Financial documents released ahead of Foxx's confirmation hearing

Submitted by Nick Needham on Friday, May 17th, 6:42 pm

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- Public financial documents for Mayor Anthony Foxx were made public this week ahead of his confirmation hearing to be the next Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The documents show that Foxx makes $40,220 as mayor of Charlotte and $88,117 as an attorney for bus manufacturer DesignLine USA.

If confirmed Foxx would have to resign from his position as mayor, as well as from his job at DesignLine and cut his affiliations with Davidson College, the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching, Lynwood Foundation, the New American City Committee and the Project Life Movement, to meet strict federal ethics law requirements.

Foxx would not be allowed to participate in any project or matter involving the city of Charlotte for at least a year following his confirmation.

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Operation "Road Watch" ends on successful note

Submitted by WBTV Web Staff

Friday, May 17th, 2013, 2:39pm

The Highway Patrol completed its Operation "Road Watch" campaign after a two-day intensive enforcement effort on I-85 in Cleveland and surrounding counties.

During the two-day event, which began on Tuesday, May 14, and ended on Wednesday, May 15, Troopers concentrated on commercial motor vehicle violations as well as focused their attention on motorists who were driving aggressively around big trucks, speeding, tailgating, and driving aggressively.

Established in 2007, Operation "Road Watch" was designed to improve commercial motor vehicle safety as well as the efficiency of commercial vehicle operations.

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From Sit-ins to Eat-ins: Celebrating 50 yrs of Desegregation in Charlotte

Submitted by WBTV Web Staff

Friday, May 17th, 2013, 2:27pm

From Sit-ins to Eat-ins: Celebrating 50 yrs of Desegregation in Charlotte

Charlotte made national headlines in May 1963 when Chamber of Commerce members led by Mayor Stan Brookshire voluntarily joined with African American leaders to go two-by-two and desegregate Charlotte’s leading restaurants. This “eat-in” came three years after the sit-in movement had opened lunch counters.

Charlotte Civil Rights activist Dr. Reginald Hawkins triggered the action, leading a march on May 20, 1963 from Johnson C.

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Beards keep men young, healthy & handsome

Submitted by Anonymous on Friday, May 17th, 8:19 am

Gentlemen, beards aren’t just for hipsters and hippies anymore.

If you want proof the beard is king in Charlotte, stand by any college, or look around any corner uptown: You’ll see full beards on the faces of students and men in their 30s and 40s.

So why the new hankering for heavy stubble?

While some say beards just make a man instantly sexy, researchers discovered there’s more to it than sex appeal.

"There are certainly some benefits to having beards," said dermatologist Dr. Ronea Harris with Presbyterian Dermatology South.

The study from the University of Southern Queensland found stubble or facial hair can improve men's overall health.

"We know that hair bearing areas because of the hair it does tend to protect more from UV light so we don't see as many skin cancers," said Dr. Harris.

The study also says that "all that hair" retains moisture and protects against the wind, keeping you looking young and fresh-faced.

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Charlotte city leaders disappointed with Visitor's Authority

Submitted by Dedrick Russell on Thursday, May 16th, 7:09 pm

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- Charlotte city council members are disappointed at Charlotte Regional Authority (CRVA) CEO's presentation about the economic impact the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) basketball tournament had on Charlotte this year.

The tournament happened back in March and still no numbers to reflect how the city profited.

CRVA CEO Tom Murray says it's taking longer because a third party is helping to crunch the numbers.

"We're having our work analyzed and blessed," Murray said. "By the economic organization that did the Democratic National Convention study."

Members of the city's Economic Development Committee clam by now they would have had a full breakdown of how the CIAA did, not a one page sheet paper of information that was handed to them at Thursday's meeting.

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Mecklenburg Co. announces new DSS director

Submitted by Nick Needham on Thursday, May 16th, 5:48 pm

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- Mecklenburg County has a new director for the Department of Social Services.

Interim County Manager Bobbie Shields announced that Peggy Eagan will start as director on June 17.

"I have an entire process that I'll put in place to assess every nook and cranny of DSS" Eagan says. "I believe in effectiveness, efficiency, transparency and accountability and I will apply those across the board in all five divisions I will be responsible for."

Mecklenburg County DSS has a budget of more than $161M; with 1,200 workers, and 256,000 people receiving service of some sort.

Eagan, a licensed social worker with 30 years experience, will make $158,000 a year, and oversee Public Assistance programs; Services for seniors and adults with disabilities; protective services for children and adults.

The county wants her to form a new organizational model for Human Services.

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PPP Poll: Majority of county voters support decision to fire Harry Jones

Submitted by WBTV Web Staff

Thursday, May 16th, 2013, 2:31pm

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- A new Public Policy Polling survey of Mecklenburg County voters finds that Commission Chair Pat Cotham is quite popular with voters in the county, and that they support the board's decision to end County Manager Harry Jones' employment last week.

The PPP Poll was released on Thursday and interviewed the respondents on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Key findings from the poll include:

-46% percent of voters in the county approve of the job Cotham is doing to just 26 percent who disapprove. Cotham is drawing support across party lines for her leadership. Democrats approve of her by a 50/23 margin, independents do so by a 43/29 spread, and Republicans do 42/28. Cotham has solid personal favorability numbers as well at 42/25.

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