https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article316365168.html https://img.thecontentserver.com/91145a0a-7c72-41b1-8bb0-73cf28f24175/1_th.jpg Are liquor stores in Mecklenburg County open on Fourth of July? If your Fourth of July celebration includes booze, take note that some Alcoholic Beverage Control stores will have limited hours. And other ABC stores in North Carolina will remain closed for the holiday, similar to banks and post offices. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article316365168.html/video-embed 48 2026-07-02T20:07:17Z no https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article316348056.html https://img.thecontentserver.com/8cd3d92e-3460-4d4d-8e7c-2238196fad5d/1_th.jpg Carolina Waterfowl Rescue aims to serve animals amidst financial challenges Carolina Waterfowl Rescue founder Jennifer Gordon opened the wildlife rescue and animal sanctuary in Indian Trail, NC. nearly 30 years ago. Now, the rescue faces financial issues leaving an uncertain future. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article316348056.html/video-embed 52 2026-07-03T09:15:00Z no https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article316360080.html https://img.thecontentserver.com/43fad4f0-572c-4cdc-9936-0b1b2ee94169/1_th.jpg Small plane headed to NC airport crashes in SC A Beechcraft BE55 bound for Stanly County Airport near Albemarle, N.C., crashed in a wooded area near Lancaster, S.C., after the pilot reported engine failure, officials said. Two people believed to be pilots were injured and transported to burn centers; the FAA is investigating. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article316360080.html/video-embed 10 2026-07-02T15:27:44Z no https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article316362404.html https://img.thecontentserver.com/87da640f-359b-47cb-9574-7758db801644/1_th.jpg MEDIC treats person for heat exhaustion in Charlotte Paramedics helped a person suffering from heat exhaustion at the QuikTrip, 5209 Central Ave., on Thursday, July 2. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article316362404.html/video-embed 11 2026-07-02T17:50:18Z no https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article316350428.html https://img.thecontentserver.com/4ebb9f6e-0ac6-4367-a843-47da4cd67806/2_th.jpg “Chained, beaten, deprived”: Family says Somali man suffered abuse on ICE deportation flight Eza Omar says her uncle was shackled for days during a multi-stop deportation flight, witnessed officers beating passengers, and was returned to Somalia injured. She describes harsh conditions in ICE custody and calls for greater humanity toward immigrants. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article316350428.html/video-embed 128 2026-07-02T13:58:29Z no