Preparations are underway across North Carolina for a winter storm that is expected to bring snow, sleet, and accumulating freezing rain to most of the state this weekend, creating hazardous conditions that could last for several days.
After issuing a state of emergency declaration Wednesday, Gov. Josh Stein and other state officials spoke Thursday morning about what is being done to ensure impacts are as minimal as possible. Stein said the storm is expected to be “a massive disruption to people’s lives.”
“A winter storm is approaching, and now is the time to prepare,” Stein said. “Please get ready. Get everything you need in advance of the storm and have a plan in case your power goes out. I encourage all North Carolinians to stay home and off the roads this weekend unless absolutely necessary so first responders can do their jobs safely and effectively.”
Officials say the state has already activated its Emergency Response Team, and crews with the Department of Transportation are hitting roadways to pre-treat with brine, restocking salt supplies and making sure equipment is ready for whatever issues the storm may bring. Crews are also in the process of removing any abandoned or disabled vehicles from the sides of roadways, Stein said Thursday.
“From the mountains to the coast, our crews are already out brining roads and bridges ahead of the winter storm,” said Daniel Johnson, the state’s transportation secretary. “We’re asking everyone to do their part to prepare now and avoid travel once the storm hits so crews can safely clear the roads.”
Officials say high-rise vehicles have been prepped and are ready to be deployed for any rescue efforts, the forest service is prepared to remove any downed trees and aviation units from the State Highway Patrol and N.C. National Guard are ready to be deployed if necessary.
Equipment is also being prestaged, Johnson said, in areas that are known trouble spots for rapid response.
Duke Energy is also bringing in crews from across the country to respond as quickly as possible to any outages that may occur, Stein said. At this time, the governor said there is no estimate as to how many people may lose power across the state, but everything that can be done is being done to ensure it is restored as quickly as possible to those impacted.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Colleges and universities across North Carolina are preparing for potential winter weather that could disrupt travel, classes and campus operations statewide.
What You Need To Know
Weather experts predicting possible icy storm conditions across North Carolina this weekend
Several campuses are sharing their plans to keep students, staff and faculty safer amid the winter conditions
Some students said they feel safer knowing their learning institutions are taking steps to protect their campus community
UNC Charlotte is closely monitoring the forecast inside its Emergency Operations Center.
Christopher “Chris” Gonyar, the university’s associate vice chancellor for safety and security, said inside the center, UNC Charlotte’s emergency management team prioritizes planning ahead before an extreme weather event arrives.
“In the summer and spring, we’re looking at thunderstorms and tornadoes,” Gonyar said. “During the winter, we’re looking at snow/ice, wintry precipitation. They gather that information, then I’ll come into the Emergency Operations Center [where] they’ll give me an update or brief on what we expect the day to look like.”
UNC Charlotte has enrolled over 32,000 students and operates around the clock.
Gonyar said assessing potential impacts helps guide decisions about classes and events.
“We have to start making decisions about our campus operations before snow and ice start to fall,” Gonyar said.
Gonyar said preparation is key with responding to this weekend’s potential winter storm, stating the emergency management team is planning for what appears to be an “impactful winter weather event.”
“We’re taking a look at what that means for our campus operations. What are we doing about classes on Monday,” Gonyar said.
“UNC Charlotte has continued to grow over the years, so we are a 24/7, 365-day-a-year campus. It may surprise some folks, but we do have a small number of classes that occur on Sunday, and events over the weekend. We’re planning and preparing for how we maintain those operations or do we recommend those things are postponed.”
Many students stay on the campus grounds in residence halls that could be impacted by an ice storm.
“Making sure we have plans in place to continue to provide food and housing for the population that lives on campus,” Gonyar said.
Gonyar said safety remains the top priority when making operational decisions.
“The most important thing to us is the health and safety of the UNC Charlotte community,” Gonyar said. “Every decision we make is guided by that principle.”
“We would much rather err on the side of making a call considering safety and have it be all rain, then waiting on a decision until it’s too late and putting our community in harm’s way because they tried to get on a road to travel to make it to class or we didn’t cancel an event, so they try to get themselves to that event,” Gonyar said. “We always start with safety and security, then we look at operations and how that will be impacted by the decision that we make.”
Associate Vice Chancellor for Safety and Security at UNC Charlotte Christopher Gonyar, upper left, is monitoring the looming storm inside the Emergency Operations Center. (Spectrum News 1/Jennier Roberts)
UNC Charlotte student Xavier Deloach said he is stocking up on essentials and paying close attention to campus updates.
“Grocery shopping, stack up on food, toilet paper, tissues, lots of water,” Deloach said.
The business analytics major said he finds comfort in knowing UNC Charlotte has eyes on the potential ice storm.
“It makes me feel kind of safe they’re taking preparations for everyone,” Deloach said. “Make sure people are not going out here [unnecessarily].”
The university also operates The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City.
Gonyar said his team is also planning on ways to ensure that uptown community is safe during the expected weather storm.
“They do tend to have a lot of larger events that bring in folks from outside the state or community, so we have to think about those things as well. It’s not necessarily just our thousand acres in Northeast Charlotte,” Gonyar said.
In Union County, Wingate University has been making plans as forecasts raise concerns about freezing rain and sleet.
The campus serves over 3,600 students across two campuses in the Town of Wingate and in Hendersonville.
Associate Vice President of Campus Operations Glenda Bebber said their safety remains top priority for the learning institution.
“We can’t function without taking care of our students,” Bebber said. “They’re our No. 1 priority.”
Bebber said staff and leaders recently held an emergency preparedness meeting to determine next steps for operations in the event conditions worsen.
“We have several members across the campus who participated from academics, to operations, campus safety, academic support, dean of students, athletics, to make sure we can keep our students as safe as possible,” Bebber said.
Bebber said the leaders discussed the best path forward with how many students could be managed safely, in the event a power outage extends beyond a 24-hour period on campus.
“It’s mainly just a safety issue,” Bebber said. “Can we feed students, keep them warm, what access do they have to internet capabilities,” Bebber said.
Wingate has been making several preparations in the event the worst does occur.
Bebber said her team has 4,000 pounds of ice melt on deck to help create clear pathways to key buildings like the W.T. Harris Dining Hall and the Crowder Welcome Center. Those spaces will serve as campus shelters if power is lost.
Glenda Bebber, far left, the associate vice president of campus operations for Wingate University, and Director of Grounds Blake Center are prepping ice melt ahead of the expected winter storm. (Spectrum News 1/Jennifer Roberts)
“Our concern at this point is being able to get it out enough, as well as the temperatures for the ice melt to actually be effective,” Bebber said. “We also have several tons of sand on campus, so if the ice melt isn’t being as effective, we are prepared to put out sand to make a path to W.T. Harris Dining Hall, which we are staging to have students come in, serve food and have a warm place to go.”
Wingate University said “residential facilities do not have generators and will be without power” in the event of an outage event.
“We also have some heaters coming in that also have a generator power. We’re staging those [in shelters] to be able to provide additional heat source, should our students need to leave their residence halls or apartments and come somewhere that will be warmer,” Bebber said.
Grounds crews are also preparing for potential damage from ice.
“We got more of our hard hats for chainsaws,” said Blake Center, director of grounds at Wingate. “We don’t know if there’s going to be any fallen trees on campus because of the ice, so we went ahead and purchased that. All of our equipment is ready to go, depending on what is going to happen over the next 48-72 hours.”
T’Asya Jay is a student athlete at Wingate.
Jay is currently gearing up for possible power outages and travel challenges.
“Making sure everything’s charged, enough food in case power goes out, and I’m not able to go anywhere,” Jay said.
Jay is comforted knowing Wingate Univeristy is taking action ahead of the icy events.
“Makes me feel a lot better because I personally did not know they were going to do that,” Jay said. “Knowing they’re taking the right steps and making sure we’re all safe and protected and covered for the weather this weekend is good to know.”
In a campus community communications, Wingate University confirmed “classes will be remote on Monday for all programs on both campuses.”
The university also stated “students are encouraged to have fresh batteries for flashlights and phone charging backup” and “candles or any open flames are strictly forbidden and should not be used.”
Spectrum News 1 reached out to several additional colleges and universities in the state ahead of the weather events.
In a statement to our news team, UNC-Chapel Hill Strategic Communications Manager Erin Spandorf said the university is “closely monitoring the potential winter storm expected this weekend and assessing what preparations may be needed.”
According to the university, that includes “evaluating possible operating condition changes and taking appropriate steps to mitigate ice and/or snow impacts.”
Livingstone College also released an inclement weather plan, further stating no decisions have been made yet regarding Monday operations.
The college said it will continue to monitor conditions and share updates as they become available.
Livingstone also said safety remains the top priority and outlined plans for campus safety and emergency services, meal services, residence hall support and a warming center if power outages occur. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to monitor college email and the school’s website for the latest updates.
Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.
As the first winter storm of 2026 threatens to change weekend plans across Charlotte, local business owners and event planners are already preparing to put things on hold.
Several local restaurants, shops, and businesses have announced early closings or delayed openings for Friday, Jan. 23, Saturday, Jan. 24 and beyond. Many weekend events are also being postponed to keep everyone safe and off the icy roads.
Are you a business owner? If you would like to be added to our list, please email your adjusted hours or closing details to charlottefive@charlottefive.com.
Here is a running list of Charlotte businesses and events making adjustments due to the weather:
Due to the winter weather, some local Harris Teeter grocery stores will be open with modified hours keep staff safe. Check Harris Teeter’s Inclement Hours link on its website for details about your store.
Status: Several Publix locations are closing early due to winter storm Fern. Check the website’s Inclement Closings map to learn about your local location.
🥡 Charlotte-area restaurants closing early, opening late or pivoting
Status: The Accidental Baker will be closed on Saturday. Instead, a small batch of extras will be baked on Friday — first come, first served on the Friday goodies, so stop by early if you can (hours are 10 a.m-3 p.m.).
Status: The Batch House will be closed Saturday, but stop by on Friday to pick up some snow day goodies, such as banana pudding cheesecake slices, cinnamon roll takes and bakes and more. “Consider supporting us on Friday so we don’t feel such a huge loss for choosing to close on Saturday!” the bakery posted on Instagram.
The patio at Brazwells Pub on Montford Drive is a cozy spot where patrons gather to munch on elevated bar food with a cocktail or meet up for weekend brunch. Alex Cason CharlotteFive
Status: CHNO Coffee Co. will be closing early on Thursday (at 10 a.m.) and will be open Friday from 7 a.m.-10 a.m., then closed Saturday and Sunday. The February Tasting Menu will be postponed — if you bought a ticket, details will be emailed to you.
Status: Dulce Dreams is pivoting its weekend plans to Friday pre-order pickups instead. To get your order once you arrive Friday between 8 a.m.-2 p.m., text (704) 492-2390 and someone will pick it up.
Status: “The forecast won this round,” Napa posted on Instagram on Friday. Napa restaurants will be closed this weekend, including Napa on Providence, Napa at Kingsley and Napa Bistro & Wine Bar Stonecrest.
Status: Petty Thieves is planning to close at 7 p.m. Saturday and has postponed its Jason Moss and The Hosses show. The brewery will likely close Sunday.
Status: The nonprofit Block Love will open at 2 p.m. Saturday and remain open around the clock through 7 p.m. Monday to provide shelter and food for those in need.
Status: Freshlist’s Monday market has been moved up to Friday, Jan. 23. Go to stock up on groceries from 2 to 5 p.m. Verdant Bread will be on site on Friday, too — first come, first served.
Status: Armored Cow Brewing’s Saturday Chili Cook-Off has been moved to Saturday, Feb. 7. Contestants and judges can shift to the new dates without further adjustment, but if you can’t make the new date, contact the brewery at (704) 277-6641.
Status: Barrel and Fork has canceled Sunday’s Bourbon dinner due to the inclement weather threat. Its next planned event is a Tiki dinner in early March.
Status: The Battle Of The Bands has been postponed Saturday’s event until March 15. All previously purchased tickets and seat assignments will remain valid.
Status: This week’s Charlotte Men’s Basketball game against Tulane — originally scheduled for 2 p.m Sunday — has been moved to Friday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for Sunday’s game will be honored for the new date and time. Fans with questions should contact the Ticket Office at niner@charlotte.edu or 704-687-4949. The game will also maintain its slot on ESPN+ and be broadcast through Charlotte49ers.com/watch.
Snow in uptown Charlotte on Jan. 21, 2025. Alex Cason CharlotteFive
Status: The Charlotte Jewish Film Festival screening of “SWEDISHKAYT: YidLife Crisis in Stockholm,” scheduled for Saturday at the Carolina Theatre, has been canceled. The screening of “Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire,” originally scheduled for Sunday, has been postponed until Feb. 5 in the Sam Lerner Center for Cultural Arts.
Status: The theater has canceled “Topsy-Turvy Cinderella” performances at 3 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday. Shows have been added at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Feb. 1. Also canceled is “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show” at 3 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday. New shows dates are 11 a.m. Feb. 14 and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Feb. 15.
Status: Hindu Center of Charlotte has rescheduled the event to 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 7. Event confirmation and ticket sales will be announced five days prior.
Status: Blumenthal Arts has rescheduled the 7 p.m. Saturday show to 7:30 p.m. Monday; the 1 p.m. Sunday show to 2 p.m. Tuesday; and the 6:30 p.m. Sunday show to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Ticket holder will receive an email with additional details.
Status: At Neighborhood Theatre, Jump (Van Halen Experience) has been rescheduled from Saturday, Jan. 24, to April 19. Stephen Kellogg and the Homecoming, which was scheduled for Sunday, has been canceled.
Status: Saturday’s comedy show at Primal Brewery Belmont has been postponed to January 31. Meantime, the brewery says to come by and pick up some beer to go.
Status: “The Prince of Egypt, The Musical,” performances scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., as well as Sunday, at 2 p.m. have been cancelled. Tickets can be exchanged via your reminder email.
Status: “Over the River and Through the Woods” weekend performance schedule has changed. Saturday’s show is canceled. Sunday’s tickets have been transferred to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 7. Ticket holders will be emailed with further instructions.
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
Melissa Oyler is the editor of CharlotteFive. When she’s not writing or editing, you’ll find her running, practicing hot yoga or snuggling with her rescue dogs, X and Charlie. Find her on Instagram or X: @melissaoyler. Support my work with a digital subscription
ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — The Rowan and Catawba County communities are mourning the loss of a young couple killed in a crash.
Skylar Provenza, 19, and Fletcher Harris, 20, were killed in a wreck Friday evening. According to North Carolina Highway Patrol, the couple was driving on Amity Hill Road in Rowan County when a Chevrolet Silverado crossed the center line and hit them head-on.
What You Need To Know
Skylar Provenza and Fletcher Harris were killed in a crash Friday
N.C. Highway Patrol said the crash was caused by a driver who was under the influence of alcohol
The man charged for the crash is being held on $5 million bond
ICE has issued a detainer for the suspect in the crash
Troopers said the driver of the Silverado, Juan Alvarado Aguilar, was driving while under the influence of alcohol. In a court hearing Tuesday, prosecutors for the Rowan County District Attorney’s Office said troopers smelled a strong odor of alcohol coming from Alvarado Aguilar at the crash scene, and that he stumbled before being handcuffed.
Alvarado Aguilar has been charged with driving while impaired and two counts of felony death by motor vehicle. He was originally granted a $250,000 bond, but prosecutors asked a judge Tuesday to increase his bond due to concerns that he could flee the jurisdiction.
According to the district attorney’s office, Alvarado Aguilar failed to appear for two previous court hearings for a speeding charge and previous DWI charge. The judge increased Alvarado Aguilar’s bond to $5 million.
Prosecutors also confirmed Alvarado Aguilar is in the U.S. illegally. He has been placed under an ICE detainer.
Friday’s crash has devastated Provenza and Harris’ loved ones.
“They were so in love,” Danielle Neal, the owner of Tobo’s Diner, said. “She truly was so happy with him. They were always together. If you saw one, you saw the other.”
Neal, Provenza’s former employer at Tebo’s Diner, said Skylar had recently finished esthetician school and was preparing to start a new job at a salon.
“Skylar wasn’t just an employee to us,” Neal said. “She was family. She came in every day with a kind heart, a sweet smile and a great work ethic. I want her to be remembered as beautiful, sweet and kind-hearted.”
Harris, a junior and goalkeeper for Catawba College’s men’s soccer team, is being remembered for his “infectious personality” and “love for the game.” He spent this past summer playing for Hickory FC, a professional men’s soccer club, and helped lead the team to a national championship.
“We were very fortunate to have him and feel privileged to have had the time we did with him and, certainly, are heartbroken over what happened,” Jonathan Rink, the vice president of operations for Hickory FC, said. “Every training session was fun that he was present at. Every game day was fun. He just brought such an air of excitement and positivity around everything that he was a part of.”
A scholarship fund has been created in Harris’ honor at Catawba College.
Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.
Here are some tips to stay safe and make the most out of these winter storms:
Keeping warm
A walk after a good snow is beautiful, especially in North Carolina. But you need to layer to really stay warm.
Here’s the official word from North Carolina Emergency Management: “Wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing.”
A couple of long-sleeved shirts and a sweatshirt under that winter jacket will go a long way to keeping everyone warmer when they go out to play in the snow. Long underwear helps, too.
Taking care of pets
Pets should not be left outside in winter storms, especially with the cold temperatures forecast for North Carolina this week.
People should also make sure they’re stocked up on pet food and any medications their pets need before the storm hits.
Livestock and other animals should be moved to a covered shelter and make sure they have plenty of food and fresh water. Remember, water bowls and troughs can freeze over when the temperature is well below freezing for too long.
Supplies
It’s not just pets who need supplies when a winter storm hits. The run on bread and milk has already begun in North Carolina. The governor this week warned that roads could be treacherous for a couple of days with this storm, so people need to make sure they have food and necessary medications.
N.C. Emergency Management says homes should have at least three days of supplies in case the power goes out and the roads are bad. People should also have batteries on hand for flashlights and weather radios.
Charge your devices
People should make sure they keep their phones, battery packs and any other devices fully charged in case the power goes out.
Reporting power outages
If the power goes out, report it to the power company, not by calling 911.
Just because some schools decided to go with remote learning days, some kids will still get outside and play in the snow (at least for areas that get snow and not just an ice storm).
Sleds have been hard to come by in North Carolina. The retailers who did have them will probably be sold out by now. But there are plenty of alternatives for improvised sleds: pool floats, dining hall trays, lids from big Tupperware bins, and anything else that’s reasonably flat and smooth can coast someone down a hill with the right amount of snow.
Driving in snow and ice
All the advice from public officials and meteorologists for those in the path of the winter storm is to stay home and don’t drive. But if you have to drive, here’s are some tips for winter weather driving from AAA:
Drive slowly. Always adjust your speed down to account for lower traction when driving on snow or ice
Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry and take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads
Increase your following distance to five to six seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop
Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal
Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it
Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads will just make your wheels spin. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill slowly
Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill
Austin Thompson, who was a teen when accused of killing five people in Raleigh’s Hedingham neighborhood, intends to plead guilty to all charges, according to Wake County court documents.
What You Need To Know
Austin Thompson is accused of killing five people and injuring two more in Raleigh’s Hedingham neighborhood
Thompson plans to plead guilty Tuesday
“While the serious brain injury he suffered has made it such that Austin cannot explain why he committed this shooting, he has always accepted that he did this”
His attorneys noted in the court document that he doesn’t want to put the community through anymore grief.
“While the serious brain injury he suffered has made it such that Austin cannot explain why he committed this shooting, he has always accepted that he did this. He recognizes the deep pain he has caused the victims’ families as well as his own family,“ court documents showed.
It is alleged that on October 13, 2022, then 15-year-old Austin Thompson shot and killed his older brother in their family home.
Police and the district attorney say he went out with a shotgun and a handgun, killing four and injuring two in Raleigh’s Hedingham neighborhood.
Five people died that day: Raleigh Police Officer Gabriel Torres, James Roger Thompson, Mary Elizabeth Marshall, Nicole Connors and Susan Karnatz. Marcille Lynn Gardner and Raleigh Police Officer C. Clark were injured in the shooting, according to police.
A sentencing date has yet to be made.
Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.
West Charlotte High School’s marching band performs during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday parade in Charlotte on Saturday at the intersection of Tryon and Third streets.
Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez
mrodriguez@charlotteobserver.com
Every January, a third Monday of the month approaches, and a not-insignificant segment of the population takes pleasure in this realization: Oh yeah, I forgot — we get Martin Luther King Day off!
Which is natural, of course. Who doesn’t appreciate a three-day weekend?
Frequently lost in the shuffle is meaningful reflection of MLK and the massive contributions to the Civil Rights Movement he made in the mid-1960s, prior to his assassination in April 1968.
This might seem especially true for those who belong to Gen Z, the members of which are at least two and sometimes three generations removed from that period of time. But while today’s high school and college students are as understandably grateful for the extra day off as the rest of us who get it, make no mistake: Some of them consider King’s legacy more deeply than perhaps expected.
And not just on this Monday, but throughout the year.
In the days leading up to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, The Charlotte Observer spoke with several Black high school and college students in and around Charlotte to gain a sense of how he and his messages are perceived by a generation grappling with an entirely new era of conflict, service and activism.
Islaea Anderson
Islaea Anderson Courtesy of Islaea Anderson
20, junior at Johnson C. Smith University
“One of the biggest misunderstandings about Dr. King is that people reduce him to just a peaceful dreamer instead of recognizing him as a radical changemaker. His message was not just about kindness and harmony. It was about justice, accountability and challenging systems of oppression. … We need to not only celebrate Martin Luther King once a year; we need to celebrate him all throughout the year — along with more of our other Black activists that stood on what they stood on, for the Black community.”
Morgan Winston
Morgan Winston Courtesy of Morgan Winston
18, senior at East Mecklenburg High School
“His message of service is what feels most relevant to me personally. Everything he said really pointed us towards service, and ‘what are we doing for others?’ That’s really become a big theme in my life in the past two years. And although I don’t know exactly what I want to do in the future, I know that I want to help people, and I feel like whatever we do in life, in some capacity, we should be helping people. Everybody needs to incorporate a little bit more of that into their lives.”
Ja Williams
Ja Williams Courtesy of Ja Williams
22, junior at UNC Charlotte
“If (Martin Luther King Jr.) could see Charlotte today, I think, with the light-rail stabbing that happened, or ICE being here, things like that — I think that he would think that obviously change would need to happen. The only way for people to truly get better is through change. It’s just about trying to be better. And not everything’s going to be perfect. But if you can at least try to make things better, that’s a start. I think that’s what he would say.”
Suraya Hodges
Suraya Hodges Courtesy of Suraya Hodges
19, sophomore at Johnson C. Smith University
“When we’re looking at what Dr. Martin Luther King did, and trying to apply it to today’s society — I think it’s hard for people to choose nonviolence, just because it takes a lot of patience, and it takes a lot of self-discipline. We grow tired of it. We grow tired of the time and the patience we have to have in order to see just a lick of change.”
Bee Betaudier
Bee Betaudier Courtesy of Bee Betaudier
17, senior at Cato Middle College
“I do like the day off from school. I’m not going to lie. But that’s not the only thing that I like about the day, because I feel like it’s a very important time to reflect on how far the United States, in general, has come, but especially the Black community. Because Dr. King did a lot for the Black community, when you really look at things in perspective. He did a lot. So while I do appreciate the day off, I think that it’s more important to recognize that this is a day to honor somebody who really pushed the envelope for change.”
Brandon Carter
Brandon Carter Courtesy of Brandon Carter
26, senior at Johnson C. Smith University
“Maybe for people who are generally outside the Black community, it very well may seem like just any old holiday. But for people of African American culture, it really is something that’s all year-round. You’re constantly learning and constantly figuring it out, because — especially for African American people — social injustice happens all year. If you have a cop shooting a young Black man in July, Martin Luther King and what he stood for will also come up then. So it’s often more than just one day, for us.”
Lenzie Scales
Lenzie Scales Courtesy of Lenzie Scales
19, sophomore at UNC Charlotte
“When we talked about Martin Luther King in school, we talked about him in a surface-level way. And we only talked about him around Martin Luther King Day, or during Black History Month. And I think a lot of school-age children and people in high school only think of him in terms of, ‘Oh, it’s MLK Day, so we’re out of school.’ That’s it. But a lot of people don’t know the history of why we have this day, and why, originally, a lot of people had to fight for us to have this day — how, originally, a lot of states did not want to implement this day, and that in certain states (Alabama and Mississippi), even today, Martin Luther King Day coincides with the celebration of the Confederacy.”
Quinten Canty
Quinten Canty Courtesy of Quinten Canty
18, senior at West Charlotte High School
“He wanted to make sure that his voice was heard and make sure that other voices were heard. And in times like these, we need to make sure that our voices are heard as well, especially with the politics, with what’s going on in the community, with ICE and stuff like that, we’ve really got to make sure that we make our voices heard. Especially as young people. Because we’re going to be the next wave of adults that come into the community. So we got to start using our voices now — or we’re never going to be heard at all.”
Théoden Janes has spent nearly 20 years covering entertainment and pop culture for the Observer. He also thrives on telling emotive long-form stories about extraordinary Charlotteans and — as a veteran of three dozen marathons and two Ironman triathlons — occasionally writes about endurance and other sports. Support my work with a digital subscription
“It is a reflection, a remembrance and a renewed commitment to the values Dr. King championed,” the longtime Charlotte-area filmmaker and record producer said.
The four-minute, 15-second song was written and sung by Dr. A.L. Bradford and Paul Murphy of Southern Pines and recorded in a Fayetteville studio, Greene said.
Tim Greene, a Charlotte-area actor, film director and writer, record producer and motivational speaker, recently recorded the song, “M.L. King Anthem For An American Hero,” in a Fayetteville studio. Tim Greene
Greene crosses the country as an actor, film director and writer, and motivational speaker. Charlotte is among the cities where he’s based his Tim Greene Films company for 25 years.
Years ago, he was a personality on the former Kiss 102 in Charlotte. He later was a morning radio personality, music director and assistant program director at Gaston College radio station WSGE 91.7 FM.
“I have been in Charlotte back and forth since there was only one tall building in uptown, so I have seen how Charlotte has grown,” he told The Charlotte Observer at a benefit with Santa Claus that he organized at Mighty Dollar in Gastonia in December.
“Everybody can be great”
Greene said he hopes the song inspires listeners “to pause, reflect and carry” King’s message forward.
The civil rights icon “reminded us that everybody can be great, because everybody can serve,” Greene said.
Greene said he descended from enslaved people from Atlanta. His personal connection to King’s legacy and longtime community service inspired him to produce the song, he said.
A former grand marshal of the Martin Luther King Kingdom Day Parade in Los Angeles, Greene described the anthem as “a tribute intended to resonate across generations for many years to come.”
“As we approach his birthday, this tribute invites us all to serve — through unity, compassion and action,” Greene said.
The song aims to “spark conversation, encourage hope and honor a legacy that continues to shape generations,” he said.
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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
RALEIGH, N.C. — For the last 20 years, The Flower Shuttle in Raleigh has provided joy to unsuspecting recipients.
What You Need To Know
Flowers are donated from florists or stores like Costco and Trader Joe’s
The shuttle has delivered more than 380,000 flower arrangements in 20 years
Recipients are in Durham, Raleigh and surrounding areas
The nonprofit celebrates 20 years in 2026
Every Tuesday, volunteers meet at Ridge Road Baptist Church to make bouquets.
The flowers are donated from florists or stores like Costco and Trader Joe’s that otherwise would have been tossed out.
The bouquets are then delivered to people who are experiencing terminal illness, disability or poverty.
In the last two decades, the shuttle has delivered more than 380,000 flower arrangements.
“Anything we can do to help bring nature in,” said Eileen Taylor, president of The Flower Shuttle. “And then again, research shows being around fresh flowers, fresh plants is very uplifting for people, so it should brighten their day.”
The shuttle delivers to more than 70 charities, rehabs and nonprofits in Durham, Raleigh and surrounding areas.
The FBI on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, announced the capture in Mexico of Charlotte murder fugitive Alejandro Castillo, who was on its Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List for nearly a decade.
FBI
A Charlotte murder suspect on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list for nearly a decade was captured in Mexico on Friday, the FBI in Charlotte said Saturday.
Alejandro “Alex” Rosales Castillo was wanted in the 2016 killing of 23-year-old Sandy Ly, a coworker at a Charlotte Showmars restaurant, The Charlotte Observer reported at the time.
Ly’s body was found in Cabarrus County woods on Aug. 17, 2016. She’d been shot in the head, according to Castillo’s wanted poster on FBI.gov.
Two days earlier, her car was found at a bus station in Phoenix, Arizona, the FBI said.
On its website, the FBI posted U.S. Customs and Border Protection surveillance video of Castillo and an “accomplice” crossing the border from Nogales, Arizona, into Mexico just after 9 p.m. Aug. 16, 2016.
Castillo, 18 at the time, was shown wearing a gray shirt and black hat. The other person wore a black and white top, and shorts.
Three suspects were coworkers, FBI said
A second suspect, Ahmia Feaster, turned herself in to authorities in Aguas Calientes, Mexico, not long after the killing and was extradited to North Carolina, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. Feaster, who was 20 years old at the time, was charged with accessory after the fact of murder and other offenses. Her case is still pending, court records show.
In March 2017, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police arrested a third suspect. Humberto Ulloa-Esteban, who was 18 at the time of his arrest, also was charged with accessory after the fact of murder, The Observer reported at the time. His court information couldn’t be found Saturday.
All three suspects worked with Ly at the restaurant, authorities said. Police said Ly was killed for refusing to give money to the shooter.
In 2020, a true-crime show on the Investigation Discovery channel broadcast its search in Mexico for Castillo. On “In Pursuit with John Walsh,” Walsh was shown joining authorities in the hunt.
The FBI offered a reward of up to $250,000 for information leading directly to Castillo’s arrest.
Castillo was captured in Pachuca, the FBI said on social media Saturday. Pachuca is the capital of the state of Hidalgo in east-central Mexico.
‘Delivering long-awaited justice’
The FBI provided no details about how agents found Castillo.
“Alejandro Castillo’s arrest is the fifth 10 Most Wanted Fugitive captured under this administration and this FBI since last year — more than the entire previous four years combined,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement.
“This was outstanding work by our Charlotte team, FBI Legat Mexico, local and federal partners, and partners in Mexico,” Patel said. “We can now begin the process of delivering long-awaited justice to Sandy Ly’s family.”
For nearly nine years, Castillo “lived a normal life, likely believing he would never be captured, said James Barnacle, FBI Charlotte special agent in charge. “But our experienced investigators never gave up the hunt for justice.”
The FBI on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, announced the capture in Mexico of Charlotte murder fugitive Alejandro Castillo, who was on its Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List for nearly a decade. FBI
This story was originally published January 17, 2026 at 3:44 PM.
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
Charlotte and the Rock Hill area could see less than an inch of snow from a second weekend wintry mix system Saturday night and early Sunday, according to the latest weather models from the National Weather Service in Greer, S.C.
National Weather Service
Charlotte and Rock Hill could still see less than an inch of snow from a second wintry mix system of the weekend late Saturday and early Sunday, according to the latest weather models from the National Weather Service in Greer, S.C.
The first system dumped 2 to 4 inches of snow overnight 3,500 feet and higher in the mountains, according to the NWS.
“Second storm late tonight brings a light mix of rain/snow east of the mountains,” NWS forecasters said on Facebook. “IF snow can develop, expect less than an inch along I-85.”
Snow could fall from northeast Georgia through the Rock Hill area into metro Charlotte, north Mecklenburg and north and northeast into Concord, Statesville and Salisbury, an NWS map released Saturday morning showed.
Charlotte forecast
A tenth of an inch of snow is possible in Charlotte after 10 p.m. Saturday into early Sunday, and less than a half inch later Sunday morning into the afternoon, the NWS Charlotte forecast showed.
The system should clear from the region by Sunday night, according to the NWS.
The high temperature in Charlotte is forecast to fall from 55 on Saturday to 41 on Sunday and remain in the low to high 40s through Wednesday. Thursday could see a high of 54 and Friday a high of 49, NWS forecasters said.
Monday through the work week should be sunny to mostly sunny
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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
Aloka the Peace Dog was reunited with the Walk for Peace monks for the first time since undergoing leg surgery following an injury during the 2,300-mile Walk for Peace in early January. The reunion happened in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Aloka briefly appeared in front of supporters during the group’s lunch stop. He appeared to be in good spirits. The monks say his spirits remain high and he is healing well. “We are happy to share that Aloka is recovering very well from his surgery,” the group wrote on a Facebook post after his surgery.Video below: More about the Walk for Peace and the monks’ stop in North CarolinaA team at the Charleston Veterinary Referral Center in Charleston, South Carolina, performed the surgery and assisted Aloka through the early stages of his recovery.The monks say Aloka received a professional therapy massage and red-light therapy. He will not be walking with the group for now so he can continue healing.Find a map of the monks’ path on sister statin WXII’s website.
Aloka the Peace Dog was reunited with the Walk for Peace monks for the first time since undergoing leg surgery following an injury during the 2,300-mile Walk for Peace in early January.
The reunion happened in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Aloka briefly appeared in front of supporters during the group’s lunch stop. He appeared to be in good spirits.
The monks say his spirits remain high and he is healing well. “We are happy to share that Aloka is recovering very well from his surgery,” the group wrote on a Facebook post after his surgery.
Video below: More about the Walk for Peace and the monks’ stop in North Carolina
A team at the Charleston Veterinary Referral Center in Charleston, South Carolina, performed the surgery and assisted Aloka through the early stages of his recovery.
The monks say Aloka received a professional therapy massage and red-light therapy. He will not be walking with the group for now so he can continue healing.
Seven weeks before his first NASCAR Cup Series win — a win that would propel the driver to rookie of the year honors and put him on the fast track to becoming one of the sport’s superstars — Greg Biffle was in trouble.
He’d broken his arm doing something rookies shouldn’t do. And no one could know that he’d done it.
“Now, Greg broke his arm by” — air quotes — “climbing in the motor home, which just so happened to be out in the sand dunes, where there are sand rails and 1,000-horse-power cars and four-wheelers,” said Jeff Burton, Biffle’s longtime teammate at Roush Fenway Racing, chuckling as he recalled the story.
“He’d concocted a plan and needed (his PR manager) Patrick (Clay Rogers) to play along with it,” Burton said. “He’s not going to tell anybody about the broken arm. Because when you’re a rookie, you can’t go out and have fun and break your arm and show up at the racetrack. That’s a good way to lose your job.”
Former NASCAR driver Jeff Burton speaks during a Gathering in Remembrance ceremony at Bojangles Coliseum on Friday in Charlotte. The ceremony was held to honor the lives lost in the Dec. 18, 2025 plane crash in Statesville that included former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
That 2003 race was in Fontana, California. Pushing 118 degrees. Biffle, the gregarious type who’d show up early on race days, showed up just in time for practice, Burton remembered — and in a winter coat to cover his bulky cast.
The practice session would go fine. So would qualifying. Biffle spun out once on an early restart during the actual race, then put together a dignified run that yielded 18th place.
“And a bit of humility from me: I finished 19th without a broken arm,” Burton said. “And seven races later, Greg Biffle went on to win his first Cup race at Daytona. That’s Greg. We have a problem, we’re going to deal with it. We’re going to figure it out.”
Greg Biffle, the former NASCAR driver and Hall of Fame nominee whose work during Hurricane Helene saved countless lives across western North Carolina, died in a Statesville plane crash on Dec. 18, 2025. He was 55 years old. Sarah Crabill Getty Images
Burton shared this never-publicly-told story about Biffle on Friday in Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, standing on a stage in front of seven wreaths cloaked in white roses. Those wreaths represented the seven people who died in a plane crash last month at a regional airport in Statesville. The deceased: Greg Biffle; his wife, Cristina; his daughter, Emma; his son, Ryder; his best friend, Craig Wadsworth; a pilot, Dennis Dutton; and Dennis’s son, Jack.
Photos of the seven people who died in a plane crash in Statesville on Dec. 18, 2025, are displayed during a Gathering in Remembrance ceremony Friday at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte. Among the people killed was former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
It was a morning of stories that flowed like milk and honey and motor oil. Phil Parsons, the brother of Benny Parsons, retold the story of how Benny introduced Biffle to Jack Roush and got him into NASCAR. That career, of course, led to 19 wins over 515 starts and a NASCAR Hall of Fame nomination — all of which the 600 mourners in the crowd had been reminded of a lot over the past 29 days.
Burton had wells of details about Biffle’s life on and off the track. Off the track, after all, is where Biffle truly became a North Carolina hero, using his personal helicopter to deliver supplies to hard-to-reach areas of Western North Carolina that were ravaged by the deadly Hurricane Helene.
Two of former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle’s race cars and a truck series truck sit outside Bojangles Coliseum on Friday during a Gathering in Remembrance in Charlotte to honor the lives lost in the Dec. 18, 2025 plane crash in Statesville that included Biffle. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Jordyn Biffle, Greg’s niece, spoke of Greg but also the rest of the Biffle family including most of all Cristina, someone she considered her best friend.
The memorial concluded with a prayer, immediately preceded by a live, acoustic rendition of Carly Pearce’s “Show Me Around” — sung beautifully by Lindsay Bowman as photos of flashed on the arena’s jumbotron: of a 5-year-old Ryder smiling with a mini-fire-suit on; of Wadsworth holding a large bass he plucked from the ocean; of a high-school Emma taking prom photos with her mother.
Jordyn Biffle, niece of former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle exits the stage after speaking at a Gathering in Remembrance ceremony on Friday at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte. The ceremony, Gathering in Remembrance was held for the seven people who died in a plane crash on Dec. 18, 2025, in Statesville. Among the group was former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
“They lived fully, loved deeply and gave freely,” Jordyn said. “Their lives remind us that what matters isn’t how long we’re here, but how we use the time we’re given, and how fiercely we love while we’re here.”
Jordyn Biffle, niece of former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle speaks during a Gathering in Remembrance ceremony at Bojangles Coliseum on Friday in Charlotte. The ceremony, Gathering in Remembrance was held for the seven people who died in a plane crash on Dec. 18, 2025 in Statesville, NC. Among the group was former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
But Mitchell had stories. Unending amounts of them. They not only made him laugh and recentered his focus through a tough, 23-minute testimony — “Can I have a napkin?” he asked his wife midway through to wipe his face of tears — but they also underscored or highlighted many stories that’s been shared over the month since the tragedy.
Garrett Mitchell wipes tears from his eyes as he speaks during Friday’s Gathering in Remembrance ceremony at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte. The ceremony, Gathering in Remembrance was held for the seven people who died in a plane crash on Dec. 18, 2025, in Statesville. Among the group was former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. Mitchell was a close friend of Biffle. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
There was the story of the time Biffle — Mitchell and their friend group called him “Mr. The Biff” — invited Mitchell to his home in Lake Norman. Mitchell was flying his helicopter in, and Biffle set ablaze an acre of grass to offer Mitchell a smoke signal of where Biffle’s house was: “That was really nice of him,” Mitchell said. He then laughed: “But it was also the same spot he wanted me to land. I was like, ‘Brother, how can we land while the LZ (landing zone) is on fire?!”
There were other stories Mitchell experienced first-hand: of Biffle losing a bet and having to not wear sleeves for a whole month (he lived up to the bet even on ski slopes); of Biffle, endearingly but unfailingly, forgetting his wife’s drink every time they ventured to a bar together.
Longtime NASCAR executive Mike Helton, center, attends a Gathering in Remembrance ceremony at Bojangles Coliseum on Friday in Charlotte. The ceremony was held to honor the lives lost in the Dec. 18, 2025 plane crash in Statesville that included former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
There were also stories Mitchell shared that he’d heard from earlier in Biffle’s life. That included the story of Biffle somehow maneuvering his yellow Pontiac and performing a burnout inside the gymnasium of Camas High School in his Camas, Washington, hometown for his friends and classmates — an action that caused, understandably, an expulsion as well as his father impounding his car.
The one that might speak most about Biffle was the one Mitchell told about Biffle’s son, Ryder.
“Staying at Biff’s house meant you were going for an evening trail ride with Ryder,” Mitchell said. “He loved leading myself and all of our guys here on his dirt bike trails. And I’m honored to be one of the few people to get in a racing incident with Ryder Biffle.”
By racing, of course, Mitchell meant down a driveway that slalomed through trees.
“Actually, I think I got a little heavy on the breaks into the turn, and Ryder was a little behind on the breaks,” Mitchell continued. “But anyhow, there we were, grinding to a halt on the asphalt. Now, I’m thinking, ‘This kid is going to be crying big-time here.’ But as I looked at him, he was actually smiling, and laughing, and insisted on racing again.
“Luckily it was dark out, so I don’t think his wounds showed as he passed his mom and dad. … Ryder hid it, and we kept on racing.”
Greg Biffle’s North Carolina Auto Racing Walk of Fame marker is turned in a memorial on Dec. 19, 2025, on North Main Street in Mooresville. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
Ryder didn’t know his father had done the same thing decades earlier, in a heavy winter jacket in Fontana at Cup race — the kind of race that springboarded Biffle into the nation’s consciousness, that opened other avenues for Biffle’s support and aid during Helene, that made him who he was.
Ryder simply shared Greg’s fearlessness, his heart, his mind. And he offered Greg the simplest but most powerful compliment a son could offer a father.
Said Jordyn Biffle: “Ryder had really big dreams of being just like his dad.”
This story was originally published January 16, 2026 at 3:18 PM.
Alex Zietlow writes about the Carolina Panthers and the ways in which sports intersect with life for The Charlotte Observer, where he has been a reporter since August 2022. Zietlow’s work has been honored by the Pro Football Writers Association, the N.C. and S.C. Press Associations, as well as the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) group. He’s earned six APSE Top 10 distinctions for his coverage on a variety of topics, from billion-dollar stadium renovations to the small moments of triumph that helped a Panthers kicker defy the steepest odds in sports. Zietlow previously wrote for The Herald in Rock Hill (S.C.) from 2019-22. Support my work with a digital subscription
DEEP GAP, N.C. — The FBI is looking into a threat involving a sign with racist language left at a peaceful community farm in Watauga County. The sign appeared just after Christmas Day, and shook up the owners, workers and patrons.
What You Need To Know
A sign with racist language was left at a farm that works with the community in Deep Gap
Farmers there have been shaken by it, and the FBI is investigating
Truck tires were also stabbed when the sign was left
Kara Dodson is the executive director on the farm, and she had a dream of starting it on this acre in Triplett for years before getting it going. Just over a year ago, her dream changed from a farm that sold crops to one that gives back to the community.
They are now the nonprofit, Full Moon Farm Collective.
“It’s one thing to provide shelf stable food to people that need it but also to provide nutrient-dense food. It’s also a health issue,” Dodson said.
They donate nearly all of the food they make to places like Hunger and Health, The FARM Cafe and Hospitality House.
“In 2025, we donated over 1,300 pounds of vegetables,” Dodson said.
(Photo provided: Kara Dodson)
They use horses for therapy and have educational events at the farm to help people learn.
The day after Christmas their safe place turned scary when a sign was left in front of the farm.
“We don’t want to hold back from teaching people of color how to grow food in this county. We don’t want to be gatekeeping information because of racism,” Dodson said.
It’s something Full Moon Farm Collective Tommy Lee says was shocking. He works at the farm and says that in 15 years of living in Boone, he’s never experienced racism like this before.
“It kind of shook our sense of peace a little bit,” Tommy Lee said.
He says the vandals not only left the sign, but also stabbed the tires on their trailer. They have moved all of their horses from the farm for their safety, but now the FBI is involved and is investigating the threat.
According to Justice. Gov, there were 172 hate crimes in North Carolina based on race in 2023. It states that 58.5% of all bias-motivated crimes were due to race/ethnicity or ancestry in North Carolina.
“I had to look out for cars look out for different people walking around whereas my first instinct would be a wave and a smile, and now I’m second-guessing who might be in a car what their motives might be,” Lee said. “Nobody wants to live like that nobody likes to live like that.”
Lee is hoping they find out who did this soon so the mountains that he calls medicine can go back to feeling like just that again.
Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.
A $25 million gift from Coca-Cola Consolidated has been given to North Carolina Children’s, the state’s first child exclusive health system, supporting children through behavioral healthcare.
N.C. Children’s is aiming to raise $1 billion in private funding to build its future 230-acre Apex-based hospital. The project had previously received $320 million from state legislators.
What You Need To Know
North Carolina Children’s was established in 2025 by UNC Health and Duke Health as a children exclusive healthcare system
The Coca-Cola Consolidation donated $25 million towards the $1 billion private funding goal for N.C. Children’s new hospital
The N.C. Children’s hospital will be based in Apex, with construction beginning in 2027. It is anticipated to open in the early 2030s
“We are deeply grateful to the entire Coca-Cola Consolidated family for this wonderful gift,” Dr. Wesley Burks, Chair of the N.C. Children’s Board of Directors, said in a news release.
“Their partnership will change children’s lives by allowing NC Children’s to build and expand behavioral health programs across the full continuum of care,” Burks said.
In 2025, NC Children’s was established as a partnership between UNC Health and Duke Health, creating the first standalone children’s hospital in the Carolinas.
NC Children’s announced the future facility will have approximately 570 hospital beds, with more than 100 beds in a children’s behavior-focused center.
The main UNC Children’s campus has 166 beds, while the main Duke Children’s campus has 202 beds, each including those in specialized units for intensive care.
With this gift from Coca-Cola, NC Children’s plans to create a hospital that attends to the medical, emotional, psychological and social well-being of children and families, according to the news release.
Coca-Cola Consolidated has been headquartered in Charlotte for over 124 years, and is the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the country.
“At Coca-Cola Consolidated, serving others is at the heart of our purpose,” Morgan Everett, Vice Chair of Coca-Cola Consolidated’s Board of Directors, said in the news release.
“We are honored to collaborate with NC Children’s to establish a state-of-the-art hospital dedicated to delivering comprehensive care to children in need—both within our community and beyond,” Everett said.
The future hospital will be located in Apex, at the intersection of US-1 and NC-540. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the hospital anticipated to open by the early 2030s.
Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) said it will increase maximum daily parking rates starting March 1, according to a release.
What You Need To Know
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) said it will increase parking fees starting March 1
The airport said rising operational costs are to blame for the increase
More travellers are starting from CLT rather than flying through, as well
They’ll use they funds to improve parking facilities around the airport
Operational costs and shifting demand are the key reasons the airport said it had to increase fees to fliers. More CLT travelers are starting their trips at the airport, rather than just flying through.
The new bump will also help the airport make facilities better, improve their infrastructure and make things safer and reliable.
“These adjustments allow us to continue investing in our parking facilities while maintaining competitive rates, and our focus remains on safety, reliability and a positive customer experience,” Ted Kaplan, CLT Chief Business and Innovation Officer, said.
Here’s a look at new pricing starting March 1:
Valet – $50, up from $45 Available for pre-book and drive-up
Hourly Deck – $35, up from $32 Available for pre-book and drive-up
Daily Deck – $28, up from $20 Pre-book only
Express Deck Preferred – $24 (no change) Pre-book only
Express Deck Self-Park – $24, up from $20 Pre-book only
Daily North – $18, up from $14 Drive-up only
Long Term 1 – $14, up from $12 Pre-book only
Long Term 2 – $14, up from $12 Drive-up only
Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Hundreds in the NASCAR community gathered for a memorial service at Charlotte’s Bojangles Coliseum on Friday for former driver Greg Biffle, his family and others who were killed in a plane crash last month.
What You Need To Know
Hundreds from the NASCAR community gathered at Charlotte’s Bojangles Coliseum for a memorial service honoring former driver Greg Biffle, his family, and others killed in a plane crash last month
Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their children were among the seven victims
Garrett Mitchell, a close friend, spoke at the service, urging people to “Be Like Biff” by taking opportunities and helping others
The crash left the NASCAR community shaken, adding to a difficult offseason
Biffle was among seven killed along with his wife, Cristina, and children Ryder, 5, and Emma, 14, when the plane crashed as it returned to the airport in Statesville, North Carolina, according to authorities. Others on the plane were identified as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.
A memorial song opened the ceremony before speakers began to reflect on the victims.
“We remember and celebrate Dennis, Jack, Craig, Emma, Ryder, Christina and Greg. What makes it meaningful is that we will all share together. Laughter and tears,” said Billy Mauldin, chaplain for Motor Racing Outreach.
Driver/influencer Garrett Mitchell, known as “Cleetus McFarland” in his YouTube videos and a close friend of Biffle’s, was among those who spoke at the service.
You can watch the service here:
“We have all been saying, ‘Be Like Biff,’ since we lost our hero,” said Mitchell, who befriended Biffle later in his life. “What does that mean? That means to take opportunities when you see them. Whether you are taking opportunity to pass somebody on the track or getting off your couch to chase a dream you have only been talking about for the past five years.
“It means showing up for your friends and family. It means using your heart to make the world a better place. It means being generous whenever you can and helping other humans when they’re down. That is what it means to be like Biff,” Mitchell added.
Biffle, who was 55, was selected by NASCAR as one of its top 75 drivers in history, was a Hall of Fame nominee for the stock car series and drove for 18 years at the top of the sport.
He drew headlines last year for his tireless humanitarian efforts as a helicopter pilot supplying aid in the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene.
Biffle’s niece, Jordyn Biffle, told stories about Ryder’s hero being his father, Emma’s laughter and Cristina’s loving nature.
She said the Biffle family “lived fully, loved deeply and gave freely.”
“Their lives remind us that what matters isn’t how long we are here, but how we use the time we are given and how fiercely we love while we are here,” Biffle added. “And while this loss is devastating beyond words, their impact remains etched into all of us that were lucky enough to have known them, loved them and be changed by them.”
Speakers also painted a fuller picture of Biffle beyond the racetrack… recalling his rebellious younger years, including a burnout in front of his high school that led to his expulsion and even having his car impounded by his own father.
In the parking lot outside of the coliseum, fans paused to peer inside three racecars Biffle drove during his career.
Inside, the pictures of the seven who lost their lives where shown on a videoboard above the makeshift platform in the center of the covered hockey rink. There were seven wreaths on the stage where Mitchell, Biffle and former drivers Jeff Burton and Phil Parsons addressed the crowd.
Dylan Zirkle, 28, of Archdale, North Carolina, worked one year for Biffle at Roush Racing as a pit support employee while he was in high school.
He said Biffle made a lasting impact on him, and felt he needed to attend.
“Greg was always a really good guy and I enjoyed being around him,” Zirkle said. “You could always talk to him at anytime and he was just a real person. You could talk to him about anything.”
Chaplain Billy Mauldin speaks during the NASCAR Plane Crash Memorial memorial in Charlotte, N.C., Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
Back home, Zirkle still has model racing trucks in his gameroom autographed by Biffle that he cherishes.
Zirkle said he didn’t believe the news of the crash when he heard it.
“It still doesn’t feel real,” Zircle said. “I was watching some of his YouTube videos the other night and it just doesn’t seem real at all.”
Tanner Roberts and Jassamin Green made the four-hour trek from Wilmington, North Carolina, with their 7-year-old son Bentley after hearing about the memorial.
“He was a good racecar driver and I enjoyed him,” Roberts said. “And he was a good person. I grew up watching him and Dale Earnhardt. Them two were my favorites. They were good people and they loved to race.”
The Cessna C550 carrying the Biffle family and the others erupted in flames when it hit the ground shortly after it had departed Statesville Regional Airport, about an hour’s drive north of Charlotte.
The plane crashed while trying to return and land, authorities said.
The crash a week before Christmas left the NASCAR community shaken and was another blow in a long offseason. Ten days later, on the 52nd wedding anniversary of Denny Hamlin’s parents, the house the future Hall of Famer built to repay them for their years of sacrifice burned down. His father, Dennis, was killed, and Mary Lou Hamlin was rushed to a hospital burn unit.
Sheriff’s deputies are also investigating an alleged break-in and theft last week at Biffle’s home in Mooresville that netted $30,000 in cash, some guns and memorabilia.
As part of the public tribute, Mitchell planned to do a burnout later Friday near Biffle’s marker along the North Carolina Auto Racing Walk of Fame in Mooresville.
The victims’ families requested that, in lieu of flowers, people consider donating to charities that held special meaning to those lost in the crash, including the Davidson Day Fund, the American Red Cross, Lake Norman Humane and Ebenezer Christian Children’s Home.
Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It’s been two months since U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents were in Charlotte and other North Carolina towns and cities, and a Charlotte laundromat owner says his business remains down.
What You Need To Know
It’s been two months since U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents conducted operations in Charlotte, Raleigh and Durham
The immigrant community saw huge impacts in Charlotte with everything from low school attendance to businesses temporarily closing
A laundromat owner says the return to normalcy for his business is slow.
Weekends are the busiest time at North Tryon Laundromat, but owner David Rebolloso says even for a weekday things are slow right now.
“We used to be very busy, but as you can see right now, there’s nobody in here,” Rebolloso said. “As you can see, the parking lot, it’s, it’s pretty much empty, but we get so busy that, people could not park in here.”
It’s been two months since Customs and Border Patrol’s Charlotte’s Web Operation came through the city and right in front of Rebolloso’s business.
Since then, his bottom line is still being impacted.
“It’s down half, at least 50%,” Rebolloso said. “I’m making the same amount with two locations what I used to make in one location now making a pretty much the same, but with two locations.”
He opened his first laundromat location nine years ago.
CharlotteEAST, a nonprofit that serves the east side of Charlotte, says there are roughly 420 independently owned businesses in their area, and “nearly all were impacted in one way or another from CBP.”
In a survey with 90 responses, there was “an average daily loss of $2,500 in revenue.”
They say no businesses in the area they serve shut down during the Border Patrol’s operations, but they estimate that nearly half closed temporarily. They say “business is slowly picking back up to pre-CBP pace but still lower than 2024.”
Rebolloso says knowing customers that got picked up by Border Patrol and seeing what his community went through two months ago, things still aren’t the same.
“I’m hoping that things will stabilize, and maybe it’ll pick up a little bit, you know, but it’ll never go back to the way things used to be,” Rebolloso said.
He says he hates to be pessimistic, but calls what he sees happening sad.
“There’s optimism as an immigrant, as a migrant, there’s an optimism that things are going to get better if we work hard, you know, and if we strive and do what we’re supposed to do, life is going to get better. You know, the country’s getting better. We’re building the country, you know, and, and then we reached this point,” Rebolloso said.
Rebolloso says he and many others in the Latino community keep up with Spanish news where they’re consistently updated with immigration stories across the country, like in Minneapolis.
“This young lady that was killed a few days ago, I don’t why. God works in mysterious ways. I think her name really is going to carry on for a very long time. Do good, be good. Do good, be good. That’s all we can do,” Rebolloso said.
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New to Charlotte or planning a visit? Freedom Park is a must-know local gem. This guide explains why it’s such a favorite for families and outdoor lovers.
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The creation of this article included the use of AI and was edited by journalists. Read more on our AI policy here.
There’s something special about finding a place in the city where families can spread out a blanket, children can play and visitors can escape urban life without traveling far from home. In Charlotte, North Carolina, that place is Freedom Park — a 98-acre sanctuary that has earned its reputation as one of the Queen City’s most beloved outdoor attractions.
Whether you’re a longtime Charlotte resident who hasn’t discovered this gem, a newcomer looking for weekend activities or a visitor searching for something to do for free, Freedom Park offers something for everyone. Here’s everything you need to know about planning your visit to this cherished community gathering place.
Discover Charlotte’s Hidden Oasis
Freedom Park is located at 1900 East Blvd., between two of Charlotte’s most historic neighborhoods: Dilworth and Myers Park. This location places the park within easy reach of much of Charlotte’s population while surrounding it with the charm and character of these picturesque areas.
The park’s location between these two neighborhoods isn’t merely convenient; it reflects the park’s role as a community connection. Dilworth, known as Charlotte’s first streetcar suburb, and Myers Park, celebrated for its tree-lined streets and historic homes, contribute to the park’s appeal as a destination rooted in Charlotte’s history while serving its current residents.
Freedom Park provides 98 acres of green space for a variety of activities. For perspective, the park spans an area roughly equal to 74 football fields, offering ample room for visitors to find their own corner of tranquility or join in community activities.
Why Families Choose Freedom Park
What sets Freedom Park apart from Charlotte’s other outdoor attractions? According to the Charlotte Observer’s guide to the city’s best parks, Freedom Park is the place “to go for a family picnic.”
This matters for parents seeking places where children can play while adults relax. The park is recognized as one of Charlotte’s top family-friendly destinations, alongside other popular attractions including Ray’s Splash Planet, Discovery Place and ImaginOn -— places “that parents will love, too.”
This appeal represents the best of family outings. Rather than enduring an afternoon for the kids’ sake, parents can relax and appreciate the experience as well.
The Charlotte Observer’s guide helps visitors understand which parks cater to specific needs for families. Independence Park is great if you want to take a scenic stroll. Swimmers can head to Double Oaks Park. But if families want to pack a cooler, spread a blanket on the grass and enjoy quality time outdoors, Freedom Park is a great choice.
This historical attraction provides a connection to America’s railroad heritage and offers something unexpected among the park’s natural setting. For children fascinated by trains, the locomotive is an educational opportunity and a great photo opportunity. For adults, the train is a piece of history preserved for people to enjoy and appreciate.
This unique feature distinguishes Freedom Park from typical urban outdoor attractions. Many parks offer standard amenities, but few can claim a steam locomotive as part of their landscape.
Attend Annual Events Such As Festival in the Park
Freedom Park transforms each September when it hosts the Festival in the Park, one of Charlotte’s signature events.
With nearly 1,000 entertainers and many attractions, the Festival in the Park draws visitors from across the region. Six decades of continuous operation speak to the event’s significance in Charlotte and its role in bringing the community together.
Time a visit to coincide with the Festival in the Park to experience the park’s natural beauty and this large community celebration. September offers pleasant fall weather, making outdoor activities enjoyable.
The park’s attractions are free as well. Visitors can swap books with new friends at Freedom Park as part of free and cheap things to do in Charlotte. This book swap builds the community by encouraging visitors to meet and mingle and promotes literacy in an informal setting.
For families watching their budgets, retirees on fixed incomes or anyone who appreciates a great value, Freedom Park delivers great times at no cost. Enjoy a full day outdoors — picnicking, exploring and playing — without opening your wallet represents a rare value these days.
Mecklenburg County’s greenway system offers many activities beyond hiking and biking, making it possible for a Freedom Park visit to extend into a larger exploration of Charlotte’s outdoors. For fitness enthusiasts, the greenway provides opportunities for longer runs or bike rides that pass through or near the park.
This matters for residents who want to incorporate outdoor activity into their daily routines. Rather than driving to isolated destinations, Charlotte’s greenway system allows for car-free travel between green spaces, neighborhoods and other points of interest.
What Visitors Say
According to Tripadvisor reviews, Freedom Park is consistently praised for its clean, well-maintained grounds and welcoming atmosphere. Many guests say that the park it’s equally suited for active recreation, family outings or quiet time. The playgrounds and sports field and courts receive positive feedback from families, while the walking trails and lake views are favorites among solo visitors and couples. Reviewers also appreciate the park’s dog-friendly policy and the abundance of shaded areas during hot summer months.
Some visitors recommend arriving early on weekends or during special events, as parking can fill up quickly. The park’s accessibility to strollers and wheelchairs is also mentioned, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the amenities.
When planning your visit, consider what you hope to experience. For family picnics, pack your favorite foods and claim a spot on the grass. For train enthusiasts, make the steam locomotive a priority stop. For those visiting during September, check the Festival in the Park schedule for entertainment options.
The park’s location between Dilworth and Myers Park also offers opportunities to explore these historic neighborhoods before or after your park visit. The tree-lined streets and distinctive architecture provide pleasant walking environments that complement time spent in the park itself.
Location: 1900 East Blvd., Charlotte, N.C. 28203
Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk
Admission: Free entry and parking
Facilities: Public restrooms, water fountains, picnic shelters, playgrounds, sports fields and courts and paved trails
Most visitors spend 1–2 hours enjoying the park’s trails, playgrounds and picnic areas, with extra time recommended during festivals or community events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Freedom Park free to enter?
Yes, admission and parking are free.
Are there restrooms and water fountains?
Yes, public restrooms and water fountains are available throughout the park.
Mecklenburg County Public Health Director Dr. Raynard Washington is leaving to lead New Jersey’s health department.
Jeff Siner
jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Mecklenburg County’s chief public health official is leaving for a new position.
Raynard Washington, Mecklenburg public health director since 2021, is stepping down effective Tuesday, the county announced Thursday. He’s been nominated by the governor-elect of New Jersey to serve as the state’s next Department of Health commissioner, the county’s statement said.
Kimberly Scott, an assistant health director of the county’s Population Health Division, will take over as interim health director.
“Serving as Mecklenburg County Health Director has been an absolute honor,” Washington said in a statement. “I am so proud of our public health team and all that we have accomplished during some of the most challenging times for public health. While I’ll miss Mecklenburg County and my colleagues, I know the team here will continue the work to make health possible for everyone.”
Washington joined Mecklenburg County as a deputy health director in March 2020, the same month the COVID-19 pandemic upended health in the Charlotte area and across the world. He was promoted to director in 2021.
Mecklenburg County Deputy Public Health Director, Dr. Raynard Washington gives a press update regarding the COVID-19 outbreak connected to United House of Prayer for All People Convocation events at the South East Health Department location on Friday, October 23, 2020. David T. Foster III dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
In addition to helping guide Mecklenburg’s pandemic response, the county noted Washington also established North Carolina’s first Office of Violence Prevention, expanded clinic and mobile health services and led the health department to “accreditation with honors” from the NC Local Public Health Accreditation Board.
County Manager Mike Bryant praised Washington for his “unique leadership style, expertise, and contributions to Mecklenburg County” which Bryant said “transcended his role as public health director.”
“An incredibly skilled and resourceful public servant, he played a vital role in helping our community navigate a series of health challenges and transitions … I am grateful for his immeasurable contributions as he joins the growing list of county leaders who have been elevated to serve at a higher level. We will miss him but wish him the very best,” Bryant said in a statement.
Mary Ramsey is the local government accountability reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she studied journalism at the University of South Carolina and has also worked in Phoenix, Arizona and Louisville, Kentucky. Support my work with a digital subscription
