BofA execs get $33 M in stock grants

BofA execs get $33 M in stock grants: "(By Rick Rothacker, rrothacker@charlotteobserver.com) Bank of America's top four executives, including chief executive Brian Moynihan, are getting stock grants worth a total of about $33 million, though the ultimate payouts will depend on future company performance.

With his $9.1 million grant, Moynihan's 2010 pay could reach $10 million, up from about $6 million in 2009."

Carolina Pick 3 Daytime Winning Numbers for 1/31/2011

Carolina Pick 3 Daytime Winning Numbers for 1/31/2011: "6-9-9"

Officials Investigate Apartment Fire In East Charlotte

Officials Investigate Apartment Fire In East Charlotte: "Officials from the Charlotte Fire Department were investigating an apartment fire in east Charlotte early Sunday morning."

Father arrested after fight at East Meck-Butler game

Father arrested after fight at East Meck-Butler game: "(By NewsChannel 36 Staff, WCNC.com)

A parent was arrested after getting into a fight with a school resource officer at a basketball game Friday night."

Sexual assault suspect held on $500,000 bond

Sexual assault suspect held on $500,000 bond: "(By Meghan Cooke, macooke@charlotteobserver.com) A judge raised the bond Friday for a Charlotte man who prosecutors said may have sexually assaulted three teens.

On Jan. 15, a 14-year-old girl told police a man forced her into his vehicle, threatening her with a handgun on Freedom Drive. The girl said the man touched her before she was able to get out of the vehicle and run away, according to a police report. She was not injured."

Airlines offer little help to fliers after in-flight trauma

Airlines offer little help to fliers after in-flight trauma: "Fliers traumatized by emergency landings and frightening events in the air can expect little or no help from U.S. airlines in dealing with the ...

"

Bomb squad, SWAT respond to Rock Hill shooting; 1 arrested

Bomb squad, SWAT respond to Rock Hill shooting; 1 arrested: "(By Jamie Self, jself@heraldonline.com) Police have arrested one man and are looking for another in connection to a shooting Thursday afternoon in Rock Hill.

No injuries have been reported."

Carolina Pick 3 Daytime Winning Numbers for 1/28/2011

Carolina Pick 3 Daytime Winning Numbers for 1/28/2011: "1-7-1"

Authorities plan large-scale search for teen last seen in Myrtle Beach

Authorities plan large-scale search for teen last seen in Myrtle Beach: "(By Tonya Root, troot@sunnews.com) Area authorities and volunteers will conduct a large scale search this weekend for signs of a New York teen last seen in Myrtle Beach on Spring Break in 2009.

The search for Brittanee Drexel will continue this weekend in Georgetown County, said Monica Caison, with the CUE Center for Missing Person in Wilmington, N.C."

Monroe Man Charged In Fatal Hit-And-Run

Monroe Man Charged In Fatal Hit-And-Run: "A Monroe man was arrested and charged in connection with an early morning fatal hit-and-run, officials said."

School, Mother Hold Vigil For Missing Monroe Teen

School, Mother Hold Vigil For Missing Monroe Teen: "The classmates of a missing teenager from Monroe, along with her mother, held a prayer vigil in her honor early Friday morning."

Sentence slashed in Hezbollah aid case

Sentence slashed in Hezbollah aid case: "(By Gary L. Wright, gwright@charlotteobserver.com) Mohamad Hammoud, the suspected leader of a Hezbollah cell in Charlotte, may well taste freedom again, after a federal judge on Thursday slashed his 155-year prison sentence.

U.S. District Judge Graham Mullen still gave Hammoud a hefty 30 years."

City settles in CMPD sex case involving former officer Marcus Jackson

City settles in CMPD sex case involving former officer Marcus Jackson: "(By Cleve R. Wootson Jr. and Gary L. Wright, Staff Writers) The city of Charlotte has agreed to pay $350,000 to the 17-year-old victim of a police officer who sexually assaulted women while on duty - the largest settlement involving disgraced former officer Marcus Jackson.

He pleaded guilty in December to sexually assaulting six women, and is serving a two-year prison sentence."

Feds pressed former Bank of America chief executive Ken Lewis to consider Lehman

Feds pressed former Bank of America chief executive Ken Lewis to consider Lehman: "(By Christina Rexrode, crexrode@charlotteobserver.com) Former Bank of America chief executive Ken Lewis played hardball when the Treasury secretary called.

Former Countrywide CEO Angelo Mozilo lamented the 'gold rush' mania that influenced people to buy bigger and bigger homes."

Crime-Riddled Rock Hill Apartment Complex Demolished

Crime-Riddled Rock Hill Apartment Complex Demolished: "A small crowd watched from a hillside as heavy machinery punched holes into a dilapidated apartment building, then shoved it to the ground in a cloud of dust and debris."

Woman dies after Independence Blvd. wreck

Woman dies after Independence Blvd. wreck: "(By Steve Lyttle and Meghan Cooke, slyttle@charlotteobserver.com) A woman died after a wreck that closed outbound East Independence Boulevard for about four hours this morning.

The wreck happened shortly after 10:30 a.m. in the 3200 block of Independence Boulevard, near the Wendover Road-Eastway Drive intersection. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said the driver of a Dodge Caravan minivan was entering the boulevard from a gas station and merging left when he struck a 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser that was traveling in the center lane."

Missing teen's dad: Stepsister's boyfriend hired attorney

Missing teen's dad: Stepsister's boyfriend hired attorney: "(By Steve Lyttle, slyttle@charlotteobserver.com) The father of a Monroe teen who disappeared a month ago Friday has told reporters the boyfriend of the missing girl's stepsister has hired an attorney.

Russell Barnes, father of 17-year-old Phylicia Barnes, said police find it curious as to why the man wanted legal representation."

Man convicted of aiding terrorists has sentence reduced

Man convicted of aiding terrorists has sentence reduced: "(By Gary L. Wright and Cleve R. Wootson Jr., gwright@charlotteobserver.com, cwootson@charlotteobserver.com) A Charlotte man convicted of sending money to terrorist groups will likely taste freedom again, after his sentence was significantly reduced today.

U.S. District Court Judge Graham Mullen reduced the sentence of Mohamad Hammoud to 30 years in prison late this morning, on the second day of his re-sentencing hearing."

Wachovia began losing deposits in April 2008, crisis report says

Wachovia began losing deposits in April 2008, crisis report says: "(By Rick Rothacker, rrothacker@charlotteobserver.com) Wachovia Corp. began losing deposits in April 2008 after announcing losses related to loans inherited in its 2006 Golden West Financial Corp. acquisition, according to a report released today.

That outflow preceded a "silent run" on the bank in September 2008 that helped prompt the bank's sale to Wells Fargo & Co."

BBB Announces 'Dirty Dozen' Worst-Rated Area Businesses

BBB Announces 'Dirty Dozen' Worst-Rated Area Businesses: "The Better Business Bureau announced its 'Dirty Dozen' list of Charlotte area business with the most unanswered complaints in 2010."

Dog Owner Arrested In Young Girl's Mauling Death

Dog Owner Arrested In Young Girl's Mauling Death: "Waxhaw police filed criminal charges Wednesday against the owner of two pit bulls that attacked and killed a 5-year-old girl outside her home."

Millions of Dollars At Stake In 24-Hour Charlotte Homeless Count

Millions of Dollars At Stake In 24-Hour Charlotte Homeless Count: "A special count of homeless people began Wednesday during which surveyors will spend 24 hours visiting shelters, highway underpasses and makeshift camps in Charlotte."

Gorman, CMS Weighing Costs Of Cutting Sports, Pre-K

Gorman, CMS Weighing Costs Of Cutting Sports, Pre-K: "School officials said Wednesday that middle school sports will most likely be eliminated from Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools next year."

Rain Continues To Fall Across Charlotte Area

Rain Continues To Fall Across Charlotte Area: "Rain continued to fall across the Charlotte area early Wednesday morning."

CMS Board Cuts 134 Teaching Positions; Changes Elementary School Schedule

CMS Board Cuts 134 Teaching Positions; Changes Elementary School Schedule: "Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board had to make some tough decisions Tuesday night regarding class size, schedules and a pre-K program. They're looking for ways to close a $100 million funding gap."

Emeril to join new restaurants uptown

Emeril to join new restaurants uptown: "(By Helen Schwab, Restaurant Writer) Wells Fargo has announced what else is going into the Levine Center for the Arts campus at South Tryon and Stonewall streets, and it includes a not-named-yet restaurant from TV star chef Emeril Lagasse. He's got a dozen restaurants, from New Orleans to Miami to Vegas, and is known for his Creole expertise. Other new dining-related tenants include the Energy Café, a second location of this quick-service, healthy eating concept; Mizan, a Mediterranean restaurant and lounge (both plan to open in the second quarter), and Emzy Asian.Sushi Bar, an Asian fusion/sushi place scheduled to open in the third quarter.

Special dinners"

CMS Superintendent Outlines Plan To Cut $100M

CMS Superintendent Outlines Plan To Cut $100M: "Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools superintendent Peter Gorman proposed $100 million in cuts at a Tuesday afternoon Board of Education meeting."

Opening In Wintry Weather Proves Lucrative For Some Businesses

Opening In Wintry Weather Proves Lucrative For Some Businesses: "The snow and ice forced hundreds of businesses to close Monday and Tuesday but for some, staying open turned into a lucrative decision."

Billboards up along I-95 in search for missing North Carolina girl

Billboards up along I-95 in search for missing North Carolina girl: "A 16-year-old girl who disappeared after visiting her half-sister's Baltimore apartment continues to be the object of an intense search by authorties, who now say they fear she was abducted or harmed.

"

Pedestrian struck, killed by train

Pedestrian struck, killed by train: "(By Meghan Cooke, macooke@charlotteobserver.com) A pedestrian was struck and killed by a train around 3 p.m. today in the University City area.

The collision occurred near the intersection of McClean and Old Concord roads."

Coroner: Suspicious Fort Mill death likely a homicide

Coroner: Suspicious Fort Mill death likely a homicide: "(By Toya Graham, tgraham@fortmilltimes.com) Authorities continue to probe the "suspicious death" of Fort Mill’s Linda Lee Hertzog.

Police were called to her Peachtree Place apartment off S.C. 160 around 10 p.m. Wednesday for a well-being check after Hertzog didn't show up for work."

Coroner: Suspicious Fort Mill death likely a homicide

Coroner: Suspicious Fort Mill death likely a homicide: "(By Toya Graham, tgraham@fortmilltimes.com) Authorities continue to probe the "suspicious death" of Fort Mill’s Linda Lee Hertzog.

Police were called to her Peachtree Place apartment off S.C. 160 around 10 p.m. Wednesday for a well-being check after Hertzog didn't show up for work."

Report: Duke Energy courting Progress Energy

Report: Duke Energy courting Progress Energy: "(By John Murawski, Staff writer) Progress Energy's stock got a positive bump Thursday following a Wall Street report saying the Raleigh-based power company is in preliminary merger talks with Charlotte-based Duke Energy.

The possible merger was first reported by DealReporter, a financial information service, then rebroadcast by Bloomberg News."

Police seek witnesses in uptown nightclub assault

Police seek witnesses in uptown nightclub assault: "(By Steve Lyttle, slyttle@charlotteobserver.com) Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are asking for the public’s help in trying to unravel the events at an uptown club that left a man in a coma.

Police say the victim suffered serious head injuries in the early-morning hours of Dec. 20, apparently the result of an assault. It happened outside the Suite, a nightclub in uptown’s Epicentre."

CMS spending: Bigger bucks go to poorer schools

CMS spending: Bigger bucks go to poorer schools: "(By Eric Frazier, efrazier@charlotteobserver.com) Newly released per-pupil spending figures show Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools spends in some cases more than twice as much on its poorest students as its richest ones, a fact that could impact upcoming debates over how to close a multi-million budget gap.

The new figures, released late Thursday on the CMS website, show that in the case of elementary schools, the district spends the most per pupil - $10,393 a year - at Thomasboro Elementary, which has a 95 percent poverty rate. It spends the least per elementary school student -$4,406 - at Ballantyne Elementary, with a 16 percent poverty rate."

Police investigate North Meck High incident

Police investigate North Meck High incident: "(By Joe Marusak, jmarusak@charlotteobserver.com) Police are trying to determine this morning who filled two small soda bottles with Drano and aluminum foil in the cafeteria of North Mecklenburg High School on Thursday, startling students when the bottle caps went off in a trash can.

No one was injured when gases built up inside the bottles and the caps popped off shortly after 11 a.m. during a change of periods, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools spokesperson Kasia Thompson said."

Fort Bragg sniper begins appeal of life sentence

Fort Bragg sniper begins appeal of life sentence: "(The Associated Press) A former Army marksman who shot 18 soldiers and killed an officer at Fort Bragg is appealing the life prison sentence for the 1995 crimes.

The Fayetteville Observer reported Friday that attorneys for William Kreutzer Jr. this week took the first step in the appeals process. Their reasons for an appeal don't have to be filed with the military appeals court until later this month."

2 Spartanburg Sheriff's Deputies Injured In Attack

2 Spartanburg Sheriff's Deputies Injured In Attack

Burglary Spree Hits South Charlotte Neighborhoods

Burglary Spree Hits South Charlotte Neighborhoods: "Burglars have hit eight homes in south Charlotte since New Year's Day during a crime spree in which the thieves are becoming more brazen, according to police."

Police: Man Electrocuted While Trying To Steal Copper

Police: Man Electrocuted While Trying To Steal Copper: "A man died after getting an electric shock while trying to steal copper, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said."

Disguised Stun Guns May Lead To Courthouse Cell Phone Ban

Disguised Stun Guns May Lead To Courthouse Cell Phone Ban: "Deputies patrolling the Mecklenburg County Courthouse said they may try again to ban cell phones after confiscating several stun guns designed to look like small phones."

Time Warner launching 12 new HD channels

Time Warner launching 12 new HD channels: "(By Langston Wertz Jr., lw) Time Warner Cable will launch more than 12 new HD channels by the end of the month, which it says will bring its total to more than 120 HD channels overall.

Guess Dish and DirecTV will have to find something else to pick on."

Experts: Loud noise sent 5,000 Arkansas birds flying to their deaths

Experts: Loud noise sent 5,000 Arkansas birds flying to their deaths: "Experts believe a loud noise or event was behind the mass death of as many as 5,000 red-winged blackbirds and starlings in Arkansas on New Year's Eve, when they all flew into buildings at night, veterinarian Dr. John Fischer said Wednesday.

"

Abandoned Weapons May Be Big Break In Pawn Shop Shooting Case

Abandoned Weapons May Be Big Break In Pawn Shop Shooting Case: "Dozens of searchers looked for weapons along Highway 321 on Wednesday after a gun that was stolen in a robbery and fatal shooting was found in the area."

NC Looks At Privatizing Liquor Sales

NC Looks At Privatizing Liquor Sales: "The on-again, off-again fight over whether North Carolina should be in the liquor business is on again."

CMS Cuts Could End Transportation To Magnet Schools

CMS Cuts Could End Transportation To Magnet Schools

Mega Millions: $380 million, divided by two...

Mega Millions: $380 million, divided by two...: "Two winning tickets, from Idaho and Washington, will share a $380 million Mega Millions jackpot, the second largest in U.S. history."

Greenville bouncer gets probation in patron death

Greenville bouncer gets probation in patron death: "(The Associated Press) A Greenville strip club bouncer will face no jail time in the death of a patron who he dragged 150 feet by the neck.

Jason Purcell pleaded guilty Tuesday to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to five years probation."

Jewelry Being Taken During More Home Break-Ins

Jewelry Being Taken During More Home Break-Ins: "Police in southeast Charlotte said they've seen a spike in break-ins in which jewelry has been taken."

Speakers To Respond To Commissioner’s Controversial Remarks About Homosexuality

Speakers To Respond To Commissioner’s Controversial Remarks About Homosexuality: "More than a dozen people are scheduled to speak at Tuesday night's Mecklenburg County Commission meeting, and many of them will respond to Commissioner Bill James' controversial e-mail about homosexuals."

Woman Still Recovering From Crash Involving CMPD Vehicle

Woman Still Recovering From Crash Involving CMPD Vehicle: "The family of a south Charlotte woman whose minivan was hit by a police vehicle said they are grateful she wasn't more severely injured."

Presbyterian Orthopaedic pays $638,000 to settle government claims of Medicare fraud

Presbyterian Orthopaedic pays $638,000 to settle government claims of Medicare fraud: "(By Karen Garloch, kgarloch@charlotteobserver.com) Presbyterian Orthopaedic Hospital in Charlotte is one of seven U.S. hospitals that have agreed to pay more than $6.3 million to settle allegations they submitted false claims to Medicare, the U.S. Justice Department announced Tuesday.

The settlements resolve allegations that the hospitals overcharged Medicare from 2000 to 2008 when performing kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure used to treat spinal fractures often due to osteoporosis."

Panthers Owner Richardson Optimistic About Future Of Team

Panthers Owner Richardson Optimistic About Future Of Team: "The Carolina Panthers plan to hold onto the No. 1 pick in the draft for the chance to take Andrew Luck, and are leaning toward hiring an NFL assistant coach to replace John Fox."

Woman Killed In Fire At Lenoir Home

Woman Killed In Fire At Lenoir Home: "A 52-year-old woman was killed in a Monday night fire at a Lenoir home."

Susan Smith's Ex-Husband Talks About Child Deaths

Susan Smith's Ex-Husband Talks About Child Deaths: "Prosecutors, paramedics and law enforcement officers at a training session on child deaths will hear from someone with some tragic first hand experience."

Deputies Find 26.5 Grams Of Crack Cocaine In Vehicle

Deputies Find 26.5 Grams Of Crack Cocaine In Vehicle: "Deputies in Lincoln County said they discovered 26.5 grams of crack cocaine while investigating a suspicious vehicle on New Year’s Eve, Channel 9’s newspaper partner, the Gaston Gazette, reported."

Union County chamber names new leader

Union County chamber names new leader: "(By Adam Bell, abell@charlotteobserver.com) Union County's Chamber of Commerce said today it has named Sharon Rosche as its new president.

Rosche held a similar job with Morrisville's chamber. She replaces Jim Carpenter, who retired from the chamber in August after serving as its leader for 17 years."

Mooresville town manager resigns under pressure

Mooresville town manager resigns under pressure: "(By Joe Marusak, jmarusak@charlotteobserver.com)

Town Manager Steve Husemann resigned under pressure early this morning after a four-hour closed-door session with the Mooresville Board of Commissioners that started at 10 p.m. Monday at town hall.]"

Elisa Baker obstruction case delayed

Elisa Baker obstruction case delayed: "(By Franco Ordoñez, fordonez@charlotteobserver.com) A judge has delayed the obstruction of justice case against the stepmother of 10-year-old Zahra Baker.

Elisa Baker, 42, did not appear in court this morning where she was also expected to also ask a judge to reduce her nearly $100,000 bond that's kept her in jail since her Oct. 10 arrest."

McCumbee, Buescher, Dillon Among Those Testing at Daytona International Speedway January 11-13

McCumbee, Buescher, Dillon Among Those Testing at Daytona International Speedway January 11-13

Bill James on commission agenda tonight

Bill James on commission agenda tonight: "(By Steve Lyttle, slyttle@charlotteobserver.com) Mecklenburg County commissioners tonight are expected to vote on a resolution supporting gay rights, in response to comments last week by commissioner Bill James.

But commissioners will not censure James, according to several reports Tuesday morning."

N.C. legislators see deep state cuts

N.C. legislators see deep state cuts: "(By Alan M. Wolf, alan.wolf@newsobserver.com) The state's financial problems will require deep, rapid cuts in agencies and programs and will almost certainly mean lost jobs, top lawmakers told hundreds of business leaders at a forum in Durham on Monday.

The Economic Forecast Forum, sponsored by the N.C. Chamber and N.C. Bankers Association, is an annual lunch focused on the state's economy in a new year. This year's version included a morning panel to discuss the grim state budget situation and projected deficit of $3.7 billion."

Amtrak Train Strikes Truck, Splits It In Half

Amtrak Train Strikes Truck, Splits It In Half: "An Amtrak train and tractor trailer collided early Tuesday morning."

$200K Powerball ticket sold in Rock Hill

$200K Powerball ticket sold in Rock Hill: "(From Staff Reports, The Herald) Are you holding a Powerball ticket worth $200,000? The winning ticket was purchased from Corner Store at 2216 India Hook Road in Rock Hill.

The winning ticket for the Saturday's drawing matched all five white ball numbers drawn. If the ticket holder had purchased PowerPlay for an extra $1, the $200,000 winnings would have been multiplied to $1 million."

Police: Man Drove Drunk With Son In Car

Police: Man Drove Drunk With Son In Car: "A Rock Hill man is charged with driving drunk with his 10-year-old child in the car after an accident that he didn't cause."

City Leaders Get Update On Countywide Property Revaluation

City Leaders Get Update On Countywide Property Revaluation: "Charlotte city leaders are getting an update Monday night on the Mecklenburg County property revaluation."

New Mecklenburg Co. DA Wants Tougher Prosecution For Repeat Offenders

New Mecklenburg Co. DA Wants Tougher Prosecution For Repeat Offenders: "With his hand on the Bible, Andrew Murray officially became Mecklenburg County's first new district attorney in 36 years."

Investigators Seize 7+ Pounds Of Marijuana From Home

Investigators Seize 7+ Pounds Of Marijuana From Home: "The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office has arrest warrants for a Statesville man after deputies said they found more than seven pounds of marijuana."

Bomb scare closes Charlotte road

Bomb scare closes Charlotte road: "(Observer Staff Reports) A portion of South Boulevard was closed overnight while authorities investigated a suspicious object found near a restaurant.

The incident was reported shortly after 1 a.m. near the Greystone Restaurant, in the 3000 block of South Boulevard, a short distance south of Marsh Road."

BofA Settles Home Loan Buyback Claims

BofA Settles Home Loan Buyback Claims: "Bank of America Corp. is settling some buyback claims on bad home loans sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as it attempts to separate itself further from one of the of the housing downturn's biggest headaches."

CMPD vehicle collides with minivan; 2 hurt

CMPD vehicle collides with minivan; 2 hurt: "(By Steve Lyttle, slyttle@charlotteobserver.com) Two people, including a Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer, were injured Monday morning when a CMPD vehicle collided with a passenger vehicle in Charlotte's Chantilly community.

The collision happened shortly after 9:30 a.m. at Monroe Road at Briar Creek Road."

Hotmail users burned by missing e-mails

Hotmail users burned by missing e-mails: "(Associated Press, Associated Press) Associated Press - Some users of Microsoft Hotmail are starting off the new year scrambling to get back e-mails of old. A chorus of frantic users has posted complaints on Microsoft's online forum that all of their messages have disappeared.

'Please help me get them back,' wrote one user under the moniker 'Zacgore' in a post dated Saturday. 'All my kids' info and pictures are in there!'"

Free fitness event at new Myers Park club

Free fitness event at new Myers Park club: "Join us from 11 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Saturday January 8 for our “New Year, New You" event at Metro Fitness Club. The Metro Fitness Club team will help you kick off the New Year, teach exercises you can do at home and share a few new recipes for healthy eating.

Come with your workout clothes on! Metro Fitness Club is at 2820 Selwyn Ave. Suite 200, metrofitnessclub.com.

Please RSVP by commenting on this story or emailing site admin Jen, as we have a limited number of spots."

Students hold vigil for missing girl

Students hold vigil for missing girl: "(By Steve Lyttle, slyttle@charlotteobserver.com) Students at Union Academy in Monroe held a brief prayer vigil Monday morning for a classmate who has been missing for nearly a week in Baltimore.

Phylicia Barnes, 16, a student at the Union County charter school, was last seen about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at a house on Eberle Drive in Baltimore, where she was visiting relatives during the holidays."

Lincoln opens new fingerprinting program

Lincoln opens new fingerprinting program: "(Observer Staff Reports) The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office has opened a fingerprinting operation on Tuesday afternoons at its office near Lake Norman.

A representative from the sheriff's office will be at the East Office from 1 to 5 p.m. every Tuesday, to complete fingerprints for job applications and concealed-carry handgun permits. The office is on Business N.C. 16, across from Westport Baptist Church."

Many 2010 slayings were in one area, northwest of uptown

Many 2010 slayings were in one area, northwest of uptown: "(By Cleve R. Wootson Jr., cwootson@charlotteobserver.com) While Charlotte and the nation continued to report falling violent crime in 2010, a pocket of older neighborhoods northwest of uptown had an unsettling spike in killings.

Nearly a third of the 59 homicides in Charlotte-Mecklenburg last year happened in a cluster of poor and working-class neighborhoods that are battling drug traffic, gun violence and gangs."

Emma and William are favorite baby names in North Carolina

Emma and William are favorite baby names in North Carolina: "North Carolina kindergarten teachers better get ready for a lot of Emmas and Williams in about five years.

The State Center for Health Statistics told the Asheville Citizen-Times that Emma and William topped the list of most popular baby names in North Carolina in 2009. The agency says 2010 data won't be available for several months."

Bank of America in $3 billion mortgage settlement

Bank of America in $3 billion mortgage settlement: "Bank of America has reached a nearly $3 billion agreement with Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to resolve a faulty mortgage loan dispute involving Countrywide Financial Corp."

Did cell phone lead to fatal crash?

Did cell phone lead to fatal crash?: "(By BRUCE SICELOFF, The News & Observer of Raleigh) Witnesses said Erin Lindsay-Calkins appeared to be holding a cell phone to her ear as she drove in front of a fast Amtrak train in Efland days before last Christmas, but her widower still wonders what made her crash through the rail-crossing gate.

Lindsay-Calkins, 26, and her 5-year-old son, Nicholas, were killed when the Amtrak Carolinian struck their Toyota on Dec. 22, 2009. Her infant daughter, Aven, survived with minor injuries."

Owner of NC water services company to be sentenced

Owner of NC water services company to be sentenced: "(The Associated Press) The 47-year-old owner of an Asheville-area water services company is set to be sentenced after pleading guilty to fraud.

Linda Allen Knox is scheduled to appear in federal court Monday for a hearing. She faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine."

Cell phones thrive in prisons

Cell phones thrive in prisons: "(By Kim Severson and Robbie Brown, New York Times) A counterfeiter at a Georgia state prison ticks off the remaining days of his three-year sentence on his Facebook page. He has 91 digital 'friends.' Like many of his fellow inmates, he plays the online games FarmVille and Street Wars.

He does it all on a Samsung smart phone, which he says he bought from a guard. And he used the same phone to help organize a short nonviolent strike among inmates at several Georgia prisons last month."

Survey in works of N.C.-S.C. line

Survey in works of N.C.-S.C. line: "(By Jeffrey Collins, Associated Press) A team of surveyors 228 years ago trudged through the thick forests and underbrush about 50 yards from where Andy Kramer's living room now rests. Another team recently confirmed their ancestral colleagues' work, assuring that Kramer's family will have to keep crossing into South Carolina just to go to the pool.

Kramer's neighborhood is one of several in the Charlotte suburbs that straddle the North Carolina-South Carolina state line, an area which has spent the last 15 years being resurveyed and will likely be scrutinized for at least a decade more."

S.C. immigration-law idea has some doubters

S.C. immigration-law idea has some doubters: "(By Noelle Phillips, nophillips@thestate.com) Law enforcement officials say they want to know how a proposed state immigration law would work, adding they are unsure they have the resources to enforce it.

South Carolina legislators will consider an Arizona-style immigration bill, requiring law enforcement officers to check the residency status of suspected illegal immigrants, when their next session begins Jan. 11."

Facebook worth $50 billion on investment - report

Facebook worth $50 billion on investment - report: "Facebook has received investments that place the social network's value at $50 billion, according to a published report."

Amid CMS budget blues, a call to care

Amid CMS budget blues, a call to care: "(By Ann Doss Helms, ahelms@charlotteobserver.com) As Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools faces school closings, bruising budget cuts and likely layoffs, Mecklenburg Ministries wants to offer a ray of hope.

The interfaith group is launching 'The Power of One,' a quest to help people see that each person's time, money and advocacy can make a difference in schools. The project kicks off Jan. 11, with clergy, business and community leaders gathering to see a documentary about urban teachers."

Meetings will give glimpse of property values

Meetings will give glimpse of property values: "(By April Bethea, abethea@charlotteobserver.com) As the county prepares to roll out new tax values for all 280,000 residential properties, residents in south Charlotte and northern Mecklenburg can get an early look at how their neighborhoods have fared since the county's last reappraisal.

In many cases, those neighborhoods have appreciated in value far more than the county average - and that has some owners worried their property tax bills will be going up."

'Irresponsible' doctor says fat is your friend

'Irresponsible' doctor says fat is your friend: "(By Andrea Weigl, andrea.weigl@newsobserver.com) Clipboard in hand, Dr. Eric Westman strides into the office to see his patients. All of them are overweight. Many of them are diabetic and have high blood pressure or other weight-related ailments.

He scans a list of foods they eat and doesn't bat an eye at their consumption of eggs, sausage, bacon, coffee with heavy cream or pork rinds. He doesn't require them to exercise. He tells one: 'Fat is your friend.'"

County board to talk about James' e-mail

County board to talk about James' e-mail: "(By Cleve R. Wootson Jr., cwootson@charlotteobserver.com) A week after a Mecklenburg Commissioner called homosexuals 'sexual predators,' the board of commissioners plans to consider a resolution that, among other things, opposes inflammatory speech or discrimination because of sexual orientation.

Bill James' controversial remark - which came in an e-mail exchange among commissioners about the Pentagon's 'don't ask, don't tell' policy regarding homosexuals - has drawn headlines on national blogs, the Huffington Post website, and news cable channel MSNBC."

Carolina Pick 3 Evening Winning Numbers for 1/2/2011

Carolina Pick 3 Evening Winning Numbers for 1/2/2011: "8-1-0"

Charlotte Man Survives Two Shots To Head

Charlotte Man Survives Two Shots To Head: "An East Charlotte man is out of the hospital after being shot in the head twice on New Year's Day."

Police Investigate Shooting Outside Rock Hill Nightclub

Police Investigate Shooting Outside Rock Hill Nightclub: "Rock Hill Police are trying to figure out what lead to two people being shot early New Year’s Day."

Store Employee Hides Suspect, Faces Charges

Store Employee Hides Suspect, Faces Charges: "Three people face charges in Gastonia after police find suspect hiding in a local store."

Man Shot In Attempted Carjacking

Man Shot In Attempted Carjacking: "Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police were investigating an attempted carjacking early Sunday morning where a man was shot twice."

94-year-old woman dies in house fire

94-year-old woman dies in house fire: "(Asscociated Press) LAURENS, S.C. -- Authorities say a 94-year-old woman has died in a fire at her Laurens home.

Fire officials say they were able to put out the blaze quickly on Friday, but the body of the woman was found in the kitchen."

S.C. city sells its Christmas decorations online

S.C. city sells its Christmas decorations online: "(The Associated Press) An auction site for surplus government items may have a pretty good deal this week on Christmas decorations from a South Carolina city.

The State of Columbia reports 104 giant snowflakes and 19 huge poinsettias are up for bid as a set at http://www.govdeals.com."

Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son

Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son: "

Malcolm and his stepson go under cover at a girls school.

Movie Details Play Trailers

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Deputies say remains are man missing for 10 years

Deputies say remains are man missing for 10 years: "(The Associated Press) Authorities say they have found the remains of a 22-year-old Boiling Springs man missing for more than a decade.

Spartanburg County deputies said in a news release that dental records helped them match a skull found Thursday in woods off a Boiling Springs dirt road to Daniel Wasemann."

Questions surround latest attempt at S.C. immigration reform

Questions surround latest attempt at S.C. immigration reform: "(By Noelle Phillips, The (Columbia, S.C.) State) Law enforcement officials say they want to know how a proposed state immigration law would work, adding they are unsure they have the resources to enforce it.

South Carolina legislators will consider an Arizona-style immigration bill, requiring law enforcement officers to check the residency status of suspected illegal immigrants, when their next session begins Jan. 11."

Hickory man wants to build park for Zahra Baker

Hickory man wants to build park for Zahra Baker: "(By Diana Rugg, NewsChannel 36) Rick Rozzelle can still see her face.

“She was really wide-eyed looking around at this store and all the things in it,” he said, of the girl with the prosthetic leg he saw in September."

Lunch data debate growing

Lunch data debate growing: "(By Ann Doss Helms, ahelms@charlotteobserver.com) With millions of dollars riding on school-poverty data and massive cuts looming for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, a long-running debate over the validity of those numbers is resurfacing.

CMS recently announced that just over 74,000 kids, or 53 percent of all students, are getting federal lunch subsidies for low-income families this year."

S.C.'s 770 traffic deaths in 2010 are 28-year low

S.C.'s 770 traffic deaths in 2010 are 28-year low: "(The Associated Press) It appears deaths on South Carolina highways in 2010 have plunged to the lowest total in nearly 30 years.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol unofficially reported 770 traffic fatalities in the state last year, a sharp decline from the more than 880 deaths reported in 2009, and the lowest total since 730 people died on the state's roads in 1982."

Officer Hospitalized After Chase, Crash

Officer Hospitalized After Chase, Crash: "A police officer was injured in an accident while trying to stop a suspected drunk driver."

Fire Leaves 4 Families Homeless In Lancaster, SC

Fire Leaves 4 Families Homeless In Lancaster, SC: "Several families are starting off the year homeless after a devastating fire ripped through an apartment complex in Lancaster, South Carolina."

Mega Millions jackpot grows to estimated $290 million

Mega Millions jackpot grows to estimated $290 million

Murray promises a culture change in DA's office

Murray promises a culture change in DA's office: "(By Gary L. Wright, gwright@charlotteobserver.com) Andrew Murray was sworn in on today as Mecklenburg County's district attorney. He replaces Peter Gilchrist, who held the post for 36 years.

Murray last week talked about his vision for the district attorney's office, what he expects from his prosecutors and changes he'll make to improve public safety."

Sen. Hagan spends New Year's Eve in Afghanistan

Sen. Hagan spends New Year's Eve in Afghanistan: "(Associated Press) U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan spent her New Year's Eve in Afghanistan, celebrating with U.S. troops and watching them join with coalition forces training Afghanis to patrol their own country.

That training is critical to the withdrawal of international troops, scheduled to begin this summer, said Hagan, who spoke to reporters over a sometimes spotty cell phone signal today as she rushed through an airport in the United Arab Emirates on her way home to North Carolina."

Police arrest 50 during uptown New Year's Eve festivities

Police arrest 50 during uptown New Year's Eve festivities: "(By Meghan Cooke, macooke@charlotteobserver.com) Police made 50 arrests in the uptown area on New Year’s Eve and the early hours of New Year’s Day.

Those arrested faced charges such as resisting arrest, impeding traffic, trespassing, being intoxicated and disruptive and open container violations, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said Saturday."

Gastonia Police Investigate New Years Shooting

Gastonia Police Investigate New Years Shooting: "Gastonia police were investigating what could be Gastonia’s first shooting of the New Year."

Report: Missing Monroe teen turned away from shelter

Report: Missing Monroe teen turned away from shelter: "(By NewsChannel 36 Staff, WCNC.com) A Baltimore television station is reporting that a 16-year-old girl from Monroe who is missing in Maryland tried to go to an emergency homeless shelter, but was turned away because of her age.

Phylicia Barnes hasn't been seen since Tuesday. She was in Maryland with her family."

Local doctor returns to Haiti

Local doctor returns to Haiti: "(By Franco Ordoñez, fordonez@charlotteobserver.com) Matthews doctor Will Conner is returning to Haiti for the anniversary of the Jan. 12, 2010 earthquake and to continue his relief work.

Conner has made four trips to the Carribbean country that has been devastated by the massive earthquake and cholera outbreak."

Pedestrian carrying beer killed in Clover crash

Pedestrian carrying beer killed in Clover crash: "(By Andrew Dys, adys@heraldonline.com) A pedestrian carrying a case of beer and walking in the middle of U.S. 321 in Clover died late Friday after he was hit by a car, according to authorities.

Lawrence Douglas Sloan Jr., 43, of 115 Cloverleaf Drive, was walking south in the southbound lane of traffic lane around 6:30 p.m. New Year’s Eve when he was hit by a 2005 Kia heading southbound, said Capt. David Dover of the Clover Police Department. Investigators found Sloan had just been to a nearby convenience store, where he bought the case of beer, Dover said."

Twins' birth rings in the new year; in two separate years

Twins' birth rings in the new year; in two separate years: "(By Bruce Siceloff, The (Raleigh) News & Observer)"