said the rise of sports betting is creating more chances to commit violations.

    “While legalized sports betting is here to stay, regulators and gaming companies can do more to reduce these integrity risks by eliminating prop bets and giving sports leagues a seat at the table when setting policies,” he said.

    Associated Press

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  • Panthers had ugly opener, but antidote to their problems could be the Cardinals

    GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers had a discouraging first performance of the season, a 26-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

    Playing the Arizona Cardinals could be exactly what they need to get back on track.

    The Panthers (0-1) have struggled against most of the NFL over the past several seasons, but one exception is the Cardinals. Carolina has won seven of the past eight in the series dating to 2015.

    Last season, the Panthers eliminated the Cardinals from playoff contention with a 36-30 overtime win on Dec. 22.

    “I’m not really worried about the past,” Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray said. “Obviously, that was an unfortunate turn of events for us, but I think for me personally, I’m not motivated by it. I’m motivated by being where my feet are, taking a day at a time, going into Sunday feeling good about what we put in this week.”

    Arizona (1-0) got a season-opening 20-13 road win over the Saints last week.

    Carolina is hoping for a bounce-back performance from third-year quarterback Bryce Young. He completed just 18 of 34 passes for 154 yards, one TD and two interceptions against the Jaguars.

    Panthers LT Ekwonu expected back

    The Panthers are optimistic they’ll get starting left tackle Ickey Ekwonu back after the No. 6 overall pick in 2022 missed the season opener following an emergency appendectomy two weeks ago.

    Ekwonu returned to practice this week and said he just “keeps stacking good days.”

    He is likely to be a game-time decision, but all signs point to the Panthers having him back. That could be a boost for running back Chuba Hubbard and the team’s running game because Ekwonu is a load when he gets headed downhill.

    Cardinals corners

    The Cardinals’ secondary — particularly the group of young cornerbacks — was viewed as one of the team’s biggest question marks entering the season.

    After one game, it might be one of Arizona’s biggest strengths.

    The trio of Garrett Williams, Max Melton and Will Johnson played well against the Saints, giving up some completions and yards but keeping points off the board. Johnson is a rookie from Michigan who slipped to the second round after injury concerns, but looks like he could be a steal.

    Stopping the run

    It was a new season, but the Panthers’ revamped defensive front seven got the same results in Week 1.

    Carolina allowed Jaguars running back Travis Etienne to run for 143 yards on 16 carries and extended a dubious streak of allowing its opponent to run for 200 yards in seven straight games.

    The Panthers lost defensive lineman Turk Wharton to a hamstring injury, leaving them short-handed against Arizona’s James Conner and crew. Conner was held to 39 yards rushing, but Trey Benson carried eight times for 69 yards in the win over New Orleans.

    Panthers coach Dave Canales said the emphasis this week has been on tackling.

    “The gift of when you come out of a game and there’s some fundamental things that you can focus on, I think it’s just a great opportunity to go right back to the basics,” Canales said.

    Marv and Kyler

    The much discussed Kyler Murray-to-Marvin Harrison Jr. connection is off to a good start for the Cardinals.

    Harrison caught five passes for 71 yards and a touchdown on Sunday. The No. 4 overall pick is in his second season after a tantalizing — yet sometimes frustrating — rookie year.

    “I thought he played really well,” Murray said. “You could feel his confidence (and) how comfortable he was on the field. Honestly, I don’t think there was any negative that I could say about how he played.”

    Harrison had 885 yards receiving and eight TDs in 2024 but didn’t quite look like the franchise-altering playmaker the Cardinals hoped he would be. The 23-year-old bulked up during the offseason to 220 pounds, hoping the added muscle can help him make more contested catches.

    McMillan heads back to Arizona

    Panthers first-round draft pick Tetairoa McMillan returns to Arizona, where he played for the Wildcats and finished as the school’s all-time leader in yards receiving. The No. 8 pick in this year’s draft already looks like the team’s best option in the passing game after Carolina traded Adam Thielen.

    McMillan had five catches for 68 yards, had another 16-yard grab called back because of a holding penalty and drew a pass-interference penalty, resulting in a 22-yard gain in Week 1 against the Jaguars.

    “I thought he played fast,” Canales said. “I thought he looked very comfortable out there one-on-one outside. We moved him around a little bit, and he showed an ability to be able to handle that. He and Bryce (Young) were on the same page timing-wise, so I was really pleased with the way he played.”

    ___

    AP Sports Writer Steve Reed in Charlotte, N.C., contributed to this story.

    Associated Press

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  • Students remember, honor Charlie Kirk with vigil

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlie Kirk’s conservative message found followers on hundreds of campuses across the U.S., including in North Carolina.

    What You Need To Know

    • Charlie Kirk was assassinated Wednesday while kicking off his organization’s tour of college campuses

    • Kirk was the founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative movement attracting young people

    • UNC Charlotte’s Turning Point USA’s chapter held a prayer vigil to honor Kirk Friday

    • The chapter president had met Kirk and calls his loss heartbreaking


    Kirk founded Turning Point USA, which had more than 800 college chapters, according to the organization’s website. 

    Friday, Turning Point USA UNC Charlotte chapter president Matthew Kingsley was keeping up with the arrest of the suspect accused of killing Kirk.

    “It was hard because I was literally just in a video with this guy two months ago. And I was like, wow, why would anybody do this?” Kingsley said.

    The sophomore participated in a video with Kirk this summer and met him seven times after he started college.

    “He loved his family more than anybody I know, as he would say: God, family, country. That’s an important statement for me as well,” Kingsley said. 

    The assassination of Kirk shook Kingsley.

    “It was very heartbreaking,” Kingsley said. “Even outside of the politics, just being a great father, his faith, that’s something that’s very respectable, no matter who you are. So when you, when you lose somebody like that, even if you didn’t personally know them … it still hurts.”

    Kirk’s personality was Kingsley’s main draw to join the conservative movement he describes as pro-America and pro-free speech.  

    “He was brave enough to come to campuses across the country and just talk with us. We didn’t see anybody else doing that. We didn’t see anybody coming to universities to talk about liberal issues,” Kingsley said. 

    These interactions also left a mark on Jewish student Rachel Rubin, UNC Charlotte Turning Point USA’s vice president. 

    “I was a big Charlie Kirk fan. Not for the reason that I believed in everything. He believed there were multiple things that I have extremely different viewpoints with him about. And I think that’s the beauty about what he talks about is he created a platform to have conversation,” Rubin said. 

    She said she was devastated by his killing.

    “When conversation stops, violence starts and that was the big thing that Charlie would say all the time and I think that that message spoke to me more than anything, because in a time where people aren’t willing to have conversations, as we just saw, it’s now more than ever,” Rubin said.

    Friday afternoon, the group held a prayer vigil in honor of Kirk.

    “The violence that took him from us is senseless, and it leaves a hole that words can’t fill,” Kingsley told the crowd during the vigil.

    Students held hands during a prayer. 

    Since Kirk’s death, they said the group has doubled in size to 40. 

    “I think we lost a light. I don’t think our story is over,” Rubin said. “Turning Point Charlotte is not going anywhere, and we are here to continue Charlie’s legacy.”

    His legacy included engaging young conservatives, a mission Kingsley plans to continue.

    “I’m going to encourage conservative voters to vote, encourage Gen Z to vote, because at the end of the day, it’s our voice that matters,” Kingsley said. 

    In addition, he encouraged students who disagree with Kirk’s views to engage in conversations with the group. 

    Turning Point USA holds voter registration events on campus and brings conservative speakers to talk to students. He said the chapter is open to everyone, not just Christians. 

    Estephany Escobar

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  • Mental health expert shares tips on how to cope with seeing violent videos

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — You might have seen videos of acts of violence come across your social media feed recently. Dr. Nicole Clark, a Spectrum News national mental health correspondent, says our psyche isn’t used to seeing trauma on an endless loop.

    What You Need To Know

    • Recent acts of violence have dominated national and local headlines, including the stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte’s light rail, school shootings and Wednesday’s murder of political activist Charlie Kirk  

    • Experts say consuming trauma can affect people in different ways, causing feelings of numbness, sadness, anxiety or depression 
    • Dr. Nicole Clark, a Spectrum News national mental health correspondent, shares the different ways to deal with seeing violent videos  


    “You see it and now you can’t unsee it and you need to process what you’ve just seen,” Clark said. “It is a shock to the system. It is not something that we expect to see, so it can be very challenging, and it challenges our world view.”  

    Challenging our worldview can be disorienting.  

    “We, at the heart of who we are, believe that people are good and that the world is a safe place. When we see graphic images; it challenges that viewpoint and makes us question our sense of safety and our sense of identity in this world,” Clark said. 

    When trying to cope with these challenging moments, Clark says it’s important to recognize what you are feeling.   

    “Note that you are having a change on the inside, either in how you’re feeling, how you’re thinking. You may notice a change on the outside. Maybe your palms are sweaty, your heart is racing,” Clark said. 

    Then, she says, take action like talking to a family member, friend or professional counselor. 

    “If you need to do something about this in terms of limiting your news consumption or donating to a cause that you feel passionate about or even volunteering. Taking action helps you regain a sense of control,” Clark said.

    If you continue to consume trauma, Clark says you’ll know if you’re facing a mental health issue or condition when it affects your quality of life.

    “You’re having flashbacks, you’re having nightmares. You’re anxious, you’re adjusting and modifying your behavior. You are not enjoying yourself. You are not experiencing health in your relationships. This issue is taking over your life. That is when you know it is time to seek help,” Clark said.

    For mental health help you can call or text 988 lifeline to talk to a crisis counselor. 

    Melody Greene

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  • Woman charged in fire that killed four children in Chadbourn

    A woman is facing charges related to the death of four children in a house fire in Chadbourn early this month.

    What You Need To Know

    • Reagan Powers, 28, is facing multiple charges related to a deadly house fire in Chadbourn
    • Warrants say Powers left the home and other children in the care of an 11-year-old child
    • Four children died in the fire, while two children were able to escape the fire unharmed
    • Chadbourn is a town located about one hour west of Wilmington


    Reagan Powers, 28, has been charged with four felony counts each of involuntary manslaughter and child abuse, according to court documents.

    Warrants say Powers committed “grossly negligent omission” by leaving both her residence and the children in the care of an 11 year old. “The defendant’s act and omission resulted in serious bodily injury, death, to the child,” the warrants said.

    While the 11 year old and another child were able to escape the fire unharmed, four other children perished.

    Related: ‘Unimaginable loss’: Father gives statement after four girls killed in fire

    The ages of the children killed were 2, 4, 6 and 7, according to a post on the N.C. SBI Facebook page.

    Investigators have not been able to determine the exact cause of the fire, but say there is no evidence that it was intentionally started.

    Chadbourn is located about one hour west of Wilmington.

    Justin Pryor

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  • Advocates cite housing, mental health gaps after stabbing

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The brutal stabbing of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte’s light rail in August is sparking deeper conversations about the challenges people face when navigating homelessness, mental illness and criminal backgrounds.

    For Deborah Phillips, the case feels far too familiar.

    What You Need To Know

    • Iryna Zarutska’s killing is sparking conversation surrounding homelessness, mental illness and criminal backgrounds

    • Decarlos Brown’s family confirmed he was schizophrenic and homeless at the time of the attack

    • Carmichael says Zarutska’s killing highlights how the prison system often fails both individuals in crisis and the community around them

    • Zarutska was killed Aug. 22 while riding Charlotte’s light rail


    “This hits home for me,” she said.

    Phillips, the executive director of Block Love Charlotte, lost her nephew last year when he stepped in front of a train while struggling with mental health issues and homelessness.

    “We’re coming up on the one-year anniversary of my nephew who stepped in front of a train last year here in Charlotte dealing with mental health issues, and homeless. He had been to me for resources,” Phillips said.

    His death motivated her to continue serving people in crisis, though she admits resources can only go so far.

    “Not necessarily the lack of resources. You can’t make somebody do what they don’t want to do. And that’s what we have to look at, because his family even stated, you know, multiple times that they tried to get him assistance,” she said.

    Mike Carmichael, co-founder of Leah’s Hopes and Dreams, shares the same concern.

    “They have to go. It’s not something that I’m going to push to do. They have to choose to do it,” Carmichael said.

    Court and jail records show Decarlos Brown Jr., the man accused in Zarutska’s death, had at least 14 arrests over the years. His family confirmed he was schizophrenic and homeless at the time of the attack.

    The shelter Roof Above said permanent beds are limited and assigned either through a lottery or first-come basis. A criminal history can present additional hurdles.

    Access to psychiatric care is also scarce. The closest state psychiatric hospital is more than an hour away in Morganton. Its 300 beds are already full, with a waitlist stretching four to six months.

    The 2024 Point-in-Time Count, which tracks people experiencing homelessness in Mecklenburg County, found:

    • 82% reported a medical or behavioral condition
    • 55% said homelessness factored into their arrest
    • 75% identified as African American
    • 92% were male

    Carmichael says Zarutska’s killing highlights how the prison system often fails both individuals in crisis and the community around them.

    “Because there’s a huge gap between the prison system and coming back home. So that’s why we are trying to make sure that we talk to each individual, explain to them when they get out, hey, these are the things you need to go. You need to go see your therapist or your psychiatrist. You need to take your meds,” he said.

    He believes more should be done while people are in custody.

    “Hey, look, I see this record. I’m going to place this person here and make sure they’re being taken care of. We cannot sit here and say, hey, you know, want to keep letting you out, keep letting you out, know you committed a crime this time. You do your time. And while you’re in there, we need to make sure that we’re taking care of that person,” Carmichael said.

    Brown’s family declined an interview. His mother cited safety concerns, while his sister said she noticed a serious change in his behavior after he served six years in jail.

     

    Jordan Kudisch

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  • Panthers encouraged by rookie WR McMillan’s performance in season opener

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — If the Carolina Panthers had any questions about first-round draft pick Tetairoa McMillan’s abilities, they were answered in Week 1.

    Coach Dave Canales said McMillan is who he thought he was when the Panthers drafted him No. 8 overall.

    The rookie wide receiver didn’t put up a huge stat line on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, catching six passes for 58 yards, but the Panthers liked the way he handled his assignments and played at full speed — which isn’t always the case with some rookies coming into the league.

    “I thought he played fast,” Canales said. “I thought he looked very comfortable out there one-on-one outside. We moved him around a little bit, and he showed an ability to be able to handle that. He and Bryce (Young) were on the same page timing-wise, so I was really pleased with the way he played.”

    McMillan said he “didn’t do enough” because Carolina managed just one touchdown in a 26-10 road loss.

    His numbers might have raised more eyebrows had it not been for a 16-yard reception down the left sideline that was negated because of offensive holding. He also drew a defensive pass interference, which resulted in a 22-yard net gain for the Panthers.

    Neither showed up in his stat sheet, of course.

    And then there was the one that could have been.

    McMillan had a chance to pull in a one-handed grab in the end zone from Young on a crossing route. Instead, it appeared Jaguars defensive back Tyson Campbell prematurely grabbed one of his arms as the pass arrived, impeding his ability to extend both hands and made the grab in the end zone.

    No penalty was called and the ball fell incomplete.

    The 6-foot-5, 212-pound McMillan bypassed blaming the officials, saying it was a ball he should have caught despite the contact. He was known for his one-handed grabs while playing for Arizona, where he caught 213 passes for a school-record 3,423 yards in three seasons, along with 26 TD receptions.

    “I got to come down with it,” McMillan said. “I feel like that’s a routine catch for me. Next time the opportunity comes, I’m going to make it.”

    Said Canales: “I’d love for him to come up with a big touchdown in the end zone, but he ran a beautiful route on it, and he really gave us a chance to have some explosives down the field and to just have a consistent target.”

    Still McMillan’s performance was on par with what Canales and his staff saw from him in the preseason, which afforded them the option of trading veteran Adam Thielen.

    On Sunday, McMillan returns to his college stomping grounds when the Panthers visit the Cardinals and will look to build on Week 1.

    “I feel like the whole week leading up to the game the coaches did a good job of just explaining the coverages, the different coverages they run, and it’s everything that we expected,” McMillan said. “I’m confident in my preparation that I’ve had these these last few months, and you know the DB corps on our team has been pushing me to make sure that I’m ready for anything I get thrown my way.

    “So yeah, I feel like that game was a lot easier than I expected.”

    NOTES: Panthers starting left tackle Ickey Ekwonu returned to practice after missing Week 1 following an appendectomy.

    Associated Press

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  • Duke QB Darian Mensah to face former program, Tulane

    DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Darian Mensah is ready for what awaits as he leads Duke on the road to face his former program at Tulane.

    “Yeah, I’ll probably be the opposite of a fan favorite this week,” Mensah said.

    Mensah was one of the top quarterbacks to change addresses through the transfer portal. He left a Green Wave team that was in contention for a College Football Playoff bid until late last season to play for the Blue Devils, an Atlantic Coast Conference program coming off a nine-win season in its first run under Manny Diaz.

    “It’s definitely going to be a little bit weird going over there with my old team,” he said.

    Mensah spent two years at Tulane, redshirting in 2023 before taking over as the starter for a nine-win team last year. At Duke, he ranks second in the Bowl Subdivision ranks by averaging 361.5 yards passing per game and has thrown five touchdown passes.

    Managing emotions will be part of the gameweek tasks alongside getting in practice reps and film study ahead of Saturday’s trip to New Orleans. It’s a dynamic that has long been common in the NFL with players moving around as free agents or through trades, but it’s becoming more common in college’s era of free player movement through the transfer portal.

    “In college, it’s probably a little bit newer with the era we’re in,” Tulane coach Jon Sumrall said. “I love Darian to death. I’ve said this publicly: if you play one snap, 100 snaps, 1,000 snaps for me, I’ll love you for the rest of my life. I care about him, wish him well, saw him this summer. I’ve got nothing but love for Darian.”

    Diaz has experienced opposite-sideline reunions before, as recently as last year against the Miami program he coached from 2019-21. He called it “awkward” ahead of the game before settling into normalcy by the first play.

    Or there’s Duke offensive coordinator Jonathan Brewer, who experienced it last year by coaching against SMU — his previous stop working under Mustangs head coach and close friend Rhett Lashlee.

    “You’d be lying to say you weren’t emotional in that game,” Brewer said. “Just what it is, human nature, and how to control your emotions, how to control adversity, and when things happen bad that you don’t over react because there’s going to be so much emotion in the game.

    “So we’ve talked about it, we’ve addressed it. It’s something we’ve been talking about really since he’s been here to be honest.”

    Mensah threw for 2,723 yards and 22 touchdowns last year to help Tulane get off to a 7-0 start in the American Conference, pushing the Green Wave to the league title game for the third straight year and into contention for a bid to the expanded 12-team playoff.

    But Tulane lost to Memphis then followed with a loss to Army in that title game in what turned out to be Mensah’s Green Wave finale. Within a week, Mensah had entered the transfer portal, popped up at a Duke men’s basketball game during a quick campus visit — even being serenaded by the famously rowdy “Cameron Crazies” to sit with them before joining their section — and committed to the Blue Devils.

    Duke had been seeking an upgrade at the position after running with Texas transfer Maalik Murphy, who threw for 2,933 yards and 26 touchdowns but offered no real running threat while lacking consistent accuracy as a passer (60.3%). Mensah offered more mobility and a better completion percentage (65.9%), a combination that would increase the Blue Devils’ chances of sustaining drives.

    Mensah arrived in Durham as the 247Sports’ No. 7 quarterback transfer nationally, behind only a few notable names like UCLA’s Nico Iamaleava, Miami’s Carson Beck and Oklahoma’s John Mateer. He’s moving the ball through the air, though he’s also coming off a three-turnover performance — twice losing fumbles on hits from behind while looking downfield — in last weekend’s loss to now-No. 9 Illinois.

    “I’m trying not to make it bigger than what it is,” Mensah said of playing Tulane. “Once the ball’s snapped, it’s just going to be ball.”

    Associated Press

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