Local and breaking news from the Charlotte region

Foxx draws praise at smooth confirmation hearing

By Steve Harrison | E-mail | May 22, 2013

Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx, President Barack Obama’s U.S. transportation secretary nominee, had an easy two-hour confirmation hearing before a Senate committee Wednesday, with both Democrats and Republicans often praising Foxx and holding back any critical questions.

On C-SPAN: Watch the Foxx hearing
Foxx confirmation hearing 05.22.13
Heritage Foundation has eight questions for Foxx
Tweeting the Foxx hearing

U.S. admits killing four Americans with drones

By Jonathan S. Landay | McClatchy Washington Bureau | May 22, 2013

One day before President Barack Obama is due to deliver a major speech on national security, his administration on Wednesday formally acknowledged that the United States had killed four U.S. citizens – including two who had lived in North Carolina – in drone strikes in Yemen and Pakistan.

Public financing for judicial candidates faces opposition from Senate leaders, McCrory

By Jim Morrill | E-mail | May 22, 2013

Advocates of North Carolina’s public financing program for judicial candidates ramped up their efforts to keep it Wednesday in the face of opposition from Senate Republican leaders and Gov. Pat McCrory.

Audit says new Medicaid claims system remains unready, unsteady

By Joseph Neff | E-mail | May 22, 2013

The audit found a host of problems. The state Department of Health and Human Services did not provide adequate oversight during the testing. Hundreds of critical tests have not been done or have failed. An independent overseer did no independent work. The system, known as NCTracks, has no criteria to determine if the system should go live July 1.

I-77 toll lanes approved despite angry crowd’s objections

By Joe Marusak | E-mail | May 22, 2013

An angry crowd of Interstate 77 toll-lane opponents booed and shouted down members of the agency that sets Charlotte area road priorities Wednesday night.

Eastbrook Road drama plays out in trial over slain toddler

By Michael Gordon | E-mail | May 22, 2013

Shariff Baker says he tried twice to tell police who fired the shots that killed 2-year-old Amias Robinson, but they wouldn’t believe him.

Mooresville lawmaker quits co-chairman post over upset with House Speaker Thom Tillis

By Jim Morrill | E-mail | May 22, 2013

A private spat turned very public Wednesday when a Mooresville lawmaker aired a list of grievances against N.C. House Speaker – and fellow Republican – Thom Tillis, even handing over his gavel as co-chair of a powerful committee.

Read Rep. Brawley's letter (.pdf)
May 5: Rep. Brawley speaks out against I-77 tolls

Speed Street will take over parts of uptown Thursday | May 22, 2013
As Scouts prepare to vote on gay members, Charlotte man shares story | May 22, 2013
McCrory foresees compromise on budget, taxes | May 22, 2013
Firefighters battle house fire in Iredell County | May 22, 2013
CMPD tries to prevent uptick in thefts from cars during race events | May 22, 2013
NC safety chief on law recess while in office | May 22, 2013
Gastons vets, Caromont reach compromise | May 22, 2013
NCDOT: Tweet to promote seatbelt use | May 22, 2013
Police: Man posed as officer in bar | May 22, 2013
Morrison: CMS will make case for $28.5 million hike | May 22, 2013
Charlotte volunteers head to Oklahoma | May 22, 2013
Charlotte man sentenced in child porn case | May 22, 2013
Rowan investigators find 6 meth labs | May 22, 2013

More recent local news

NEWS OF THE REGION

Speed Street to hit uptown Thursday

Trucks began lumbering into uptown Wednesday, installing stages, hauling in food and placing barriers for Food Lion Speed Street, the NASCAR-themed street festival that will take over parts of the center city over the next three days.