September 2025 – Pride Magazine

Kings Mountain officer arrested in domestic incident, charged with assault

September 1, 2025

Officer Edward Ray Padgett was taken into custody in connection with the incident at his home over the weekend, officials said. KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. — A Kings Mountain police officer was arrested Sunday following a domestic incident at his home, authorities said.…

‘We will be rebuilding’: Fire destroys WoodMill Winery in Lincoln County, owners vow to rebuild

September 1, 2025

The winery’s owner said the flames spread quickly, destroying the main structure and thousands of bottles that were set for distribution. LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. — WoodMill Winery, a popular Lincoln County vineyard, was destroyed by fire Sunday morning, the winery said. …

Crash blocks multiple lanes of I-77 in north Charlotte

September 1, 2025

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Multiple lanes of northbound Interstate 77 are blocked due to a crash in north Charlotte. The crash happened near Exit 11, which is the interchange with Interstate 277/Brookshire Freeway north of Uptown. As of 1:45 p.m., two lanes of northbound I-77 are blocked. …

Brian Vaughan sworn in as Huntersville’s chief of police after 24 years of service

September 1, 2025

Vaughan becomes Huntersville’s new police chief after a 24-year career in the department. HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Brian Vaughan was sworn in on Monday as Huntersville’s new chief of police, capping a 24-year career with the department that started when he joined as a patrol officer in 2001.…

Charlotte transit authority to hold special safety meeting on Wednesday after Blue Line stabbing

September 1, 2025

The meeting was called after the Aug. 22 stabbing of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska on a LYNX Blue Line train in South End. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Metropolitan Transit Commission will hold a special meeting on Wednesday to address transit system safety and security concerns.…

Custom ALS drug offers hope for personalized treatment with breakthrough results

September 1, 2025

It’s still early, but researchers say this could open the door for more personalized treatments — not only for ALS, but for other rare genetic diseases too. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a devastating disease that takes away a person’s ability to move and speak.…

Firefighter shot in Richmond County, SBI confirms

September 1, 2025

RICHMOND COUNTY, N.C. — One person is in custody after a Richmond County firefighter was shot in Ellerbe early Monday morning, the State Bureau of Investigation confirmed. Multiple agencies responded to a fire alarm along Green Lake Road in Ellerbe, officials said.…

Fort Mill, Tega Cay residents to face temporary water shutoff as final repairs continue

September 1, 2025

A boil water advisory is still in place for the affected areas in Fort Mill and Tega Cay until further notice, according to York County officials. FORT MILL, S.C. — UPDATE (9/1): Although water service has been restored, York County officials said crews will temporarily shut off water in the affected areas of Fort Mill and Tega Cay to complete final repairs.…

Charlotte Labor Day Parade to honor workers with notable guests

September 1, 2025

Since 1999, the annual event has featured local labor union floats, vehicles, and marchers alongside political candidates, bands, car clubs, and more. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The annual Charlotte Labor Day Parade will march through Uptown Charlotte on Monday, Sept. 1st at 11 a.m.,…

South Carolina’s hands-free driving law goes into effect on Monday

September 1, 2025

Gov. Henry McMaster signed the law in May. COLUMBIA, S.C. — A law targeting distracted driving goes into effect on Monday in South Carolina. H3276, known as the SC Hands-Free Act, bans the use of mobile devices while operating a vehicle on South Carolina roads.…