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Rob Harrington takes oath to become interim mayor of Charlotte.

Clara Ottati

WFAE

Politics

Rob Harrington sworn in as Charlotte’s interim mayor

Clara Ottati

Charlotte’s Government Center chamber was packed with city officials Wednesday morning for the swearing-in of Rob Harrington as Charlotte’s interim mayor. He is taking over from Mayor Vi Lyles, who resigned partway through her fifth term.

The Republican budget bill includes a provision about the I-77 toll lane project. Democratic Gov. Josh Stein's DOT would have to declare whether an action to remove the toll lanes from a transportation plan is a "unilateral" decision.

Josh Stein campaign

Politics

GOP budget bill makes Gov. Stein the key decision-maker on I-77 toll lanes

Steve Harrison

Gaston County

Energy & Environment

Gaston County buys Catawba Cove from Duke Energy for future park

Zachary Turner

NEWS BRIEFS

CHARLOTTE TALKS WITH MIKE COLLINS

Kelly Corrigan Wonders

Charlotte Talks Presents: 'Wired to Create'

In a world flooded by AI — from useless slop to groundbreaking code — what happens to our human imagination? Charlotte Talks presents a special series: "Wired to Create." Hosted by bestselling author and PBS host Kelly Corrigan — discover the quiet satisfaction and mental health benefits of making things with your own hands. Charlotte Talks returns on Monday, July 6.
Kelly Corrigan Wonders

Charlotte Talks Presents: 'Wired to Create'

In a world flooded by AI — from useless slop to groundbreaking code — what happens to our human imagination? Charlotte Talks presents a special series: "Wired to Create." Hosted by bestselling author and PBS host Kelly Corrigan — discover the quiet satisfaction and mental health benefits of making things with your own hands. Charlotte Talks returns on Monday, July 6.

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LOCAL NEWS

Politics

Coastal ferry tolls prompt two Republicans to vote against NC budget

Colin Campbell

The new state budget bill that' passed the legislature with bipartisan support Wednesday would add tolls to four coastal ferry services. Passengers already pay tolls for two of the ferries to Ocracoke Island and the ferry between Southport and Fort Fisher. The final budget bill includes a Senate proposal to charge tolls on all ferries starting in January.
Politics

North Carolina homeless camping ban passes both chambers, heads to governor's desk

Kelly Kenoyer

The ban allows private citizens to sue local government if they permit camping on public property. The legislation allows the creation of dedicated camping areas, as long as they don't impact businesses or residential areas. The bill doesn't provide any funding for dealing with homelessness.
Energy & Environment

Duke Energy ends wind energy lease off North Carolina coast

Zachary Turner

President Trump’s campaign against wind energy in North Carolina advanced this week. Three months after French-owned TotalEnergies relinquished its lease off the Carolina Coast, Duke Energy reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of the Interior to end the utility’s offshore wind lease off the coast of Wilmington.
Health

NC House votes to end sales tax on diapers, feminine hygiene products

Colin Campbell

The state House voted Tuesday to remove sales taxes from diapers and feminine products.
Energy & Environment

As heat wave moves in, experts say climate change plays a big part

Katie Myers

Buncombe County is on alert for sizzling temperatures, part of a warming trend in the region.
Politics

A proposed state budget sets aside $700 million for Helene recovery. Most would help unlock federal disaster aid

Laura Hackett

The package includes money for temporary housing, private roads and bridges, volunteer rebuild groups and local governments. But the largest share — $450 million — would cover the state and local portion of federal programs.