Government News

News Summary Residents of Charlotte are raising alarm over a new North Carolina law that allows billboard companies to clear-cut vegetation up to 500 feet from their signs. Locals fear this will lead to significant environmental degradation, especially near vital waterways like Irwin Creek. Community members and environmental advocates are pushing back against what they see as a threat to the city’s green spaces, while the outdoor advertising industry argues

News Summary Residents in Charlotte may soon see an increase in their water and stormwater fees, with proposed hikes between 5.75% and 7% for water services and 4% to 6.65% for stormwater. City officials assert that these changes aim to support routine maintenance and manage rising project costs. The upcoming budget proposal in May will finalize these increases, impacting around 90% of homeowners and approximately 79% of water customers, with

News Summary Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) will close on March 5, 2025, due to an impending severe weather advisory predicting heavy rain and strong winds. With safety as a priority, all extracurricular activities and programs have been canceled. Neighboring districts are also adjusting their schedules as the community prepares for possible tornadoes and flash flooding. On this day, residents are advised to stay indoors and remain vigilant as local authorities gear

News Summary The Honduran community in Charlotte is experiencing heightened anxiety due to escalated ICE enforcement actions and changes in immigration policy. Many residents, especially women, are fearing deportation and are increasingly requesting assistance to return to Honduras. The local consulate has seen a surge in dual citizenship applications amid concerns for their children’s futures. As these tensions rise, the impact on local businesses and community dynamics becomes more pronounced,

News Summary The U.S. government’s recent cancellation of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) extension for Haitian immigrants has left Charlotte’s Haitian community in turmoil, creating anxiety and uncertainty. With TPS scheduled to end on August 3, 2025, many families fear deportation while legal options remain limited. Immigration attorneys are urging affected individuals to understand their rights as the community prepares for a potential crisis. A community-focused immigration clinic scheduled for