https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article316703530.html https://img.thecontentserver.com/0755185b-e685-48c8-96a8-114d47f1f1f1/1_th.jpg Charlotte Girl Scout Olive Gordon stars in ‘Cookie Queens’ documentary about record cookie sales and growing up A filmmaker searching nationwide for passionate Girl Scout cookie sellers found a standout in Charlotte: Olive Gordon. In Cookie Queens, Olive’s record-setting sales are only part of the story—her bond with best friend Celia, the pressures of being “the reigning champ,” and candid conversations about motivation give the documentary a notably grown-up emotional core. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article316703530.html/video-embed 79 2026-07-30T09:00:00Z no https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article316680811.html https://img.thecontentserver.com/71afb332-2889-47d2-b4b4-66da0b682cd3/4_th.jpg Museum of New South connects the 'past to the present' with iconic church The Levine Museum of the New South in Charlotte will incorporate the former Grace Covenant Church, where Billy Graham attended as a child. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article316680811.html/video-embed 51 2026-07-30T09:00:00Z no https://www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefive/c5-food-drink/article316724790.html https://img.thecontentserver.com/21d0cde4-0e8f-4228-a206-d8876499fcf0/1_th.jpg Outdoor taco restaurant opens in Plaza Midwood La Vecina, an open-air restaurant offering empanadas, tacos and more, is now open in Plaza Midwood. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefive/c5-food-drink/article316724790.html/video-embed 31 2026-07-31T14:17:40Z no https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article316726589.html https://img.thecontentserver.com/db7814fd-cde2-4424-93c3-ec53d7fee81a/2_th.jpg Charlotte fans sum up U.S. soccer’s future in one word Asked to describe the future of soccer in the United States in a single word, fans offered a hopeful snapshot: “youthful,” “electric,” “champions,” and “up-and-coming.” Several pointed to Charlotte’s game-day atmosphere as signs the sport is only getting bigger. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article316726589.html/video-embed 51 2026-07-31T16:33:58Z no https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/high-school/article316720244.html https://img.thecontentserver.com/20b0fee6-326d-45a3-a1a6-b90fb4e38a91/1_th.jpg WATCH: Hopewell coach, players excited about 2026 season Hopewell had a breakout season under coach Brandon Sneed last season, winning the most games the Titans have won in six years. This season, participation is way up and hope is high out in Huntersville. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/high-school/article316720244.html/video-embed 147 2026-07-30T23:57:27Z no https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article316700686.html https://img.thecontentserver.com/7a0c3d9b-534b-4b9c-a242-a56e575c56bb/3_th.jpg A Charlotte influencer-inspired perfect Saturday in Uptown We explored an Instagram-worthy Saturday itinerary in Charlotte, starting with Summit Coffee, taking a stroll along the Rail Trail, visiting museums uptown, and enjoying dinner and drinks back in South End, all inspired by four local content creators. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article316700686.html/video-embed 112 2026-07-31T09:00:00Z no https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article316717474.html https://img.thecontentserver.com/8990c412-6f8b-4660-88ee-b7c9e56302f8/1_th.jpg Panthers rookie WR Chris Brazzell to miss 2026 season after LCL tear, surgery Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Chris Brazzell will undergo season-ending surgery on a torn LCL in his left knee, adding to a growing list of training-camp injuries and shifting expectations for the team’s receiver room. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article316717474.html/video-embed 72 2026-07-30T20:21:03Z no https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article316689120.html https://img.thecontentserver.com/071054d2-4e24-4a02-970b-fd70dfcf8637/1_th.jpg Panthers' first padded practice of training camp Monroe Freeling faced star edge rusher Jaelan Phillips in his first padded Panthers practice and “held his own,” while tight end Mitchell Evans left on a cart and a scuffle broke out during a physical session, per coach Dave Canales. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article316689120.html/video-embed 120 2026-07-28T19:21:18Z no https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/high-school/article316719861.html https://img.thecontentserver.com/b90a4a6f-f2a7-4391-889c-ea6fcff0d171/2_th.jpg WATCH: Myers Park's Bockarie Sesay discusses the Mustangs season Myers Park defensive lineman Bockarie Sesay says to expect big things from the Mustangs and their new head coach this season, despite heavy graduation losses. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/high-school/article316719861.html/video-embed 32 2026-07-30T23:47:25Z no https://www.charlotteobserver.com/video/article316704726.html https://img.thecontentserver.com/431f92fd-6c5a-4039-999a-f8cafbf2a773/1_th.jpg Pinky’s Westside Grill serves up massive hot dogs, burgers and Guy Fieri favorites Take a look inside Pinky’s Westside Grill, the quirky Charlotte restaurant known for oversized chili dogs, creative burgers, colorful decor and a visit from Guy Fieri on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." From its loaded Pinky Dog to its offbeat atmosphere, see why this longtime spot remains a local favorite. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/video/article316704726.html/video-embed 86 2026-07-30T09:30:00Z no https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article316672400.html https://img.thecontentserver.com/ed80c644-76c4-4d6e-9651-f5744248dc18/2_th.jpg Audio of 911 call made about the discovery of Juliana Nzita's body on Friday, May 8 Audio from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department details a call made about the discovery of 16-year-old Juliana Nzita's body hanging from a tree on a church property on May 8, 2026. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article316672400.html/video-embed 102 2026-07-27T22:41:50Z no https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article316701803.html https://img.thecontentserver.com/5a1c5119-a6e3-4577-8ddf-39e308998aad/1_th.jpg Breaking down Day 5 of Panthers training camp: Bryce Young shines Day 5 of Carolina Panthers training camp was a day for the quarterbacks ... and especially Bryce Young. Listen as Observer reporters Alex Zietlow and Mike Kaye break it all down. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article316701803.html/video-embed 100 2026-07-29T17:57:09Z no https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article316699212.html https://img.thecontentserver.com/5c2d6676-b308-4399-b537-8d2d82d9fb20/2_th.jpg Why MLS brought influencers to Charlotte’s All-Star Skills Challenge — and why it matters MLS leaned on influencers and celebrity guests at Truist Field during the rain-delayed All-Star Skills Challenge to boost social reach and hook casual fans riding soccer’s post-World Cup momentum. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article316699212.html/video-embed 61 2026-07-29T15:33:56Z no https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article316535575.html https://img.thecontentserver.com/a83b468d-da4f-4d4c-83ba-721afc54de01/2_th.jpg Plaza Midwood’s next chapter: Growth, rising rents and what makes it unique Community historian Tom Hanchett looks at Plaza Midwood’s past, present and future—how it shifted from a neighborhood service strip to a citywide “stroll district.” He says growth brings energy, but also tighter parking, higher rents, and pressure from national chains that could threaten the one-of-a-kind spots that give Plaza Midwood its identity. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article316535575.html/video-embed 146 2026-07-29T15:55:35Z no