NC town councilman advocated for cop son after drinking incident + Lowe’s to increase wages for hourly employees

Hey, everyone! Drew here.

The newest episode of “Sports Legends of the Carolinas” dropped today and features a notable guest: Roy Williams.

Scott Fowler sat down with the former North Carolina men’s basketball coach to discuss Michael Jordan, Dean Smith, Duke, what he considers to be the greatest shot in UNC history and more.

You can find new and past episodes of the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other platforms now.

Here’s your news for today.

1. When NC cop drove drunk on the job, his councilman father pushed to have him promoted

More information is available on the Pineville Town Council member who was censured last month.

According to an Oct. 11 investigative report released by the Town of Pineville, council member Les Gladden used his elected position to advance and protect the career of an individual identified only as “Officer 1.”

Based on personnel records and police department interviews, the Observer has confirmed that Officer 1 actually is Gladden’s son, Ryan Gladden, an eight-year Pineville police veteran who resigned Sept. 13.

Michael Gordon reports on the latest developments in Pineville.

2. Lowe’s hourly employees to get pay increases and bonuses ahead of the holidays

Lowe’s is investing in its employees this holiday season.

The Mooresville-based home improvement retailer announced today it’s making a $170 million wage increase for hourly workers and $200 million in hourly bonuses.

“I am very pleased that we are once again able to award a discretionary bonus because our performance is tracking ahead of our expectations,” CEO Marvin Ellison said.

Catherine Muccigrosso has more on the wage increase for employees.

3. A Charlotte ‘starter home’ is about $300K. Here’s what else we know about housing here

The affordable housing market in Charlotte’s been difficult to navigate these last few months, and home prices are still on the rise.

According to the 2022 State of Housing Report from UNC Charlotte, affordable housing remains sorely lacking in the region, and recent price increases have been dramatic even for the quickly-growing Charlotte.

The report, released annually by the Childress Klein Center for Real Estate, has taken stock of Charlotte’s housing market each year since 2019, but evaluates data going back two decades.

Hannah Lang breaks down the report and the necessary details you need to know.

4. Editorial: Trump’s 2024 announcement is an inflection point for Republicans, in NC and beyond

In case you missed it, Donald Trump officially announced last night his intent to run for president in 2024.

However, this time around, things might be different for the former commander in chief. Our Editorial Board says Republicans have arrived at yet another inflection point: declare fealty to its leader, or face his wrath.

Read the full editorial on Trump’s announcement.

5. Some more stories to read

• UVA football player, Hough High grad Devin Chandler slayed in sleep, prosecutor says

• In need of a warm place to stay? Here’s where to go during cold weather in Charlotte

• SC college recruiter charged with exposing himself to minor after Rock Hill school fair

• Harris Teeter cancels side dishes for pre-ordered Thanksgiving meals

• The Bidens will hold a Friendsgiving with military families at Cherry Point in NC

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This story was originally published November 16, 2022 at 3:09 PM with the headline "NC town councilman advocated for cop son after drinking incident + Lowe’s to increase wages for hourly employees."