Conservative without compromise
Jesse Helms was a figure seven presidents could rarely ignore.
Tomlinson: She was an ally, then adversary with Helms

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• Sadness, shock in Monroe

HIS LIFE, POLITICS, OPINIONS
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• Helms, Reagan close allies
• The speech he never gave
• About vascular dementia

July 4th: Photos: Celebrations in Charlotte, nation
• Dining: Good burgers | Video: See a Master Blaster
• Perfect summer beer? Tell us | Making best burgers

INSIDE CHARLOTTE.COM:

NEWS: Restaurant inspections get tougher
MOMS: Is your sunscreen safe?
SORENSEN: Favre a Panther? Get real
NASCAR: Menard wins Daytona pole | Photos

UPDATES FROM THE OBSERVER:

N.C. tightens down on mortgage industry - 07:14 AM
Restaurant inspections get tougher - 07:13 AM
What holds that up? An engineering feat - 07:13 AM
Sex isn't a game; babies aren't dolls - 07:08 AM
Festival's invitation ambushes library - 07:08 AM
Murder charges filed in newborns' deaths - 06:51 AM
'Side Show' shows surprisingly grand side - 06:48 AM
County tallies greenhouse gas emissions - 06:48 AM
S.C. lottery sales pull surprise - 06:48 AM
Obama in Charlotte on Monday - 06:39 AM

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The American family celebrates

As the people take a patriotic break, the fun ranges from canoe jousts to fireworks

Despite off-and-on showers, thousands turned out for Charlotte's “Red, White and Boom” Fourth of July celebration that ended with 5,000 pounds of fireworks lighting the sky uptown.

NEWS FLASHES: 7:14 a.m.

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TODAY'S TALK

Madonna + A-Rod = ???
Their rocky marriages make folks wonder about their "friendship."

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SPORTS UPDATE

49ers' schedule features 7 NCAA tournament teams - 07:51 PM
Federer overpowering against Ancic - 07:24 AM
Curry nominee for breakthrough award - 07:16 AM
Sean May closer to being ready for camp - 06:44 AM
NHRA shortening fastest races - 12:07 AM

FROM WCNC

VIDEO

NATION/WORLD BREAKING NEWS

Pakistan eases assault on militants in tribal area - 08:49 AM
Iran: Nuclear program remains unchanged - 08:49 AM
Former Republican Sen. Jesse Helms dies at 86 - 08:54 AM
Twin fires raging along California central coast - 08:39 AM
Bush welcomes new US citizens - 06:39 AM

AT THE MOVIES

Smith takes a big leap of faith

'Hancock' asks the fans of his action movies to follow him into an unfamiliar combination of comedy and weighty emotions.

• Vodcast: Toppman reviews this film

ALSO ONSCREEN:
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• "Wanted"
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• What's playing at your local theater?

EVENTS

Celebrate the Fourth of July!

Looking for the perfect picnic, the best parades and of course what would Independence Day be without fireworks? We tell you where to find em and all the info you need to plan the perfect July 4th celebration for you and your family.
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INSIDE CHARLOTTE.COM:

The American family celebrates

As the people take a patriotic break, the fun ranges from canoe jousts to fireworks

TODAY'S TALK

NC first lady gets pay hike for university duties

Four stolen cars found at Charlotte chop shop

More officers patrol University area

Family: Longstanding fued led to brothers' murders

Charlotte's Berens makes Olympic swim team