Charlotte Observer | Charlotte, NC - North Carolina's Local News Leader

'Special elves' help send happiness to the world

Hundreds of children and volunteers gathered to help Franklin Graham send off gift-filled shoe boxes destined for children around the world.

Giving Guide: Search for ways you can help
Army of red kettles needs a lot of clangs

Bumpier ride ahead for Charlotte mass transit

By Steve Harrison | E-mail | 6:07AM

A year after voters decided to keep the transit tax, the Charlotte Area Transit System is unsure that it can build the rapid transit system it promised.

Interactive Map: Key light rail questions
Interactive Map: Lynx Blue Line station guide
I-485's northwest leg to open this afternoon

Teen, woman shot to death; city surpasses '07 homicide total

By Cleve R. Wootson Jr. | E-mail | 6:37AM

Julius Thompson was shot dead during an argument early Thursday in the city's 75th homicide of the year. And a woman, shot 21 hours later and still unidentified late Thursday, became the city's 76th.

Teen victim suffered storms in life

By Mandy Locke and Thomasi McDonald | (Raleigh) News & Observer | 7:11AM

Matthew Josiah Silliman, 18-year-old Eagle Scout, was found dead Wednesday. Four teens, friends from western Wake County, have been charged with his killing.

Woman killed; manhunt for suspect | 7:13AM
City uses options on 2 sites at Eastland | 6:49AM
Police investigate BofA manager's kidnapping | 6:49AM
Principal, secretary charged with theft | 6:47AM
Robbery suspect remains at large | 6:45AM
School board candidates make their case | 6:43AM
Should state cover graduation project costs? | 6:43AM
Uptown bar employee faces drug charge | 6:37AM
Cell phones on prison contraband list | 6:23AM
Army of red kettles needs a lot of clangs | 6:21AM

Slideshow »

Party Pix 12.04.08

BOBCATS »

Bobcats value 2nd lowest in NBA

Rick Bonnell: According to Forbes, only the Bucks are valued lower than the Bobcats' $284 million.

POLITICS »

Fla. rep. hangs up on Obama - twice

Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen thought call from the President-elect was a prank.

WEATHER »

December warmup near an end

Today's high temperature (57) is probably the warmest we'll get in the Charlotte region for the next week.

We Can Relate »

Concessions to manhood

My friend and her husband couldn't beat the prospects: Spontaneous sex without the hassle of birt...

Slideshow »

The Daily Edit 12.05.08

PANTHERS » 7:14AM

Tampa coach: Steve Smith is a fright

John Gruden refers to Panther as 'Freddy Krueger' because receiver is a nightmare to defend.

Peppers takes NFC honor after dominant month

BUSINESS »

Airport saw fewer holiday travelers

The sagging economy and higher airfares combined to curb Thanksgiving traffic at the Charlotte airport, with nearly 12,000 fewer people passing through security checkpoints this year.