Jonathan Lowe

Mar 25, 2025 | yahoo.com | Jonathan Lowe

CMS $1.95B operating budget aims to increase teacher pay, improve literacyCharlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Crystal Hill has proposed a new budget that aims to raise the minimum teacher salary to $50,000, but it comes at the cost of not filling 40 positions. The proposed operating budget for the next school year amounts to $1.95 billion, which is less than a percent increase from last year’s budget.

Feb 13, 2025 | yahoo.com | Dave Faherty |Jonathan Lowe

Blue Ridge Energy crews are working to restore electricity to thousands of residents in Watauga, Ashe, and Alleghany counties after freezing rain and ice brought down tree limbs causing widespread outages. “Just a lot of ice and it’s slick and trees are down, and it’s really foggy out here too,” said James Sloan from Blue Ridge Energy. Crews have reported encountering up to half an inch of ice on trees, making restoration efforts challenging.

Feb 11, 2025 | yahoo.com | Jonathan Lowe

Cabarrus County Schools district faces budget issues, leaders plan next stepsCabarrus County Schools leaders will begin working on their next budget in March and ahead of that, financial officials recently updated school board members on the district’s fiscal standing, which is facing some significant challenges. “This year, our enrollment has increased dramatically from what we’re used to and it’s cost us a lot more money,” Superintendent John Kopicki said.

Jan 6, 2025 | yahoo.com | Jonathan Lowe

Strong winds, snow, and freezing temperatures created treacherous conditions in Watauga County Monday night. The blizzard-like conditions caused most businesses in downtown Blowing Rock to close. “Snow is one thing. We stay open through normal storms, but I think the ice kinda scared some people away,” said local Bobby Paul. First winter storm could impact Charlotte metro for first time in nearly 3 yearsAdvertisementThe area is still recovering from damage from Hurricane Helene.

Dec 9, 2024 | yahoo.com | Jonathan Lowe

Violent crime in Uptown is down 5% year to date and property crime is down 7%, leaders at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department announced Monday night at a city council meeting. Arrest made in mass shooting that injured 5 during New Year’s Eve celebration in UptownArrests are up 5%. However, commercial and residential burglaries and robberies continue to be a challenge. There have been positive results from several operations underway in Uptown.