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Tag: Estephany Escobar

  • Police in N.C. investigate two cases of suspected political violence

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    MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — Two police departments in North Carolina are investigating two separate incidents with political ties, as early voting for the primary elections is underway. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Huntersville police are investigating gunshots fired at the house of Mecklenburg County Commissioner candidate Aaron Marin

    • No one was injured, but damage is visible on Marin’s vehicle, tree and basketball hoop

    • Aberdeen police are also investigating the explosion of a handmade flash-bang-style device near an early voting site

    • Police science expert Michael Bitzer said political violence cases stem from the political divide and partisan polarization


    One of them happened outside of the house of Mecklenburg County Commissioner for District 1 candidate Aaron Marin in Huntersville on Monday night. 

    Huntersville police said they received multiple calls reporting gunshots on Greenfarm Road, and upon arriving to the scene, officers found spent casings on the road and several vehicles with gunfire damage in the driveway. 

    Gunfire damage was also visible Friday on a basketball hoop and a tree.

    Marin, his wife and their two children were inside the home when the shooting happened and no one was injured.

    “Our family has gone through a lot of trauma. We don’t feel safe in Huntersville anymore. We cannot spend time in our driveway any more. Our kids cannot play any more here,” Marin said. 

    The Republican candidate is running unopposed in the primary, and safety is one of his top campaign priorities.

    “In the last week, we have seen, and feel in our own flesh, the real need Huntersville is having,” Marin said. 

    Detectives say the incident was targeted, noting that Marin is a candidate in a local political race.

    “The FBI is now involved in this case and we’re letting them do their job so we can understand clearly where this is coming from,” Marin said. 

    In Moore County on Wednesday afternoon, Aberdeen police responded to a call near an early voting site. Witnesses told police they heard a loud noise and saw a small explosion. 

    Police said they found a handmade flash-bang-style device near the voting site and called the situation an isolated incident. According to 30 witnesses, someone threw the device from a moving vehicle, police said. 

    No one was injured and no property damage was reported, but a political science expert called these incidents concerning. 

    “These are things that in addition to what we saw here in Mecklenburg is concerning and should be denounced in the strongest terms possible,” Catawba College professor of politics and history Michael Bitzer said. 

    Bitzer said political violence may come from the intense political divide and partisan polarization. 

    “This us-vs.-them mentality is very much prominent in American politics and I think here in North Carolina as well, but we have to remember, we’re talking about fellow human beings,” Bitzer said. 

    He said North Carolina is more susceptible to political violence due to competitive elections. 

    “Most Americans strongly condemn the use of violence. We would we prefer the use of ballots over bullets,” Bitzer said. 

    Marin said he’s not deterred from the incident outside his home and his campaign will continue. 

    Huntersville police and the FBI are collecting and analyzing evidence and say they will follow any leads in the case. 

    Anyone with information is asked to contact Huntersville police Detective G. Aaron at 704-464-5517 or garon@huntersville.org or to contact North Mecklenburg Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous. 

    The Aberdeen police are continuing to investigate the blast and plan to submit evidence for testing to the State Crimel Lab. 

    Authorities urge anyone with information in the Aberdeen explosion to contact Capt. Blackburn at 910-944-4566, send a message through Facebook messenger or leave anonymous tips at 910-944-4561

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Estephany Escobar

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  • Nonprofit gifts flower bouquets to widows, widowers on Valentine’s Day

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte-area nonprofit is brightening Valentine’s Day for those who lost their significant other. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Watch Love Grow plans to gift 2,000 flower bouquets and gift bags to widows and widowers this Valentine’s Day

    • Ashley Manning in Charlotte started this program in 2021 with 125 recipients, and this initiative has grown ever since 

    • Around 1,500 volunteers participated over the course of three days to get the bouquets and gift bags ready

    • Widow Lauren DiFrank is one of the volunteers at the event who is participating after receiving two bouquets from the program in the past


    Watch Love Grow is delivering free bouquets and goodie bags to widows and widowers in our state and beyond.

    Ashley Manning is the founder of Watch Love Grow. Manning, who is also a flower shop owner, started this effort in 2021 after she made a bouquet for her son’s preschool teacher who was grieving the loss of her husband.

    “She just looked at me and she said something along the lines of ‘this meant more than you’ll ever know, like you seeing me and seeing my pain,’” Manning said. 

    Lauren DiFrank is one of the dozens of volunteers who participated in the initiative this year, creating arrangements for widows and widowers at a Charlotte church Friday.

    “You have no idea where this widow is on that journey. And so even the first year or the 15th year without their husband, this just makes such an impact, knowing that they’re not forgotten and just helps bring their spirits up,” DiFrank said. 

    The program has been a blessing to DiFrank, who lost her husband Rob to cancer in 2023. 

    “Valentine’s was always a big deal for my husband and I, but it’s definitely one where you’re seeing a lot of couples together. It’s tugging at emotionally,” DiFrank said.

    They met in a cancer survivorship program in 2016, and both were cancer survivors at the time. 

    “We fell in love pretty instantly, and we got married a couple years later. We have a 6-year-old son who is and looks just like him,” DiFrank said. 

    She received a bouquet from Watch Love Grow two years in a row after his passing. 

    “I came home and saw this beautiful bouquet at my doorstep, just really meant a lot that other people in my life saw the need to nominate me, and I was able to receive flowers on Valentine’s Day,” DiFrank said. 

    According to Manning, the first year, the effort had 125 recipients. 

    “The first three years we worked out of my house, my driveway. It was beautiful. It was so beautiful,” Manning said. 

    This year, 2,000 recipients are expected to receive bouquets and gift bags with the help of donations and nearly 1,500 volunteers.

    They’ll go to people in Charlotte, Denver (N.C.), Winston-Salem, Raleigh and eight other locations in other states.

    “Can you believe how much it’s grown? It’s been such a blessing to me,” Manning told the crowd before they prayed and kicked off the volunteering opportunity. 

    She also said this initiative has taught her a lot.

    “Pain is real and we all have pain in our lives. And just looking at somebody and saying, like, I see your pain and like you’re not forgotten today. It’s just such a beautiful blessing to them,” Manning said. 

    At the volunteering event, widows were recognized with boutonnieres — a symbol prompting connection.

    “It’s so nice to know that they’re just people willing to just give you a hug and just know that that’s making you feel extra special today. Making connections with people who are here and hearing their stories as to why they’re here,” DiFrank said. 

    This Valentine’s Day blessing has not only helped the heartbroken, but Manning too. 

    “It has sustained me through really hard times. I’ve been through a lot in the last six years, and the same people that we served have come and served me,” Manning said. 

    DiFrank said she’s participating in the event as a way to give back. She plans to spend Valentine’s Day with her son. 

    The bouquets and gift bags for this Valentine’s Day Widow Outreach Project are prepared over the course of three days. It culminates with volunteers delivering the boxes with flowers and gift bags Saturday. 

    The group is also now gifting bouquets on Mother’s Day to mothers who lost a child.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Estephany Escobar

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  • Group that helps grieving children marks milestone graduation

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A community organization is helping grieving children and young adults succeed. 

    What You Need To Know

    •  Connecting the Gap is a nonprofit organization that provides therapy, mentorship and educational resources

    •  The group is celebrating a milestone after a participant of the program graduated college

    •  Christopher Daylin Carter lost his mom and grandmother at age 17 but has persevered thanks to the support of the group


    Through partnerships and supports, Connecting the Gap is providing therapy, mentorship and educational resources. 

    The group recently reached a milestone when Christopher Daylin Carter graduated from East Carolina University.

    “After hearing people be proud of me, I kind of just start to resonate with me, like this is a big deal. You pushed through and you made it,” Carter said. 

    His mentor, Quaneka Falls, attended the ceremony and cheered for him as he crossed the stage.

    “Just to see how much throughout the years Christopher has grown so much,” Falls said. 

    Carter said he appreciates the support of his late mother and grandmother.

    “I think it’s closest I can really get to spending time with them and really having them with me throughout my accomplishments, whatever I do in my life,” Carter said. 

    He lost both of them in a car crash in Greensboro in 2020 after a driver hit them head-on. Carter, who was 17 at the time, survived.

    “If it was something that was powerful enough to take lives, how did I continue?” Carter said. 

    His family rallied around him, and he got support from Connecting the Gap.

    Since 2020, the Charlotte nonprofit has helped around 60 children and young adults who lost a parent around the state. The group links them to resources to ensure they are successful post-graduation while they tackle grief. 

    “I feel like the support is important because when kids feel that you really, genuinely care about them, that gives them motivation to keep going,” Falls said. 

    The mission is personal for Falls because she lost her mother when she was 14. 

    “She had me and she had my brother, and we took two different paths, and I feel like because I’ve had the resources, I had community, I had mentors in my life, I was still able to be successful,” she said. 

    Carter said after his mom and grandmother died, the organization supported him right away. 

    “I was still kind of in shock. I was still kind of going through the motions, but just having that support there was definitely helpful, and just another person that’s looking for my success,” he said.

    The support stayed with him through college.

    “Therapy and just my freshman year or even pretty much every year up until I moved out, college, [Falls] was helping me get anything that I need from my dorms,” Carter said. 

    He’s the first student from the program to graduate college, an accomplishment that exemplifies their motto. 

    “I’ve firsthand witnessed Christopher grieve, believe and succeed,” Falls said. 

    He credits part of his success to Connecting the Gap and his family.

    “It’s amazing. I feel like God put a lot of people up in amazing ways, and I feel like without the support system that I have now, most likely wouldn’t be where I’m at,” Carter said. 

    Thanks to his uncle, Carter said he graduated debt-free from ECU with a degree in psychology and nutrition.

    In previous years, the organization received funding from United Way and Canopy Housing Foundation.

    This year, they are hoping to secure grant funding and donations to continue their mission. 

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Estephany Escobar

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  • Schools return in person after weather disruptions

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    GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Many school districts in North Carolina are back in person after disruptions due to back-to-back winter storms.

    What You Need To Know

    • Schools took different approaches, however all of them used remote learning days at one point or another

    • At Gaston County Schools, packets were used for remote learning, and at Mountain Island Charter School, students used an online platform

    • Gaston County Schools closed and had remote learning days, and Mountain Island Charter only had remote learning days


    Schools took different approaches, however all of them used remote learning days at one point or another. 

    Gaston County Schools, for example, had two snow days and four remote learning days in the past two weeks due to the ice storm and snowstorm. 

    Forestview High School English and AP psychology teacher Richard Morris, who is Gaston County Schools’ new teacher of the year, welcomed students back in person Thursday after a two-hour delay. 

    He asked students briefly about whether they enjoyed the snow before discussing the remote learning packet students were expected to complete.

    “Before they left, I wanted to be sure they understood exactly what the text was going to be about and the expectations I had for them while they were out,” Morris said. 

    He said the secondary English curriculum coordinator sent packets for students in order for them not to fall behind and continue being engaged while out of school. 

    Morris has been trying to make the most of the school closures. 

    “I love being in the classroom with students, but we live on this earth where weather happens, and it can be a disruption. It’s a little frustrating, but it’s the reality of the situation. I was very responsive to both parents and students on email, making sure that everyone is on the same page,” Morris said. 

    Forestview science and biology teacher John Ramos, who is the district’s teacher of the year, said his concern is the continuation of learning.  

    “I don’t want to experience another learning loss like what we had in COVID back then. And, I’m just glad that, you know, we are very proactive as a school district and our administrators are really sending information in advance,” Ramos said. 

    Mountain Island Charter School, which is also located in Gaston County, is a public charter school and also relied on remote learning. The school didn’t use any snow days but instead opted for using its five allotted remote learning days.

    Mountain Island Charter School sixth to 12th grade principal Jacob Wilson said the school serves students from eight counties and any closure decisions come after analyzing a variety of factors. This includes looking into the decisions made by traditional public schools, monitoring weather and road conditions and assessing areas around the campus. 

    “Student safety is always going to be No. 1 but beyond that, we want to make sure that our students are continuing learning and so we’re always going to want to push that ball forward. Anytime we have a chance to make it to where students can learn, we’re going to do that.” Wilson said. 

    Assistant Principal of Curriculum Instruction Renee Goodwin said she was in contact with teachers during remote learning to receive feedback.

    “I talked to them over the phone and asked them how things are going, where we should go when we get back, because we are in the middle of like testing season as well. So we had to make some adjustments for students to make sure that we get the best results for the testing,” Goodwin said. 

    Students at Mountain Island Charter used an online platform with instructional activities to review concepts and independent learning. 

    “Nothing replaces a teacher in the classroom, however the extension activities that our teachers provide here actually go beyond what the teacher is teaching through multiple platforms that we have,” Goodwin said.

    Back at Forestview, Morris and Ramos are getting students back in the swing of things.

    “Our main goal is to ensure that the routine will be in place again,” Ramos said. 

    The intent behind it is to move forward. 

    “We’re going to briefly go over the packet, make sure that everything’s complete so they get that attendance for the day, get that classwork grade for the day, but then we’re just going to keep on rolling like we never missed a beat,” Morris said. 

    Both Gaston County Schools and Mountain Island Charter school officials said the weather-related closures will not prompt any makeup days or any schedule changes.

    Meanwhile, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is modifying its calendar turning Feb. 11 and April 29 from early release days into full instructional days. 

    “By supporting the superintendent’s recommendation to convert the remaining early release days to full instructional days, we’re choosing to exceed state requirements because it’s what best serves students,” CMS Board of Education Chair Stephanie Sneed said. 

    Under state law, schools are only allowed to declare five remote learning days in a calendar year for emergency situations and severe weather.

    However, according to the Department of Public Instruction, some schools have a waiver because they have been closed at least eight days during any four of the last 10 years due to weather.

    This year, schools with a waiver include Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Haywood, Jackson, Madison, Mitchell, Swain, Watauga and Yancey counties. These schools are allowed to open a week early to have more makeup days and can use 15 remote instruction days or 90 hours. 

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Estephany Escobar

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  • Group builds outdoor pet houses ahead of winter storm

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    GASTON COUNTY, N.C. —  A group of volunteers is filling the gaps to help keep pets safe during the winter storm.

    What You Need To Know

    • AJ’s Landscaping and the Animal League of Gaston County have been building outdoor pet houses for those in need since 2018

    • The group partners with the Gaston County Police Animal Care and Enforcement

    • The initiative aims to keep pets safe during extreme temperatures, including the upcoming winter storm

    • Gaston County Police Animal Care and Enforcement recommends people to bring dogs inside, if not they say outdoor shelter is essential


    Melissa Lawing of AJ’s Landscaping and the Animal League of Gaston County are behind this effort that builds outdoor pet houses and offers straw for pets in need in the community. 

    Since its inception, Lawing said the group has built almost 800 outdoor pet houses. 

    This effort is in partnership with the Gaston County Police Animal Care and Enforcement. 

    Capt. Kyle Yancey said he advises dog owners to bring their dogs inside, whether it’s a garage, home or a storage building during the storm. If that’s not possible, he said outdoor shelter is essential.

    “We always encourage them to have some type of structure with four walls and a roof and preferably off the ground, so that they can have some insulation. So a lot of times the straw can be underneath the house. That helps insulate it. That can be straw inside the house,” Yancey said. 

    Volunteer Amanda Fifield spent part of her Friday helping build outdoor houses for pets ahead of the storm.

    “My biggest concern is they’re not going to have enough shelter, and they’re not going to have any heat, and they’re going to freeze to death,” Fifield said. 

    Fifield said their effort has had an impact in the community.

    “I think it’s making a difference for sure, because the dogs have a place to go,” Fifield said. 

    She recalls seeing the reaction of dogs when she has delivered dog houses and straw with Lawing before. 

    “To see the dogs as soon as they see the dog house or the straw, they just go right in after we get it all settled in, with all the straw and everything. They just go right in, and they’ll sit. Some get really excited, and they’ll jump around and jump in, jump out. You can tell it’s really loved,” Fifield said.

    Kenneth White has noticed the difference firsthand. While he plans to bring his dogs inside of the house during the storm, he’s grateful for the outdoor dog houses and fence the group built for his pets.

    “They have more room to play? They’re a whole lot more calm than they were before. It’s been a really big help,” White said.

    On Friday people were also stopping by AJ’s Landscaping to pick up free straw, including Teresa Christopher. She said she was picking it up for someone else’s dog houses. 

    “If you cannot bring them inside. It is very vital to have it, to try to keep them warm,” Christopher said.

    Fifield, who fosters dogs with medical needs, has witnessed the need for outdoor dog houses this week.

    “The dog that I picked up the other day, he was an outside dog. He’s only five months old, and he was going to weather the storm outside all by himself. It just breaks my heart,” Fifield said. 

    The dog will now stay warm inside during the storm with three other foster dogs and her six dogs. 

    She plans to continue giving back by helping dogs who need an extra helping hand.

    “I just want to do what I can to help out the dogs,” Fifield said.

    The group has 45 houses available this time around. Those interested can contact Gaston Police Animal Care and Enforcement for more information.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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  • Panthers superfans share excitement before playoff game

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. —  The Carolina Panthers are playing their first home NFL playoff game in almost a decade Saturday. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The Carolina Panthers will face the Los Angeles Rams Saturday in an NFL playoff game in Charlotte

    • Sonjia Howard and Jamanda Moore are Carolina superfans who attend every home game dressed up in elaborate outfits

    • Howard has been a fan since 1998 and says she dreamt the Panthers won the playoff game

    • Moore said if the Panthers can execute in the beginning they have a winning chance


    The Panthers are facing the Los Angeles Rams, a team they beat in November, at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Bank of America Stadium.

    Charlotte is buzzing as the city hosts the game on its home turf. This week, there were several events to celebrate before the game, including a pep rally and Sound the Drum Tour. 

    Members of the Carolina SuperFans United group who attend every home game wearing Panthers gear, masks, wigs and hats are excited to cheer on the Panthers. 

    Friday, Sonjia Howard was putting the final touches for her gameday outfit in her Panthers-themed craft room. 

    “A lot of times, if you put your own ideas and creativity into your own [out]fit, you’re going to come out looking like exactly the way you want to, and you’re going to feel proud because you did it,” Howard said.

    Howard has been a Panthers fan since 1998.

    “I’ve been through a lot of players and a lot of games, ups and downs, ebbs and flows. I’m sticking with them, my team,” Howard said.

    In 2021, she became a superfan and is known as Pink Fan Fur. She attends home games and some away games sporting pink, blue, black silver and glittery outfits.

    “We keep them energized,” Howard said. 

    In 2022, she retired from the military and moved to Charlotte because of the Panthers. 

    “I live in this state, the Queen City, North Carolina, to be a Panthers fan, that Panthers fan and go to these games,” Howard said.

    Howard is looking forward to attend the Panthers playoff game Saturday. The last time the Panthers made it to the playoffs was in 2017.

    “It’s very important that we make the playoffs because that’s what we do. We try to make it to the Super Bowl, and it’s very hard so I feel very happy that we did,” Howard said. 

    She’ll be sharing the excitement with Jamanda Moore, a new superfan known as Carolina Show Stopper. 

    “I kind of feel shaky a little bit because I know they want it. We want it, and this is our time to literally show up and show out, so I am ready. I’m ready to be pumped,” Moore said.

    Moore said after a season of ups and downs, she believes if the Panthers execute in the beginning they can beat the Rams again.

    “I feel like they have finally found their strengths, their weakness and actually just really believing in themselves,” Moore said. 

    Howard said she even dreamt the Panthers won. 

    “We’re going to be so freaking happy. We’re going to be so elated over the moon because I know once we beat the Rams, we’re taking it all the way to the house,” Moore said. 

    They plan to join other fans Saturday at a tailgate hosted by the Roaring Riot before heading to the game to cheer on the Panthers. 

    If the game doesn’t go their way, they still plan to continue supporting the Panthers next season. 

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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  • Realtor from Venezuela reacts to capture of former Venezuelan president by U.S.

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte realtor originally from Venezuela is reacting to the capture of Venezuela’s former president Nicolás Maduro and his first court appearance in the U.S.

    What You Need To Know

    • The U.S. military captured former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores Saturday and brought them to the U.S. 

    • Maduro faces narco terrorism charges and pleaded not guilty to them at his first court appearance Monday

    • Rosemara Espinoza, a realtor in Charlotte, from Venezuela supports his removal of power but worries about the future of the country 

    • Espinoza hopes Venezuela becomes free one day and Venezuelans reclaim the power of the country


    Maduro made his first appearance Monday alongside his wife Cilia Flores in a New York City courtroom.

    The U.S. military captured Maduro and Flores Saturday morning in Venezuela, bringing them to the U.S. to face narco terrorism charges.

    During the court appearance, Maduro declared himself the president of Venezuela and claimed he was innocent. 

    Rosemara Espinoza, who was born and raised in Venezuela, is watching developments closely. 

    She moved to the U.S. on Jan. 3, 2000 and the capture of Maduro fell on the anniversary of her arrival. 

    “It had a great meaning for my life to see that after 26 years, we at least have some hope,” Espinoza said.

     

    Espinoza remembers the positive memories she had of her home country growing up.

    “Life was good in Venezuela with a welcoming environment and friendly people,” Espinoza said

    She and her family left for the U.S. because she said her father had concerns over the country’s future under the leadership of Hugo Chavez, a self-described socialist.

    Espinoza recalls visiting Venezuela in 2009 and seeing a drastic change from the country she grew up in. 

    “It was my last time there because I didn’t like how I felt and the lack of safety, lack of basic food, toothpaste and soap,” Espinoza said. 

    Maduro took power in 2013 and since then CNN reports Venezuela has lost 72% of its economy and nearly eight million Venezuelans have left the country.

    “Starting with Chavez and then Maduro, Venezuela started to crumble at all levels, not only politically but also economically,” Espinoza said. 

    While she favors removing Maduro from power, she questions what’s next for the Latin American country.

    “There is a lot of uncertainty because there are a lot of people in the Venezuelan government that have his same ideology,” Espinoza said. 

    She’s following closely the developments of Maduro’s legal case, including his first court appearance Monday where he pleaded not guilty of drug trafficking charges.

    “I’m fearful, he’ll be found not guilty because it will be another dream for Venezuelans that doesn’t come true,” Espinoza said. 

    Her dream moving forward would be to see Venezuela become free.

    “I would like to see Venezuela being in power of the country, of their oil, of everything,” Espinoza said. 

    She hopes to return to visit Venezuela one day and hopes this can be a steppingstone to make it possible. 

    As far as her family back in Venezuela, she said while they share the excitement of seeing Maduro removed from power, they haven’t celebrated in fear of retaliation. 

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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  • Families cherish the last Santa letters sent by Cristina Grossu Biffle

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NASCAR legend Greg Biffle and his wife Cristina were on a mission to spread holiday cheer. 

    What You Need To Know

    •  Cristina Grossu Biffle, the wife of NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, sent Santa letters to children over the years

    •  The couple,  their son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma died in a plane crash earlier this month

    •  Cristina sent over 2,500 packets with Santa letters, nice list certificates and Mrs. Claus magical cookie recipe

    •  The King family in Charlotte were grateful to be recipients of the packet


    Cristina Grossu Biffle sent free Santa letters to thousands of children over the years.  

    This year, the special delivery packet included a personalized Santa letter, an official nice list certificate and a recipe for Mrs. Claus magical cookies.

    Greg, Cristina, their son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma were four of seven people killed in a plane crash earlier this month. 

    Valerie King was one of the parents who requested free Santa letter for her daughter Avery. 

    “It was written from the heart. It was given to us by people that really care about other people. It was a letter that really meant something to Avery, Somebody who is famous spent their time writing all these letters to all these children and just putting smiles on everybody’s faces,” Valerie said. 

    Avery’s Santa letter read in part: “Avery, I can’t believe how much you’ve grown this year. I am so proud of you and all that if you have accomplished. It’s so fun to see when you dance. You are quite the little performer. Give Sunny, your hamster some love snuggles from me this year! Keep up the great work – your family loves you so much.”

    The Biffles helped Santa with this letter and other cookies. This year, Cristina sent more than 2,500 Santa letters to children around the country.

    Avery was grateful for this memorable keepsake. 

    “I was happy to find out I was in the nice list,” Avery said. “I liked that he included my hamster and my dancing because i’ve been dancing for quite a while.”

    Valerie received the special delivery packet a few days before the Biffles passed away. 

    “My heart broke when I found out it. I can’t even imagine what the family is feeling right now about this,” Valerie said. “I’m so close to my family, and if this happened to any of my family members, I don’t even know what I would do. It really hit home.”

    The Kings waited until the holiday to open the nice list certificate.

    “We actually didn’t open this till Christmas Day, and it really broke my heart even more because, you know, this is a couple weeks after it happened and they’re no longer with us,” Valerie said.

    The Kings are NASCAR fans and are also fans of the couple’s generosity.

    “My parents actually on Lake Norman so we see him on the boat a lot and he just all of these things that he did for Hurricane Helene and just what a wonderful person and his wife was,” Valerie said. 

    Families across the U.S. are posting to social media about the special deliveries. Emily Christopher from Texas recorded her sons, Fletcher and Beck, making Mrs. Claus’ magical cookies. In the video, a caption reads: “Thanks for the joy you spread to our family.” 

    The Kings plans to treasure this priceless gift.

    “Getting something like this is very special to us,” Valerie said. 

    They hope someone continues this tradition for years to come. In the meantime, Valerie plans to frame the certificate and letter for her daughter to keep in her room.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

     

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  • Neighbors react to plane crash that killed NASCAR legend Greg Biffle and 6 more

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    STATESVILLE, N.C — Neighbors are still shaken up after witnessing the fatal plane crash Thursday or the aftermath of it.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Neighbors either witnessed the fatal plane crash in Statesville or its aftermath

    •  NASCAR legend Greg Biffle died in the crash along six others

    •  Neighbors are still trying to process the crash in front of their homes and the loss


    They live across the street from the Statesville Regional Airport where a plane crash killed seven, including NASCAR legend Greg Biffle and his immediate family. 

    One neighbor saw the accident as he was standing on the porch with his dog. He describes seeing the plane clip a tree before going down.

    He shared his Ring camera video with Spectrum News 1 but didn’t want to be on camera or share his name publicly. However, he said as he watched the crash unfold, he realized he had watched passengers on the plane die. 

    Later, he found out his friend Craig Wadsworth was on the plane. Wadsworth is described as someone beloved in the NASCAR community. 

    Former NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace expressed heartbreak on social media sharing Wadsworth drove his motorhome for six years. 

    Chuck McCrary and his girlfriend Patricia Riggs heard the crash from their home across the street from the runway. 

    “[It sounded like] a big boom. I was like, ‘oh, a barrel just exploded.’ That’s what it sounded like in the house,” McCrary said. 

    The couple never imagined it was the sound of a plane crash when they stepped outside.

    “We got to the front door and looked and saw ambulances and fire trucks and cops and smoke. I was like: ‘Oh man, that’s bad,’” McCrary said.

    RELATED: Investigation starts into crash that killed Biffle

    They were saddened to hear there were no survivors in the crash.

    “It was close to Christmas, and I hate that happened,” Riggs said. 

    Friday investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board were on site trying to determine the reason the plane returned to the airport and attempted to land 10 minutes after takeoff in cloudy and drizzly conditions. 

    Neighbors are still trying to process the situation within sight of their homes.

    “I sent my prayers and thoughts to them, and this is a bad thing for family to go through. I’m sorry for the family.”

    According to NTSB, the plane hit runway lights, trees and the airport perimeter fence before the crash.

    Friday morning, investigators looked at wreckage from the plane and debris along a nearby golf course.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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  • Toys for Tots extends donation deadline to help children in all age groups

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A program collecting Christmas toys for children in Charlotte is extending its collection deadline to Thursday to help provide toys for children of all ages.

    What You Need To Know

    • Toys for Tots Charlotte has struggled to fulfill requests for assistance this year, including a larger request for help early on and fewer donations

    • Marion Dudley is one of the parents waiting to see if her daughters will be able to receive toys from the program

    • On Wednesday, Toys for Tots met the amount of toys requested
    • Toys for Tots extended its donation deadline to Thursday to fulfill its need for more toys for babies, toddlers and children ages 11 to 16


    During their last collection day, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program in Charlotte hit its goal of 30,000 toys Wednesday night. However, it still needs around 6,000 more toys for ages 0 to 2 and children 11 to 16. 

    For at least six years, Marion Dudley has received toys from the Toys for Tots program for her two daughters, ages 6 and 7.

    “I love to see the joy on the kid’s face, even if it’s only one gift. They get the joy that just makes my heart melt because they go through so much in the year that, it’s good to see them smile,” Dudley said. 

    This year, her daughters wrote letters to Santa for the first time.

    “They wanted to make it special, so they took a magazine and cut out all the pictures of things they liked,” Dudley said. 

    “When they wake up on Christmas Day, they’re looking for a whole bunch of presents under the tree and if I’m not able to do that, then that’s going to make me feel like I failed as a parent,” Dudley said.

    This year, Toys for Tots Charlotte has struggled to fulfill the requests. Toys for Tots Warehouse Chief Darrell Gregory said requests for toys started coming early this year and the group didn’t have many donations. 

    “This year, we have no idea if they’re even going to have the funds to be able to give out toys, because they have so many people that have signed up and nobody really is donating,” Dudley said. 

    Dudley said she has an allied health sciences degree, but it’s not working at the moment because of her children’s schedules and needs. 

    “My 7-year-old, she will be turning eight on the 29th, so a few days after Christmas. My 7-year-old, she has autism level 1, and then my youngest one, she has a rare [genetic disorder] called KBG syndrome, and that comes along with a lot of health issues. We are constantly going back and forth to the doctor,” Dudley said. 

    Dudley said it’s hard for her to make ends meet.

     “We’re just living off of one SSI check, and that’s taking care of all three of us and then, of course, I have bills and everything else that I have to do,” Dudley said. 

    She has reached to other programs for help with toys but have not received calls back.

    “There’s probably a lot of people that still need help with Christmas because, look at the economy, I can only imagine,” Dudley said. 

    Wednesday night, however, a light of hope shone for the Dudleys as Toys for Tots announced it had received the amount of toys needed for her children’s age group.

    Gregory recalls that just a week ago, they had fewer than 1,000 toys, and he said on Wednesday they received almost 10,000 toy donations. 

    While the group is grateful to have met the number of toys requested, they are still working to fill the gap for toys for babies and toddlers and children ages 11 to 16. 

    The group extended the deadline to drop off items at their warehouse at 2701 Hutchison McDonald Road, Suite A, until 4 p.m. Thursday.

    If they cannot meet the need, the group will have to notify families Toys for Tots can’t fulfill their requests. Gregory says he hopes they don’t have to make those calls. 

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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  • Neighbors react to Friday’s shooting at Concord tree lighting ceremony

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    CONCORD, N.C. — A shooting at a tree lighting ceremony in Concord on Friday, Nov. 21, shook up those who attended. 

    What You Need To Know

    •  Four people face charges in the shooting at a tree lighting ceremony event in Concord that sent four people to the hospital

    •  Concord Police said the shooting was not random and that the parties knew each other

    •  A neighbor hid in a restaurant that opened the doors to those attending 

    • The Christmas parade, with additional safety measures, went well the following day, according to the city


    Concord Police said it was not a random act of violence.

    Police said 18-year-old Nasir Ahmad Bostic was among the four victims taken to the hospital, but was also identified as a shooter. Warrants for his arrest list charges of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting injury with intent to kill and inciting riot. 

    The second alleged shooter is a juvenile. Police said they filed petitions through the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice for assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill, two counts of discharging into an occupied property inflicting serious injury and inciting a riot. 

    Keyvyonn Bostic, 17, was also arrested and is being charged as an adult with accessory to the fact and inciting a riot, according to Concord Police.

    Two other 17-year-olds with gunshot wounds were transported to the hospital. 

    Willmarie Austin, who attended the tree lighting ceremony with her two daughters and a friend, describes the family-friendly event as a staple for the community

    “It really marks a turn of the seasons and kind of like the welcome to everything,” Austin said. 

    On Friday, Austin recalls she was eating right across the street at Charros on Union, where the tree lighting ceremony was expected to happen.

    “All of a sudden, people just started coming and running and screaming that they were shooting,” Austin said. 

    Charros Owner Jaime Atilano was on the patio of the restaurant when the shots rang out. 

    “My first instinct to bring the people inside was keep everybody safe, you know, because you never know. I was thinking, you know, [there are] going to be more shots,” Atilano said. 

    Concord Police said the suspects knew each other. However, even finding out it wasn’t random doesn’t make Austin feel better. 

    “Regardless of if it’s random or not, I mean it was still projectiles going through the air that could have hit anybody,” Austin said. 

    Her biggest worry at the time was her teenager, who wasn’t at the restaurant with her. 

    “My other little baby was not with me, so I was just very worried about what was going to happen to her,” Austin said. 

    Her oldest daughter was safe, and meanwhile, she and others in the restaurant took cover in the kitchen and storage room. 

    The next day, Concord had its Christmas parade, and police said additional security measures were put in place. 

     “We are a resilient community and will not let the senseless actions of a few individuals steal another tradition from us. Some families may choose to stay home, and we understand and respect their decision. We also know that many find comfort, harmony and healing in community, and our parade has provided that for our City for nearly a century,” Mayor Bill Dusch said in a statement. 

    Austin and her daughters, ages 5 and 16, didn’t go. 

    “I really wanted to make sure that they were OK and they were still not really wanting to be in a crowd. I don’t think, it was not safe. I think it was pretty safe. I think if it was a day that was even going to be more safe was going to be the day after such an event,” Austin said. 

    Charros opened for the Christmas parade, which Atilano said went well. 

    “We got a strong community, and we know the police department, Concord Police Department, it was doing the best that it can,” Atilano said. 

    Austin plans to attend other holiday activities moving forward. 

    “Maybe pay more attention to my surroundings, but we can’t live in fear,” Austin said. 

    Former Mecklenburg County Sheriff Irwin Carmichael said there are tips to stay safe when active shooter situations happen. 

    He said to understand the “Run-Hide-Fight” in active shooter situations and to have situational awareness and preparedness. He added that having a proactive mindset before something happens instead of having a reactive mindset goes a long way. 

    He said the planning begins when you arrive at an event, and you are aiming to answer three questions:

    1. Where would I run?

    2. Where would I hide?

    3. What would I fight with?

    Spectrum News 1 reached out to the city of Concord to learn about any additional security measures for future events but is still waiting to hear back.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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  • Some businesses experience impact from Border Patrol presence

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On Nov. 15, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents arrived in Charlotte for an immigration operation they called “Charlotte’s Web.”

    What You Need To Know

    • Some businesses are remaining cautious on how they operate after reports of Border Patrol finishing their operation in Charlotte

    • While some business owners don’t plan to reopen anytime soon, including Manolo’s Bakery, others that have remained opened have noticed a drop in customers

    • North Tryon Laundromat, which had Border Patrol at its shopping center Sunday, is experiencing slow business days

    • Businesses in the same shopping center as the laundromat have shorter hours, are focusing on delivery or closed


    According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 370 people have been arrested and 44 of them have a criminal record. The criminal records include aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon, assault of a police officer, battery, driving under the influence, a hit and run and two alleged gang members, according to DHS.

    While Charlotte officials said Thursday the operation had ended but U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement remained in Mecklenburg County, DHS said the operation was far from over. 

    Some businesses closed down for a day or the entire week after the arrival of federal agents. Friday, at a shopping center in North Charlotte, several businesses remained closed. Others appeared closed but were mostly doing deliveries. 

    Many businesses remain cautious after the mixed messaging from local officials and DHS.

    Manolo Betancur, the owner of Manolo’s Bakery, who has been outspoken about his opposition to this operation, closed down his business almost a week ago. 

    The area where his bakery is located became the site of demonstrations against the operation. Friday he joined state and local Democratic leaders, community members and faith leaders during a press conference denouncing the actions of CBP during the past week.

    Betancur doesn’t have plans to reopen in the near future because he said he doesn’t trust federal agents. 

    “The first place they attacked was Central Avenue so it’s not worth it. Let’s not risk it. I would rather lose one day of business, but I don’t want a kid to lose their father,” Betancur said.

    He’s grateful for the community’s support despite being closed. He said he received $26,000 in donations and was able to make payroll and have some money left. 

    Businesses including North Tryon Laundromat never closed, but customers are not frequenting it as usual.

    Owner David Rebolloso said usually the shopping center where the laundromat is located is bustling with business. 

    “This is an all-Hispanic shopping center. And, there’s a lot of activity here is a one-stop shop. There’s groceries and cell phone service and bakery and restaurants and laundry,” Rebolloso said.

    On Sunday, the shopping center where the laundromat is located had CBP agents on site. Friday, several shops were closed and the ones that were open had little foot traffic. 

    Rebolloso shared surveillance video of when CBP was present. It shows a man storming into the laundromat as a CBP agent appears to be chasing him. 

    “When this customer started yelling, everybody followed behind him. That’s my wife right there. She ordered the front door to be locked,” Rebolloso said.

    While DHS said the immigration enforcement operations around the country are an effort to remove the worst of the worst undocumented criminals from communities, Rebolloso doesn’t see it that way.

    “I think they’re just racial profiling, really. You know, they’re just the they’re just throwing a wide net, and picking up whoever and then asking questions later,” Rebolloso said. 

    He kept his business open this week but noticed the change.

    “It’s dropped. It’s dropped significantly. Right now it’s pretty much empty but then again, it’s Friday morning, but overall it’s dropped at least at least half, at least half of my clients and if not more,” Rebolloso said.

    He said the mixed messages about the CBP operation ending in Charlotte are likely political.

    “They don’t want to give notices, you know, they want to keep people guessing and they want to keep people on their tiptoes, you know?” Rebolloso said.

    He said these actions are ultimately hurting businesses in Charlotte.

    “There’s no movement of commerce, there’s no activity, you know, because like I said, people are afraid to come out, and they’re not going to come out,” Rebolloso said.

    He and many other business owners in the shopping center are not welcoming ICE or CBP to their businesses. Some even have posted signs stating ICE/CBP does not have consent to enter the building without a judicial warrant.

    He said if business continues to be slow, he’ll only be able to stay in business for another six months. 

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

     

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  • Clinic sees drop in patients during Border Patrol activity

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A health clinic that says 90% of its patients are Hispanic saw a dramatic drop in traffic this week, which they attribute to the presence of Border Patrol in Charlotte. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Centro Medico Latino mostly serves Hispanic patients in the Charlotte area

    • Centro Medico Latino’s medical director says many patients canceled appointments due to Border Patrol activity 

    • The clinic is trying other ways to reach the community, including delivery, home visits and paid transportation

    • Camino in Charlotte also experienced cancellations and no-shows due to the immigration enforcement activity


    Centro Medico Latino has four locations and its main clinic is in East Charlotte.  

    Medical director Dr. Carlos Rish said Saturday is usually the busiest day for the clinic, which coincided with the day federal agents started their operations in Charlotte.

    “We’re fully booked. The office was bustling and as the afternoon came in and people started hearing that CBP was in town, people started leaving,” Rish said. “This profiling that’s occurring is causing a lot of fear in the community. Patients are afraid to come.”

    According to the Department of Homeland Security, there have been 370 arrests during the operation and 44 of them were undocumented people with criminal history.

    The trend of canceled appointments at Centro Medico Latino continued through the week. 

    “The parking lot was without any cars, and the clinic was absolutely empty. It was very disheartening,” Rish said. 

    The missed appointments concern Rish. 

    “We have patients who need medication who aren’t able to get it, obviously, but there’s a fear because we have a lot of patients that are really sick and diabetics, for example, who run out of their insulin and have the risk of going into complications [or] a coma,” Rish said.

    Rish and his team came up with a plan to reach the community, implementing measures used during the pandemic, including offering telehealth services. They are also setting up medication deliveries with pharmacies, sending health providers to homes and paying for patients’ rides to the clinic.

    “We’re picking up the cost of that transportation so the patient can come in and feel safe and not be fearful that they’re driving in town,” Rish said. 

    The health of his patients remains in the forefront. 

    “The lack of medical care that people are not receiving is very scary. The stress is causing a lot of psychosocial problems, people not being able to get out to work, and getting a paycheck, being able to feed the kids,” Rish said. 

    He said he plans to continue his commitment of serving the Hispanic community. 

    “Hopefully we’ll be able to go back to some semblance of normality and not to lose hope, and let them know that we’re here for them,” Rish said. 

    He added the cancellations this week were for both people who are undocumented and people here legally. The team has planned to use a mobile unit for patients needing bloodwork and taking it to the neighborhood but patients pushed back against it due to the fear of being targeted. 

    Camino in Charlotte also reported cancellations and no-shows at its clinic. Other providers, including Cone Health in Greensboro, are not seeing an impact.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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  • Teachers react to absences, request guidance following Border Patrol activity

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Student absences at schools are still in the tens of thousands since the arrival of U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in North Carolina.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Wake County Public School System reported 10% of its student body, or more than 19,000 students, were out on Tuesday 

    • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools reported over 30,000 absences on Monday. On Tuesday, that number was down slightly to 25,000 

    • Several teachers spoke before the CMS Board of Education Tuesday, asking the district not to act as if things are business as usual when it comes to the impact of Border Patrol presence on some families

    • East Mecklenburg High School teacher Rebecca Costas said she has concerns it will be a while before families feel safe again


    The Wake County Public School System reported 10% of its student body, or more than 19,000 students, were out Tuesday. 

    Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools reported over 30,000 absences on Monday. On Tuesday, that number was down slightly to 25,000. 

    Several teachers spoke before the CMS Board of Education Tuesday, asking the district not to act as if things are business as usual when it comes to the impact of Border Patrol presence on some families.

    In addition, they are requesting guidance on how to explain immigration enforcement activity in the city to students. 

    While the district shared a message with staff, teachers Spectrum News 1 spoke with say it’s still not enough. 

    Rebecca Costas teaches multilingual learners at East Mecklenburg High School. 

    “We have a hallway where we do a lot of our contact classes with [these students], their English and their learning linguists development, and it was a ghost town. Our hallway was empty,” said Costas about attendance on Monday.

    She shared a photo of her classroom, where she had four students out of 20. 

    Tuesday night during the Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill addressed the more than 30,000 student absences Monday. 

    “This week has been hard. There’s not one member in our community that has not been affected by the recent activity in our community,” Hill said. 

    While the district said there has been no immigration enforcement activity on CMS properties, teachers like Costas voiced their concerns to the school board about this situation. 

    “I can’t overstate the terror that these families are experiencing, and the communication thus far, including a video recorded only in English, has not provided evidence the district understands its severity,” Costas said. 

    Tiffany Newkirk, a multilingual teacher at Pineville Elementary, agrees the statements made by the district don’t fully address the fears. 

    “Those empty seats in my building are not just numbers. They are 5-year-olds and 8-year-olds and 10-year-olds whose families are too afraid to leave their homes,” Newkirk said. 

    She said students attending school are asking questions. 

    “Those students who have come sit in hollow classrooms asking, where are my friends? Are they okay? And I don’t have answers for them, not because I’m not paying attention, but because there has been no clear guidance, no language and no support for how I should respond,” Newkirk said. 

    Costas said it doesn’t get easier with older students.

    “We’ve received no kind of training, no kind of resources for how to respond to our students, you know, to how to talk to them about this, perhaps how to talk and communicate with our families. This is a very different kind of trauma,” Costas said. 

    On Tuesday, CMS sent a video to staff sharing student support services staff are available for families. 

    “Our priority remains unchanged the safety, well-being, and education of every student. We are committed to ensuring all students receive the education they deserve for a promising future,” Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Assistant Communications Officer Tom Miner said.

    Board Chair Stephanie Sneed said students remain a priority. 

    “Our schools must remain places where every child and every family feels seen, protected and welcomed,” Sneed said. 

    The message on the video explains that the district is following all laws regarding immigration. For when enrolling students, schools can’t ask immigration status or social security number. In addition, CMS staff are legally obligated to safeguard the confidentiality of personal information, including immigration status, except if otherwise required by federal law. Furthermore, immigration officials may not gain access to private areas in the schools or documents without a properly executed warrant or subpoena. 

    Costas said she wants more clarity of actions teachers should follow if Border Patrol is on school property.

    “We don’t know when we go on lockdown. We don’t know when teachers and parents are notified. We want internal plans,” Costas said. 

    Tuesday night, Hill said the district considered virtual learning, but she said there could be unintended consequences to this option, including students not receiving free meals and employees not having job duties without students. 

    The district is also offering counseling services to employees to help navigate this ongoing situation. 

    In a statement in response to teachers’ concerns, Board Communications Director Sheri Costa shared the board understands the fear and anxiety the entire community feels about the immigration enforcement activity. Because of community concern, she said the district has shared multiple videos and messages and taken numerous calls and emails on this topic since the federal guidance changed in 2025, determining schools were not protected areas when it came to immigration enforcement. 

    “To be clear, the district cares deeply about our students and has communicated this in all of our messages to students, families and staff. In these uncharted times, we understand our efforts may not feel like enough as the ultimate hope – including the district’s hope – is that all families can feel safe going to school, work and their community gathering places,” Costa said in a statement. 

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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  • Democrats, Republicans react to prospect of Border Patrol in Charlotte

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte is awaiting the arrival of U.S. Customs and Border Protection as early as this weekend.

    What You Need To Know

    • U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents are expected to arrive to Charlotte as early as this weekend 

    • Local and state Democratic leaders voiced their opposition to the presence of federal agents

    • Meanwhile, Republican Rep. Tim Moore said this is a targeted operation to catch criminals 

    • Everyone has constitutional rights if they encounter federal agents, according to an attorney


    Local and state Democratic officials and community organizations held a press conference Friday opposing Border Patrol agents coming to Charlotte, which they said would create fear in the immigrant community. 

    Among the speakers was council member-elect JD Mazuera Arias, who is representing East Charlotte.

    “This is personal. I know what fear feels like. I know what it feels like to have it in your bones,” Mazuera Arias said. 

    He said he is a former undocumented immigrant who grew up with a legal status in Charlotte. 

    “I heard from constituents all over District 5, which is East Charlotte, one of the most predominant immigrant districts in our city, say, ‘what does this mean for us? Is this true? Should we go? Should we stay at home? Should we take our kids to school?’” Mazuera Arias said. 

    In a statement, the office of U.S. Rep. Mark Harris, a Republican who represents a portion of Charlotte, said, “Congressman Harris continues to stand with law enforcement and supports deporting every criminal alien Joe Biden and radical progressive Democrats have let loose into our country.”  

    President Donald Trump has defended sending military units and immigration agents to other cities run by Democrats, saying the deployments are needed to fight crime and carry out his promise of mass deportations. 

    However, Mazuera Arias doesn’t see it that way.

    “We have seen the horrors that took place in the city of Chicago and seeing people, CBP came and disrupted those people’s lives. So for me, it’s not about fixing crime or public safety, it’s about fear tactics,” Mazuera Arias said. 

    Carolina Migrant Network is a nonprofit providing free legal representation for undocumented immigrants in removal proceedings and detention facilities.

    Communications director Daniela Andrade said they’ve received calls about Border Patrol agents in the city. 

    “I’m not aware that they have encountered them directly as of now. But what I can say is that the reports that we have been receiving is people just fearful and reporting and ready to protect each other,” Andrade said.

    Republican U.S. Rep. Tim Moore, a former state House speaker who now represents a district west of Charlotte, said this is a targeted operation. 

    “This is not going to be a matter of you’re going to have Border Patrol, like patrolling the streets, … this is a limited law enforcement activity where they have and presumably they know who it is they’re looking for. And these folks … are probably dangerous criminals,” Moore said. 

    He added community members shouldn’t feel fearful.

    “Unless someone is a criminal, they don’t need to be fearful of anything. But if they are criminal, they should be fearful. If somebody is out here selling drugs, you know, engaging in human trafficking out here, spreading fentanyl that’s killing people. I hope they are feeling fearful and I hope they get arrested,” Moore said. 

    Mazuera Arias is sending a message to immigrant neighbors.

    “You are not alone. You are seen. You are valued and you belong here,” Mazuera Arias said. 

    The Carolina Migrant Network said it is posting updates and partnering with community agents to see how they can support people affected by a potential immigration crackdown. 

    Immigration attorney Jamilah Espinosa said she recommends families have an action plan in case an undocumented relative is detained. 

    She added regardless of immigration status, everyone has constitutional rights and should remain calm and respectful when encountering federal agents. 

    “You have the right to decide that you’re not going to answer their questions. Also understanding the difference between public and private settings, they are able to enter public settings. If you are a private business, you can ask them to leave,” Espinosa said.

    The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office said they are not participating in any immigration enforcement operations. 

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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  • Mecklenburg Co. voters pass sales tax increase for transit improvements

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Voters in Mecklenburg County have passed a one-cent sales tax increase to fund transportation improvements over 30 years. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Voters in Mecklenburg County passed a sales tax increase in Tuesday’s election to fund transportation improvements over the next 30 years

    • The sales tax will increase from 7.25% to 8.25% starting July 1, 2026

    • The additional tax revenue will go to rail projects, road improvements, bus and microtransit service

    • Prior to Election Day, supporters said it would bring better transit options while opponents argued the cost would impact low-income families 


    Beginning July 1, 2026, the sales tax will increase from 7.25% to 8.25%, which the city of Charlotte estimates will be about $19 more a month per household. 

    The tax will fund the 2055 Transit System Plan, according to Charlotte Area Transit interim CEO Brent Cagle, which includes rail construction, road improvements, and better bus and microtransit service. 

    “It increases frequency, reliability, security and options accessibility throughout transit, so it’s really a holistic plan to address mobility needs,” Cagle said. 

    Charlotte estimates the increased tax revenue will generate $19.4 billion over 30 years. Forty percent will go to rail projects, another 40% to roads, and 20% to buses and microtransit service.

    The plan includes a new commuter rail connecting Uptown to North Charlotte, Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson, expanded streetcar and light rail with access to the airport. 

    Officials say it will improve traffic flow on roads and add more bike lanes, sidewalks and traffic signals to communities. Buses will also have expanded service hours and come to the busiest stops more often and microtransit will be expanded across the county.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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  • Mecklenburg voters to decide on sales tax increase for transit improvements

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Voters in Mecklenburg County are considering a one-cent sales tax increase on Election Day to fund transportation improvements over 30 years. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Voters in Mecklenburg County will decide on a sales tax increase to fund transportation improvements over the next 30 years

    • If passed, the sales tax would increase from 7.25% to 8.25%

    • The additional tax revenue would go to rail projects, road improvements, bus and microtransit service

    • Supporters say it would bring better transit options while opponents argue the cost would affect low-income families 


    If passed, the sales tax would increase from 7.25% to 8.25%, which the city of Charlotte estimates would be about $19 more a month per household. 

    Charlotte Area Transit interim CEO Brent Cagle said it would fund the 2055 Transit System Plan, which includes rail construction, road improvements, and better bus and microtransit service. 

    “It increases frequency, reliability, security and options accessibility throughout transit, so it’s really a holistic plan to address mobility needs,” Cagle said. 

    Charlotte estimates the increased tax revenue would generate $19.4 billion over 30 years. Forty percent would go to rail projects, another 40% to roads, and 20% to buses and microtransit service. 

    Related: Election Day Preview: A look at who’s running in Durham, Fayetteville and Greensboro

    The plan includes a new commuter rail connecting Uptown to North Charlotte, Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson, expanded streetcar and light rail with access to the airport. 

    It would improve traffic flow on roads and add more bike lanes, sidewalks and traffic signals to communities. Buses would also have expanded service hours and come to the busiest stops more often and microtransit would be expanded across the county. 

    Transit rider Juan Contreras Juarez, who volunteers for the Yes for Meck campaign, supports the plan. 

    “I think in general, understanding that there’s a bus that comes every 15 minutes would take a lot of stress from the families. They depend on the bus system. There’s a lot of anxiety that comes with it. You go to your bus stop, you’re hurrying because if you miss it, the next bus is in 30 minutes,” Contreras Juarez said. 

    Opponents, including Action NC, say a permanent tax unfairly affects people who can least afford to pay and that more than $200 per year would be a burden to the working class and low-income families. 

    Cagle argues these groups make up the majority of transit riders. 

    “We also think about who benefits from this the most: our riders and how do we benefit them. And they will benefit from this,” Cagle said.

    Craig Reynolds opposes the sales tax and is working with Action NC on their campaign. 

    In his perspective, there are no guarantees with the plan and the current half-cent sales tax has not delivered. 

    “My main point is just look at the failed promises that have happened over the last 27 years,” Reynolds said. 

    He also takes issue with the new regional transit authority that would oversee spending of this investment. 

    “My concern is there’s lack of accountability in this plan. If you look at it, this is an appointed authority of 27 members. It’s not elected, but yet it has the ability to tax citizens. It has the ability to take their property through eminent domain,” Reynolds said. 

    Charlotte City Council member Ed Driggs is reviewing applications for the board. The Republican and self-described fiscal conservative worked to put this item on the ballot. He’s chair of the Transportation, Planning and Development Committee of the city council and is part of the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization. 

    He said the board can improve transit safety, which has been in the spotlight since the killing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on the light rail in August.

    “They will be able to have a police force of their own and that will help provide a better level of security and they will also have more resources to invest,” Driggs said. 

    Cagle said if the referendum doesn’t pass, the 2055 Transit System Plan cannot be implemented.

    “We are utilizing all of the existing funding. and this transit system plan cannot be implement, cannot be implemented without additional funding,” Cagle said.

    If it fails, CATS will also need to evaluate current spending and ensure the transit system meets financial metrics. A future referendum would then be placed in the hands of the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners. In addition, the PAVE Act, which gave approval for this item to be on the ballot, would have to be amended due to the timeline outlined in it. 

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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  • Public health department offers SNAP contingency program at farmers markets

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. —- Mecklenburg County is making sure recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program have access to fresh food in November. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Mecklenburg County is providing temporary relief at farmers markets to SNAP recipients during government shutdown

    • Funding for SNAP was set to run Oct. 31

    • Farmers markets in Charlotte, Davidson and Matthews are providing $50 in SNAP tokens for families starting Nov. 1.

    • The program is expected to help 500 families 


    Funding for SNAP was set to run out October 31 due to the government shutdown. 

    Starting November 1, Mecklenburg County Public Health and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council are partnering to offer Mecklenburg County SNAP users $50 in tokens to shop for fresh produce and other eligible food at five winter farmers markets, including Charlotte Regional Farmers Market.

    This announcement was made prior to Friday when two federal judges ruled that the Trump administration must continue paying for SNAP. 

    SNAP recipients at the market buy tokens using their EBT card and then use it with vendors. 

    Chris Kiker, the owner of Fat Boy’s Produce, is one of them. He’s proud to have been offering his products to SNAP recipients.

    “To make sure they get fresh produce, fresh products,” Kiker said. 

    He’s also encouraged the market is participating in a contingency plan to continue helping SNAP recipients after funding runs out. 

    “That’s very great to be able to do this out here to help the market and help the people,” Kiker said. 

    The current uncertainty for food aid funding worries Kiker and Nehemiah Taylor at Temple Restoration and Rainbow Water. He and his family own the business focused on holistic medicine and health food. 

    “I’m a little worried for, you know, the economic state for our customers, at least because a lot of people prefer to go to the farmers market over the grocery store to get those clean foods that they want to eat. And the tokens have been a great tool to help them be able to afford those,” Taylor said.

    Market Manager Amie Newsome said when the program had normal funding, SNAP users could double their SNAP spending at the market, benefiting people in need and vendors. 

    “Let’s say that they want to get $20 worth of tokens with the Double Bucks program, they’re able to get $40. That amount helps them to get more food, but it also increases by $20 the amount that they’re spending with our local vendors,” Newsome said. 

    This year alone, Kiker said $10,000 came from customers using SNAP funds. 

    Kiker and Taylor hope the shutdown ends soon but are glad to provide a reprieve for customers in the meantime. 

    “A lot of their money has to go toward rent and bills so some people solely rely on SNAP to be able to get their groceries. If they’re not able to get their groceries here, then some people might not be able to put food on the table,” Taylor said. 

    Charlotte Regional  Farmers Market will have volunteers helping with the SNAP tokens from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on November 1. People can access them after presenting their EBT card and photo ID. 

    Other participating markets are: Davidson Farmers Market, Matthews Community Farmers Market, South End Farmers Market and Uptown Farmers Market.

    According to Mecklenburg County, the contingency program will go on while supplies last and officials estimate it will aid at least 500 families. 

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  • Local teacher supplement increase to be discussed after contentious letter

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    MONROE, N.C. — Union County Public Schools are expected to discuss a local supplement increase for teachers at a meeting next week. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The Union County Board of Commissioners released a letter questioning a delay in the local supplement increase for teachers

    • The board chair said commissioners weren’t aware of the delay until recently 

    • The Union County Public Schools Board of Education says the delay came from uncertainty with state budget

    • The Board of Education Finance Committee plans to meet next week to propose a local supplement increase for teachers


    The local supplement is an amount the county provides in addition to the state salary to make teacher pay more competitive. 

    The upcoming meeting comes after the Union Board of County Commissioners released a letter calling on the school board to release these funds for teachers. 

    The school system requested the more than $14.6 million over the current budget, which would provide a higher teacher supplement raise. 

    Ultimately, board of commissioners approved $8.8 million extra in funding for UCPS.

    “We understood that UCPS could not give a $2,000 supplement with the proposed funding amount. Based on numerous discussions and sufficient funding provided, we anticipated that teachers would receive a $1,000 supplement increase,” the letter states. 

    Board of commissioners Chair Melissa Merrell said in early October, she learned the supplement increase had not been provided and said the county was unfairly blamed for it. 

    “We funded it, we approved it. We sent them the money into law and until this, we did not know. We had not been informed that the schools and the superintendent and the Board of Education, they made a decision to hold on to it,” Merrell said. 

    According to UCPS, the delay for the local supplement increase came from uncertainty with the state budget. 

    UCPS Board of Education Chairman the Rev. Jimmy H. Bention Sr. said the school board never said the commissioners didn’t fund them. 

    “They did fund us, but the funding level that they funded us at, we were not able to then provide that $2,000, so we’re waiting for our state funds to come in and at that point, our finance team would be able to determine what amount of a supplement they can receive,” Bention said. “The issue is that people locked in on amounts, whether $2,000 or $1,000, when in fact, we have to look at the total budget package and see what we can give.”

    Merrell said she’s excited there will be discussions next week regarding the local supplement increase for teachers, but she questions the motives behind it. 

    “I expect them to issue a $1,000 settlement increase to all classroom teachers immediately, and they need to clarify that they were the ones holding the money,” Merrell said. 

    Regarding the letter, Bention said he would’ve preferred a phone call to clarify the situation instead of the letter.

    “I want people know that this is not an issue, but between board, the board, it was a miscommunication that blew up,” Bention said. 

    Both agree giving teachers more incentives to remain in the classroom is a must. 

    “It’s also very important to me that to continue increasing the teacher supplement so that if you teach in Union County Public Schools, that the county supplement is not falling behind,” Merrell said. 

    Bention said the Board of Education Finance Committee will issue a recommendation for the supplement increase amount, and the full board will vote on it in November. 

    “I just want to say to our teachers out there, that team UCPS, as we have always been, stands 100% behind you because you are an essential part of what makes team UCPS us,” Bention said. 

    The Board of Education Finance Committee will meet Oct. 21 at 8 a.m. 

    The North Carolina General Assembly has not passed a state budget yet, which means the proposed raises for teachers have not taken effect.

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  • CATS adds new bike and UTV patrols following deadly stabbing

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Security officers on bikes and utility terrain vehicles will patrol transit areas in Charlotte moving forward.

    What You Need To Know

    • Charlotte Area Transit System added utility terrain vehicles and bike patrols to transit areas, including the light rail

    • The announcement comes after the deadly stabbing on the light rail that killed Iryna Zarutska in August

    • The state auditor released a preliminary special report earlier this week about the CATS contracts, highlighting a decrease in armed security guards over the years

    • CATS and city officials say they plan to focus on ways to reduce and eliminate fare evasion


    The Charlotte Area Transit System Interim CEO Brent Cagle, Mayor Vi Lyles, City Manager Marcus Jones and Metropolitan Transit Commission Chair and Davidson Mayor Rusty Knox made the announcement Friday. 

    The new measure comes after Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee, was killed on the light rail in August. Decarlos Brown Jr. is accused of stabbing her to death. 

    “We owe that, not just to those of us who are here today but we owe this to Iryna’s family and to every person whoever thought about we should ride the bus or the train for whatever reason. I’m committed to this work, and I won’t stop until it’s as safe as it can possibly be,” Lyles said. 

    Professional Security Services is the transit security provider for CATS. Cagle said bike and UTV patrols in addition to the expanded jurisdiction the security officers now have will make a difference. 

    “Especially in areas like Uptown and South End, where it is very difficult to reach some of these platforms by vehicle, this extends their reach, and it also gives them the ability to respond much more quickly,” Cagle said.

    “This extends their reach, and it also gives them the ability to respond much more quickly,” Cagle said. 

    Light rail rider Yashas Reddy welcomes more patrols in the transit system he rides twice a week.

    “I think that’s definitely a good measure. That definitely adds especially during off-peak hours, maybe like late in the night or early mornings,” Reddy said. 

    The news conference also comes after the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor released a preliminary special report on the security contracts for CATS earlier this week. It reveals the number of armed guards decreased from between 68 and 88 in 2018 to 39 last month. 

    It makes an emphasis that while the current contract provides 219 security officers, having only 39 armed doesn’t allow the transit system to have one armed guard at all of its 48 train cars. 

    “We don’t believe that that is feasible. We also don’t believe it creates a force that can stay mobile to respond throughout the system. If there are significant numbers of security on every vehicle, if those trains need to be stopped for some reason, that means those security are stationary with that train,” Cagle said. “It’s not about are there personnel on every vehicle every day, all day long. It’s are there personnel visibly present throughout the entire system throughout the day.”

    Cagle added they have more than 200 security officers, including over 40 armed and both are backed by off-duty Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers. 

    “All of the personnel receive extensive training, including unarmed personnel, before they go out to serve the community and transit. And all of the unarmed personnel are fully supported by armed personnel with and by CMPD,” Cagle said. 

    Reddy, who overall feels safe when riding, said he wants to see priority placed on checking if riders paid for a ticket.

    “Especially at certain specific railway stations. If there’s an entry and exit checkpoint so that not anyone or everyone can come in, maybe that would probably help out,” Reddy said. 

    Brown didn’t have a ticket at the time of the murder. 

    Cagle said CATS will focus on reducing and eliminating fare evasion as they move forward. Lyles said she plans to work with members of the MTC to move forward a resolution about fare evasion. 

    “We have to approach this process and this plan for fare evasion, because fare evasion is often a symptom of different challenges. We can’t ignore that so we will have to work out how to best do it,” Lyles said. 

    CATS reminds riders there are ways to report an emergency from a train car. Cagle said there are call buttons on every train car that go directly to the operation. Even if the passenger doesn’t feel comfortable saying something, the call opens the communication with the operator for them to hear what’s going on in the train behind them and notify CMPD. They can also report an issue on the CATS app. 

     

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