Group Shows Up For Freedom Rally In Forest City

(Rutherford County, NC) -- Freedom rallies have the attention of some residents in western North Carolina. WLOS-TV reports around 200 people showed up for a march Saturday in Forest City, where Congressman Madison Cawthorn called for a fight against government overreach. Another "Stand for Freedom" rally is being held in Henderson County this Saturday, with another to follow the next weekend in Polk County. Cawthorn said on Saturday that Americans won't sit down any longer.

Suspect Arrested For Dozens Of Theft Charges

(Buncombe County, NC) -- The suspected leader of a large theft ring in Buncombe County is behind bars. Investigators arrested a 23-year-old man Friday on nearly 40 fraud and theft charges in connection to a six-month operation. Around 200-thousand-dollars-worth of stolen items has been recovered so far. The man is one of three suspects accused of stealing mail and identities in the Arden, Hendersonville and Fletcher areas.

NC's Senate Candidates Hauling In Fundraising Money

(Raleigh, NC) -- Money is flowing into the campaigns for North Carolina's U.S. Senate candidates. Republican Congressman Ted Budd and former governor Pat McCrory have both pulled in over one-million-dollars in fundraising over the first part of the new fiscal year. Democrat candidate Cheri Beasley raised even more, around one-and-a-half-million.

Asheville's Shiloh Community Celebrates Anniversary

(Asheville, NC) -- Asheville's oldest African-American community is celebrating. WLOS-TV reports the Shiloh Community Association held its 21st anniversary event on Saturday. It was the first chance for community members to celebrate since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. The Shiloh community has been inhabited in Asheville for nearly 150-years.

Mexican Consulate Provides Help In Macon County

(Franklin, NC) -- The Consulate of Mexico is helping provide services in Macon County. A mobile unit was set up over the weekend at the Macon County Public Library, where people could receive help with passports and dual citizenship services. The stop was also used as a way to encourage COVID-19 vaccines.

Frost Advisory In Effect For WNC

(Asheville, NC) -- Frost could be popping up this morning in most of western North Carolina. The National Weather Service has issued a frost advisory for most mountain counties through 9 a.m. Temperatures are expected to bottom out in the low-to-mid-30s. Outdoor vegetation could be in jeopardy if left uncovered.

Man Found Dead From SW Charlotte Shooting

(Charlotte, NC) -- The CMPD is investigating a homicide in two parts of the Queen City. Officers say a person was shot on Remount Road in southwest Charlotte yesterday. The victim then reportedly drove to uptown near Truist Field, where the man was found dead. The search is on for a suspect.

Suspect Arrested In Missing Woman's Death

(Gastonia, NC) -- A suspect is facing charges in the death of a missing Gastonia woman. The body of LaPorscha Baldwin in Fairfield County, South Carolina last Thursday. Her car was found abandoned on I-85 in Gaston County after she was reported missing the weekend before. Officers arrested Baldwin's ex-boyfriend for murder in Myrtle Beach on Saturday.

Fire Breaks Out At Huntersville Business

(Huntersville, NC) -- Firefighters are investigating a massive blaze at a Huntersville business. Flames erupted outside Wallace Farm Soil Products on Saturday night. A witness told WBTV that wind was blowing the fire away from the company's mulch supply, which prevented it from spreading further. No injuries were reported.

City Council Discussing Rezoning For Land

(Charlotte, NC) -- The Charlotte city council is discussing a piece of land that could be used for a new stadium. Members are meeting today to consider rezoning 55-acres owned by the Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, which has reportedly been considered as an option for a new Panthers' stadium by team owner David Tepper. WSOC-TV says a light rail stop is part of the site plans. Bank of America Stadium is the eighth oldest home field in use in the NFL.

Two Homicides In North Charlotte

(Charlotte, NC) -- Two people are dead in north Charlotte homicides. Officers found one person shot to death on Aulton Link Court early Sunday morning. Another shooting led to the death of a second victim at Tanglewood Apartments on Wynbrook Way less than 12-hours later.

Panthers Lose Third Straight

(Charlotte, NC) -- The Panthers' losing streak is up to three-games. Minnesota defeated Carolina 34-to-28 in overtime on Sunday afternoon at Bank of America Stadium. Sam Darnold connected with Robby Andersen to score a game-tying touchdown with less than a minute in regulation, but the comeback came up short in the end. Carolina has dropped its last three after opening the season with three wins.

Votes Expected In Raleigh And Wake County This Week On Proposals To Ban Discrimination Against LGBT Groups

(Wake County, NC) -- The Wake County Commission is set to take up a vote today on a proposed ordinance intended to ban discrimination against LGBTQ groups. If approved, the legislation would prohibit discrimination in employment and public places based on sexual orientation, race, gender identity, or veteran status. The Raleigh City Council is scheduled to take up a similar resolution tomorrow.

Rates Could Be Increasing For Thousands Of Old North State Water Customers

(Wake County, NC) -- Thousands of customers of a Wake County utility company could soon be getting a sizeable increase on their water bills. Customers of Alabama based Old North State Water, were recently sent notices informing them that a request has been made to the North Carolina Utilities Commission allowing a rate hike of more than double the current level. The increase would affect some 44-subdivisions in Wake County. Many have already complained of poor water quality coming from community wells instead of reservoirs.

Knightdale Police Officer Killed When Car Slams Into His Patrol Vehicle

(Knightdale, NC) -- Residents in the town of Knightdale are mourning the death of a rookie police officer who had just began his career on the force three months ago. It happened around 2:40 am Sunday on I-540 eastbound near the Buffalo Road exit. According to the accident report, 23-year old Officer Ryan Hayworth and another officer were investigating a single-car crash, when the driver of a separate vehicle slammed into the back of their patrol car. Hayworth died at the scene of the crash, the other officer was rushed to the hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries. Officer Hayworth was the son of retired Zebulon Police Chief Timothy Hayworth.

Five Raleigh Teens Killed When Their Car Crashes Into A Bridge Abutment

(Raleigh, NC) -- Raleigh police are investigating the deaths of five teenagers who were killed in a single-car accident early Sunday morning. It happened around 6:15 am on Capital Boulevard near Fairview Road. Authorities say the driver apparently lost control of the vehicle and ran off the road and crashed into a concrete bridge abutment. All five of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

State Highway Patrol Urging Caution Around School Buses During Operation Stop Arm

(Raleigh, NC) -- Happening all this week in North Carolina, the State Highway Patrol will be stepping up its enforcement of traffic laws around school zones and bus stops. It's all part of National School Bus Safety Week, which runs from today through Friday, October 22nd. In North Carolina, the Operation Stop Arm initiative aims to remind motorists to adhere to speed limits and avoid distractions near school buses. Passing a stopped school bus in North Carolina is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 500-dollars in fines.

Greensboro Man Charged For Three Overdose Deaths

(Liberty, NC) -- A Greensboro man is under arrest in connection to a series of overdose deaths. Police say Xavier Andrews is responsible for the deaths of three people who were found unresponsive at Johnson's Mobile Home Park in Liberty. Two people were treated at a local hospital and released. The S-B-I believes all five ingested cocaine laced with fentanyl. Andrews was arrested Saturday night and is being held in Randolph County Jail under a one-million-dollar bond.

Fire Crews Rescue Pets From Winston-Salem Home

(Winston-Salem, NC) -- Winston-Salem fire crews say they rescued several pets from a burning home. Firefighters were called to the 500-block of Beth Avenue Friday night. They found smoke pouring out of the front porch. No people were hurt, but firefighters saved two dogs and one cat. One dog died. Officials believe it was an electrical fire that started in the kitchen.

Adults, Students Fight At Kernersville

(Kernersville, NC) -- Two adults and three children are in trouble after a fight broke out at a high school in Forsyth County. The scene unfolded around 2 p.m. Friday at Glenn High School in Kernersville. School resource officials were able to intervene before police officers and deputies arrived. No one was badly hurt. A grandparent, 56-year-old Evette Lewiss, and three juveniles were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. Officials did not say what caused the fight, or whether the second adult involved was charged.

Reidsville Man Dies After Rear-Ending Garbage Truck

(Greensboro, NC) -- A 30-year-old Reidsville man is dead after, police say, he crashed his car into the back of a dump truck. The accident happened Saturday morning on U.S. 29 at Reedy Fork Parkway. Police say Marquell Jordan was heading southbound when he rear-ended the truck. He died at the scene. An investigation is ongoing.

Wake Forest University Warns Of Drugged Drinks

(Winston-Salem, NC) -- Students at Wake Forest University are being warned about a series of drugged drinks on campus. University officials say three reports of drugged drinks have been reported in recent weeks, including one this past weekend. They're urging students to never leave their drinks unattended and not to accept drinks from strangers.