Crime

Rite Aid is offering a reward for information about two suspects who robbed a store at gunpoint Monday night in Cornelius, police said.

Two men entered the store on West Catawba Avenue at closing time, police said, and ordered a manager to open the safe. Police said the suspects pistol-whipped the manager, took the money and fled.

Police did not say how much money was taken.

On Tuesday, police released surveillance photos of the suspects. Both are described as black men with dark jeans and hooded shirts. One wore dark gloves and the other light-colored or white gloves.

Rite Aid is offering a reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the suspects, police said.

Anyone with information can call CrimeStoppers at 704-896-7467. Meghan Cooke

NASCAR

Federal appeals court to hear NASCAR drug case

A federal appeals panel will hear arguments in former race driver Jeremy Mayfield's lawsuit against NASCAR over his suspension for failing a random drug test.

Mayfield is asking the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va., to reinstate his lawsuit. A federal judge dismissed the suit, ruling that Mayfield signed documents that waived his right to sue.

NASCAR suspended Mayfield in 2009 after he failed a drug test at Richmond International Raceway. He sued NASCAR, its owner and the drug testing company for defamation, unfair and deceptive trade practices, breach of contract and negligence.

In November, Mayfield was arrested in North Carolina and charged with possessing methamphetamine. Associated Press

Decision 2012

Retired banker announces plans to run against James

Ed Driggs, a retired stock analyst and banker, announced Tuesday he plans to run against longtime Mecklenburg County Commissioner Bill James in the Republican primary May 8.

The often-outspoken James was first elected to the District 6 seat in 1996 and hasn't had primary opposition since 2002.

Driggs said his campaign will focus on pursuing effective government, jobs and public safety.

"I am in this race because I am concerned about the direction government has taken at all levels in our country," he said. "We need to bring civility and common sense back to our local government. It starts here in District 6." David Perlmutt