“For years, I-277 has felt like a dividing line, a stretch of highway that made two connected communities feel just a little bit too far apart.”

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte city officials and community partners broke ground Tuesday on a $16.4 million pedestrian and bicycle bridge that will span Interstate 277, linking two of Charlotte’s busiest neighborhoods. It’s a project that’s been years in the making. 

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Charlotte leaders approve Rail Trail pedestrian bridge project over I-277

The Rail Trail Bridge Project will connect Uptown and South End through the Charlotte Rail Trail, joining the CATS Blue Line Brooklyn Village Station to the existing Rail Trail under the East Morehead Street bridge.

“For years, I-277 has felt like a dividing line, a stretch of highway that made two connected communities feel just a little bit too far apart,” Mayor Pro Tem Dante Anderson, who represents the area on Charlotte City Council, said. “Today that changes. This rail trail bridge is about crossing barriers. 

She said it will give more people opportunities to walk, ride and connect safely throughout the busy parts of the city.

The signature bridge will feature multiple structural arches, cables and aesthetic lighting, along with upgraded walkways on both sides of the interstate. Design team partners include Schlaich Bergermann Partner, Thomas and Hutton, and Depeña Studios.

Michael Smith, CEO of Charlotte Center City Partners, called the project “an important link between our region’s primary employment and entertainment hubs,” noting it will create “iconic architecture knitting together neighborhoods” and expanding the central business district.

U.S. Bank contributed $1 million toward the bridge’s design and construction and has provided six years of programming sponsorship for the Rail Trail. The project also involves a public-private partnership including the city of Charlotte, U.S. Bank, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Mecklenburg County, the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization, ArtPlace America, Asana Partners, Crescent Communities, Portman Holdings and Whole Foods.

The bridge was a key recommendation in the city council-adopted South End Vision Plan and represents a major investment in connectivity for residents, workers and visitors.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications. 

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CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. — Authorities are searching for a driver accused of leaving the scene after a hit-and-run crash in Caldwell County.
It happened around 9:50 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, on Dudley Shoals Road near Hickory Boulevard. 
The cyclist was traveling north on a green bicycle when he was hit by a vehicle, causing him to drive off the road and hit a tree. He was then ejected off his bicycle. He was taken to a Charlotte hospital by a medical helicopter to be treated for serious injuries. 
Officials at the scene found a passenger side mirror they believe may belong on a 2014-2018 GMC Sierra or Chevrolet Silverado.
Highway Patrol is asking anyone who may have been involved or saw something in that area between 12 a.m. and  9:50 a.m. on Friday to call 828-466-5500.  […]

Drying out for the end of the week and weekend.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — This Morning:

Cloudy with areas of fog, drizzle, rain, and mist. Lows holding steady in the upper 40s to around 50 degrees. The vast majority of the rain we see today will fall in the morning. On and off light to moderate rain expected for bus stop goers and rain becomes isolated by the afternoon.

Tuesday and Wednesday

Additional rounds of rain will move in and it will come in waves. With the cold air damming in place, it will remain cloudy and misty even when it is not raining. Highs will stay in the upper 40s to low 50s. The chance of rain is around 70-80%. 

A consistently consistent 24 hours ahead. #cltwx #ncwx #scwx #wcnc pic.twitter.com/tdNUvJlyji— Brad Panovich (@wxbrad) October 28, 2025

Thursday

Highs return to the low 60s and the sunshine returns. Clouds break through the day, leading to a clearing and dry weather for Thursday evening. 

Halloween

Things clear out for the end of the week and weekend, but it remains chilly. Highs on Halloween will be near 62 with lows in the low 40s. 

Tropical update

Melissa is a category 5 hurricane south of Jamaica and is expected to make landfall early Tuesday. This slow-moving storm will cause catastrophic damage to the islands of Jamaica and eastern Cuba. After rainfall has already fallen this week, an additional 20-40 inches is possible, leading to widespread landslides and mudslides. Winds likely range from 100-160 mph across the island with stronger wind gusts around the eastern eye wall, resulting in widespread power outages, extensive damage to infrastructure, and, unfortunately, more loss of life.

Please heed all official watches and warnings, and take care to let your friends and family know if they’re in the path of the storm.

Come raise your Weather IQ with us on our YouTube channel:

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Stay connected to the WCNC Charlotte Weather Team

Contact Brad Panovich at bpanovich@wcnc.com or follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Contact Bekah Birdsall at rbirdsall@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Contact Chris Mulcahy at cmulcahy@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

Contact Majestic Storm at majesticstorm@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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The scam targets rezoning applicants and asks for payments.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — An email scam claiming to be the city of Charlotte’s Planning, Design & Development Department is asking rezoning applicants to pay an invoice, the city warns. 

The scam asks people waiting on a rezoning request to wire money to an account to pay an “invoice.” 

If an applicant receives an email with similar instructions, the city says to disregard and report the message. 

All payments regarding land development are processed through a software called Accela. Payment notifications will come from an Accela email such as NoReply@Accela.com or Auto.Sender@Accela.com. 

Payments are only processed electronically through credit card or eCheck, or through a physical check that should be mailed to the Development Center. 

Charlotte staff and officials will never ask for a wire payment. 

Victims who received the email and wired a payment should file a report to 911 and 311.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications. […]

Many women, especially those with caregiving responsibilities, are taking jobs with more flexibility, fewer hours, or remote-only roles.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — New numbers show progress stalling on the gender pay gap. 

As more companies force workers back into the office, women are seeing their earnings fall further behind. According to the latest data, full-time working women are earning around 81 cents for every dollar men earn — the largest gap since 2016. 

RELATED: Social Security’s cost-of-living adjustment for 2026 has been revealed

Economists point to one major driver: the push to bring employees back into the office. Many women — especially those with caregiving responsibilities — are taking jobs with more flexibility, fewer hours, or remote-only roles. That often means trading higher pay or promotion potential for balance. 

Research shows women are almost three times more likely than men to leave a tech or finance job when a strict return-to-office mandate is announced, and when they do, upgrade opportunities suffer. 

More women are remaining remote or opting out of in-office roles, and fewer are climbing into higher-paying positions, while men are more often back in the office and seeing pay gains. 

The shift effectively undoes years of progress toward closing the wage gap as workers with less flexibility now face greater risk of falling behind.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.  […]

Jamaicans living in Greensboro worry as Hurricane Melissa nears their homeland, recalling past storms but remaining hopeful their island and people will endure.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Jamaica and Greensboro sit over a thousand miles apart, but Monday night, that distance feels smaller than ever.

“I don’t think anybody’s going to sleep tonight,” said Carol McGlashan, a member of Greensboro’s Jamaican Association.

McGlashan moved to Greensboro years ago. As Hurricane Melissa slowly tracks toward Jamaica, her heart is back on the island she calls home.

“I’m worried. I’m concerned. It’s not looking good if Jamaica gets a direct hit. It’s not gonna be good,” she said.

Melissa’s slow movement could make the storm last even longer, something that has Cardo Grant on edge.

“If you could just imagine a slow-moving storm across a densely populated community, you can see why we’re on pins and needles. We’re all gonna be affected by this,” said Grant, Membership Director of the Jamaican Association.

Grant moved to the States as a kid, but he still has family in Jamaica, family he hasn’t been able to reach.

RELATED: Hurricane Melissa threatens Jamaica: Families in NC brace for impact

“I’ve tried to contact my brother and I haven’t been able to talk to him in two days. The internet’s out, power’s down in some places, in some parishes in Jamaica as well, so little to no communication. That’s stressful,” he said.

McGlashan has been able to contact some relatives, but she says this all brings her back to 1988, when Hurricane Gilbert slammed the island.

“I was a child then, and I remember battening down inside the home, and when the eye, the calm, came, we kind of surveyed what was going on… trees were down, roads were flooded,” she said.

Kimberly Hill moved here just last year, she has faith that the island and its people will stand strong.

“The only thing that will happen is that we Jamaicans will come back stronger than ever. Jamaicans at home and abroad, we will definitely pull together to support each other,” said Hill, a Jamaican Association member.

For all three, no matter where they live, Jamaica will always be home.

President of Greensboro’s Jamaican Association, Dr. Uzama Price said once the storm passes, they’ll meet to figure out how they can help from Greensboro.

In a statement, the Jamaican Association said this: “A powerful storm with winds exceeding 145 miles per hour is on the horizon, threatening our beloved Jamaica. The last major hurricane to impact the region was the formidable Category 4 Hurricane Gilbert. Melissa is predicted to make landfall tonight or early Tuesday morning, and we must act with urgency. The Prime Minister of Jamaica has been urging all residents to seek shelter and evacuate from vulnerable areas, especially those in coastal communities at risk of flooding. Shelters and resources for the elderly, people with disabilities have been made available. The Jamaican Association is diligently monitoring the situation and gathering vital information from family and colleagues across Jamaica. We will convene next week to strategize our response and coordinate efforts with the Jamaican Association of Greensboro to provide essential support and resources for recovery on the island. Now more than ever, we call upon the Jamaican diaspora and all friends of Jamaica to stand united and keep the island in your thoughts and prayers. Your support and solidarity are invaluable as we navigate this challenging and devastating event together.” 

RELATED: Hurricane Melissa threatens catastrophic flash flooding and landslides in the Caribbean

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After a dry October with only one day of measurable rain, a wetter and cooler stretch is on the way for the Carolinas.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It’s nearly the end of October, and Charlotte had only seen one day of measurable rain all month — until this week. That dry streak has ended, so the WCNC Weather Impact Team is called for a Weather Impact Day.

WHEN

Widespread rain moved into the area early Monday morning and continues off and on throughout the day. While accumulation won’t be significant, it’ll be gray, gloomy, and cool. While we need rain, it’s more of a nuisance, especially during the afternoon and/or evening commute.

IMPACT

There is nothing severe about this rain, and no flooding risk, but it’ll still be an annoying part of the day. On top of light-to-moderate rain, it’ll be cloudy, dreary, and chilly, with highs only reaching the mid 50s.

The bus stop may be wet in the morning, but only in areas west of I-77. Impacts will be higher from midday to afternoon.

NEED

Parents should send their kids out with an umbrella or rain jacket, and drivers should leave a little early so they can arrive to their destination on time. Rain is especially widespread for any midday or afternoon meetings, appointments, or plans.

FORECAST

It’s not just the rain that will change our weather pattern, overcast skies will become the new normal, and a big cool down is on the way, too. After a long stretch of dry, sunny and warm weather, daytime highs will only reach the 50s from Monday through Wednesday.

While Monday brought the most widespread rain, scattered showers are expected to linger through Thursday. Overall rainfall totals could reach 1 to 2 inches between late Sunday and Thursday.

Bottom line: Expect a noticeably wetter and cooler week ahead — a big change from the fall weather we’ve enjoyed so far. The good news? Forecast models suggest Halloween may clear out just in time for trick-or-treaters.

🌩️ If you like weather, watch Brad Panovich and the WCNC Weather Impact Team on their Emmy Award-winning Weather IQ YouTube channel. 🎥 […]

While applications for FNS benefits are still being accepted, DSS officials said they are waiting for additional guidance from federal authorities.

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — Thousands of families in Rowan County, and more than 1.4 million people statewide, could see a delay in their November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as the federal government shutdown drags on.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) confirmed it was directed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to delay the issuance of November benefits because federal funding has not yet been provided. While October benefits were not affected, state officials say there’s now a “significant risk” that November payments will not arrive on time or in full.

In a letter sent to state agencies, USDA also announced it would not use roughly $6 billion in contingency funds to keep the SNAP program running through November — nor would it reimburse states that attempt to cover the gap themselves. North Carolina typically distributes between $230 million and $250 million in SNAP benefits each month.

Governor Josh Stein called on federal leaders to take “immediate action” to prevent widespread hunger.

“USDA can deploy federal contingency funds and prevent a disruption of SNAP benefits on November 1,” Stein said. “The administration’s refusal to use these available funds as temperatures cool and the Thanksgiving holiday approaches is a cruel abdication of responsibility. Congress owes it to the American people to reopen the government and ensure stability for hardworking people across our state.”

Local impact in Rowan County

In Rowan County alone, more than 20,000 residents depend on SNAP benefits each month — totaling about $3.5 million, according to Rowan County Department of Social Services (DSS) Director Micah Ennis.

“A disruption of this scale will not only impact household food security but also ripple through our local economy,” Ennis said. “We understand how critical these benefits are to the individuals and families we serve.”

Rowan County DSS said it will continue accepting applications for assistance but is awaiting further federal guidance. Officials will share updates as soon as they become available.

Broader concerns statewide

NCDHHS Secretary Dev Sangvai emphasized that the department’s priority is transparency and preparedness.

“We know how vital these benefits are for children, seniors, and hardworking families,” Sangvai said. “We will continue to process applications and stand ready to issue benefits as quickly as possible once we receive authorization and funding from our federal partners.”

SNAP helps 600,000 households statewide, including 580,000 children. Four in five participating families include a child, senior, or adult with a disability, and more than 80% of recipients are working.

In addition to SNAP, funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) — which serves more than 262,000 North Carolinians — could run out in early November unless Congress acts or the USDA allocates new funds.

What residents can do now

Both state and county officials encourage residents to stay informed and take steps to prepare:

Continue to apply and renew: County DSS offices remain open and are processing all applications.Check your balance: Benefits currently loaded on your EBT card are still available. Use the ebtEDGE app, visit ebtEDGE.com, or call 1-888-622-7328 to verify your balance.Seek local assistance:Dial 2-1-1 or visit nc211.org for food pantries and meal programs (available 24/7, in multiple languages).Rowan County food resources: Visit rowancountync.gov/foodpantry for a list of community food options.

Rowan County residents with questions can contact DSS at 704-216-8330. Statewide updates are posted at ncdhhs.gov/shutdown and ncdhhs.gov/fns

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Mayor Robert Burns will not run for a second term. His first term has been controversial.

MONROE, N.C. — Monroe Mayor Robert Burns announced he will not run for reelection, instead, he endorsed city councilman David Dotson for the next mayor. 

Burns has only served one two-year term as Monroe mayor. He was elected November 2023 by coin toss after he and opponent Bob Yanacsek each received 970 votes. 

Councilman Dotson announced his bid for Mayor today. Dotson is a veteran, former law enforcement officer and conservative Republican. 

“Dotson doesn’t chase titles, but instead is always looking for ways to serve this city which he genuinely loves,” Burns said. “With his leadership, I believe we’ll see the local government serve the people of Monroe in new ways.”

In July, the city council voted “no confidence” in Burns and removed Dotson from Mayor Pro Tem in the same meeting. 

The vote was based on several concerns, including allegations of Burns’ “continued use of the City’s logo and City address to communicate personal views on topics not related to local governance and repeated failure to preside over meetings in an orderly and civil manner.”

Months later, Burns caused public outcry and received accusations of using his elected position to amplify extremist accounts and incite harassment from the Union County NAACP after attacking a private citizen’s video regarding Charlie Kirk’s death and including employment information in his post on social media. 

Burns addressed this controversy in his announcement on X. 

“Like millions of people all across the world, the assassination of Charlie Kirk changed me,” Burns said. “I was raised in Monroe and am now raising my own family here, and it’s a privilege to serve and help prosper our city. However, I now feel a calling to change direction in my service to this city and state. I will continue to serve my term as mayor and work hard towards making my home, Monroe, the most prosperous city in the state. I’m not announcing my plans yet, but stay tuned, it’s going to be big.”

Although Burns has not yet announced his next moves, Dotson is running for mayor on a platform of public safety, limiting residential growth, government transparency and protecting taxpayers. 

“I have worked very hard to make sure that the unified development ordinances — so the ordinances that were already here — will reflect the needs of our community and not just those who are going to move here,” Dotson said. 

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.  […]

The kiosks will offer free Wi-Fi, touchscreen navigation, local business highlights, emergency alerts, and city content such as events and wayfinding.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte City Council voted Monday to change ordinances allowing the installation of 30 digital kiosks throughout the city, a plan officials say will cost taxpayers nothing.

The kiosks will offer free Wi-Fi, touchscreen navigation, local business highlights, emergency alerts, and city content such as events and wayfinding. They will also feature ADA-compliant, multilingual displays and advertising screens, with the city receiving a share of the ad revenue.

“There’s text to cell wayfinding, vital public safety messaging, real-time light rail scheduling,” said Michael Smith with Charlotte Center City Partners, who encouraged the council to approve the plan.

These will be strategically placed across Corridors of Opportunity and Municipal Service Districts (MSDs).  Proposed locations include Beatties Ford Road, South End, University City, West Boulevard, SouthPark and others throughout the city.

Safety remains a top concern for transit riders, particularly in the South End, following the murder of Iryna Zarutska on a Blue Line train in August.

“If I were female and I was traveling by myself, I might be a little bit more concerned,” said light rail rider Brian Williams, who added he’s noticed increased security presence since the incident but welcomes additional safety measures.

“I think they’ve spread the security out a lot more, which I think is great,” Williams said. “When I was riding before the incident that happened with the young lady, I noticed that a lot of the security guys were kind of bunched together all the time.”

He said he thinks the kiosks are a great idea, but he’s most interested in the emergency alert feature.

The city will earn approximately $8,000 per kiosk annually from advertising revenue. Williams says he’s on board with anything that doesn’t require him to pay more, but public safety is something he’d like to invest in anyway.

“I’d be willing to pay a little bit more to make it safer, so more people would ride it and feel safer,” Williams said. “But if I don’t have to pay, you know, that’s great, too.”

The vote comes as Mecklenburg County voters prepare to decide whether to increase the sales tax one percentage point to fund transit projects, including safety initiatives. Election Day is Nov. 5.

Contact Julie Kay at juliekay@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram. […]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police are investigating a deadly shooting in southwest Charlotte on Monday.
The shooting was reported on South Boulevard near Archdale Drive. Medic said one person was transported from the scene with life-threatening injuries. They were later pronounced dead.
It’s unclear what led to the shooting. Officials did not say if any suspects were arrested.
No further information has been released. […]

Anyone who knows Ball may find this article familiar.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For any adults, parents or teachers confused on why the kids are shouting, “six-seveen” up and down the halls. Here’s a Charlotte explanation. 

The viral meme has origins from a TikTok edit of Hornets guard Lamelo Ball, who is 6 feet, 7 inches tall. 

The TikTok features a commentator who says, “He literally moves like somebody that’s 6’1″, 6’2″, but he’s 6’7″.” When the commentator says the viral numbers, the audio switches to the song “Doot Doot (6 7)” by Philadelphia rapper Skrilla and a montage of Ball celebrating and playing on the court. 

The song became popular with NBA fans and used widely in edits. 

This Lamelo Ball edit has garnered 1.3 million likes as of the publishing of this article. 

While the TikTok edit was posted December 2024, the 6-7 trend continuously blew up throughout 2025 thanks to 17-year-old Overtime Elite basketball player Taylen Kinney and a Youtube video by social media personality Cam Wilder featuring a boy now known as the 67 kid. 

The 6-7 hand movements come from a skit Starbucks review by Kinney, according to CNN and Know Your Meme. When asked by a teammate how he rates the drink out of 10, Kinney says, “Like a 6…6…6-7,” while motioning his hands in an uncertain manner. 

The meme finally comes to fruition with Wilder’s Youtube video, which features a blonde kid with “fluffy” hair earnestly doing the full chant and hand movements at an amateur basketball game on March 31. 

The 6-7 trend has officially made its way into the mainstream, as South Park spoofed the meme in the season 28 premiere episode on Oct. 16. 

For the past year, 6-7 has plagued classrooms and joined Gen Alpha in the timeless tradition of making a a number into an internet joke. 

Gen Z had 1738 and 21. Millennials had 69 and 420. And when calculators were used frequently in schools, there was 5318008. 

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“The impact that he had on his department is one that will never be forgotten,” officials said in a statement.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Joseph Wilson Jr., the first Black officer hired by the Mecklenburg County Police Department, has died, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department announced.

Wilson broke barriers when he joined the department before the city-county merger that created the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. His hiring marked a pivotal moment in local law enforcement history.

The trailblazing officer opened doors for future generations of minority officers in Mecklenburg County. His service demonstrated integrity and commitment that department leaders say set a lasting example.

“The impact that he had on his department is one that will never be forgotten,” officials said in a statement. “His legacy will continue to inspire all who wear the badge and strive to make a difference through service and integrity.”

Department officials did not immediately release details about Wilson’s age, cause of death or funeral arrangements.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications. […]

Demi Lovato will kick off their 2026 North American tour in Charlotte on April 8. Here’s what you need to know.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — I think we’re about to have a heart attack because Grammy-nominated pop star Demi Lovato announced they will launch their 2026 North American tour in Charlotte, bringing their “It’s Not That Deep” era to Spectrum Center on April 8.

The 23-city tour marks Lovato’s first major headlining run in three years. Special guest ADÉLA will join the tour, which spans the U.S. and Canada through May.

“I can’t wait to get back on the road with you and dance to these songs together night after night,” Lovato said on Instagram. “This is gonna be so much fun, I can’t even contain it… SEE YOU SO SOON.”

What to expect

Lovato previewed the high-energy show at a sold-out Hollywood Palladium performance Saturday, showcasing dance-pop tracks from her latest album alongside career hits and signature powerhouse vocals.

How to get tickets

Fans can sign up for the artist presale at livemu.sc/demilovato by Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET. The presale begins Thursday at 10 a.m., with general ticket sales starting Friday at 10 a.m.

VIP packages are available and include options such as premium seating, pre-show lounge access, exclusive merchandise and early shopping opportunities. Details are available at vipnation.com.

Tour stops

After Charlotte, Lovato heads to Orlando on April 10, followed by shows in Atlanta, Nashville, Washington, Philadelphia, Toronto, Boston and New York’s Madison Square Garden. The tour concludes on May 25 in Houston.

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The casino is expected to bring thousands of people, transforming the local economy.

KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. — A major milestone in one of North Carolina’s largest construction projects, the Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain, was celebrated Monday as crews placed the final beam atop the $1 billion development.

Despite rainy skies, dozens gathered to witness the topping-off ceremony, marking the completion of the building’s structural framework. For the Catawba Nation, it was more than just a construction achievement, it was a historic moment.

“We are witnessing something far greater than a construction process,” Catawba Nation Chief Brian Harris said. “We are witnessing a moment in our people’s history.”

With the structure now complete, crews will begin preparing the interior, installing 1,350 slot machines, 22 table games, a restaurant and bar as part of the project’s first phase. That section is expected to open in spring 2026, replacing the temporary casino currently operating nearby.

The main complex, scheduled to open in spring 2027, will span nearly 2 million square feet and include 4,300 slot machines, 100 table games, multiple restaurants and bars and a hotel.

Harris said the project will transform Kings Mountain’s economy and spark development well beyond the casino grounds.

“I don’t think the community can even fathom the economic development growth that will happen here,” Harris said. “All of that will provide an economic engine that will spring up hotels, businesses, and restaurants.”

Once fully operational, the casino is expected to employ roughly 2,200 people, including both Catawba Nation citizens and local residents.

For the Catawba Nation, the moment represents progress, not just in construction, but in community building and cultural preservation.

Contact Walker Lawson at wlawson@wcnc.com or follow him on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

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This comes months after announcing the end of hiring traffic guards.

FORT MILL, S.C. — Temporary stoplight at intersections outside Catawba Ridge High School and Doby’s Bridge Elementary School, the Town of Fort Mill announced. 

The traffic signals will be installed at the intersection of S.C Route 460 and Nims Village Drive outside Catawba Ridge and he intersection of Dudley Drive and South Dobys Bridge Road near Doby’s Bridge.

This comes nearly two months after Fort Mill School District announced it will no longer hire traffic guards through a third party vendor to direct traffic outside schools. 

Traffic guards have been hurt directing cars outside Fort Mill schools.

Just over a year ago, a traffic guard was rushed to the hospital after two cars crashed into each other and hit the guard outside Catawba Ridge during morning drop-off. 

Before that, 61-year-old Stanley Brucker was hit and killed while directing traffic after school outside Fort Mill Elementary. Brucker’s death was ruled an accident, however, his family sued the hiring company Cross Safe and South Carolina Department of Transportation. 

S.C. state Rep. David W. Martin says the traffic signals will improve safety for students and families.

“When I filed the emergency request earlier this year, my concern was that without immediate action, our students and families would be at risk,” Martin said. “Today’s announcement proves that when state, local, and school leaders unite, we can deliver real solutions for the people of Fort Mill.”

Local lawmakers are also crafting a new law to allow uniformed crossing guards to direct traffic. The current law is that crossing guards cannot control traffic, only stop traffic flow to allow others to cross the street.

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A heroic bystander likely saved a police officer’s life during a knife attack in Salisbury. Both are recovering after the brave act amid the ongoing investigation.

SALISBURY, N.C. — A bystander who stepped in to help police officers during a knife attack outside a fast-food restaurant Sunday night likely saved an officer’s life, authorities said.

Salisbury Police officers responded to a disturbance call at the Cookout restaurant on East Innes Street at approximately 8:15 p.m., according to the police department.

The first officer to arrive encountered a man armed with a knife. When a second officer arrived, a struggle broke out and the suspect began swinging the knife, causing minor injuries to one officer, police said.

A bystander then intervened to help the officers and sustained several lacerations to his left hand while preventing the officer from suffering additional stab wounds, according to police. 

The second officer deployed a Taser twice, allowing officers to take the suspect into custody.

The officer, bystander and suspect were taken to Novant Health Rowan Medical Center for treatment. The officer and bystander were treated and released, while the suspect remains in custody and is expected to be hospitalized for several days, police said.

Jamie Lynne Hunt, 44, faces two counts of assault on a government official with a dangerous weapon, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of resisting, obstructing and delaying a public officer.

Salisbury Police Chief Smith praised the citizens’ actions.

“I am thankful for the citizen who stepped in to help,” Smith said. “His act of bravery likely saved an officer’s life. We are relieved that both our officer and this good Samaritan are recovering.”

The investigation remains ongoing.

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Police posted a video of the burglary on their YouTube page and are hoping someone can identify the suspect.