Articles

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Can public support save sturdy Swift Island Bridge?
   August 29, 2013
Ruth Ann Grissom
The state proposes tearing down the sturdy Swift Island Bridge to build a modern one. A better idea would be to save this historic bridge – one of only five open-spandrel arch bridges left in the state – for use by pedestrians and cyclists. (Photo: Deb Russell) Read more


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As N.C. graduation rates rise, CMS and Wake are tied
   August 29, 2013

Between 2006 and 2013, the rate of N.C. high school students graduating on time (in four years) rose from 68.3 percent to 82.5 percent. The state's two largest districts, Wake and Charlotte-Mecklenburg, now have the same rate, 81 percent. Explore data for all N.C. districts with our interactive dashboards. (Photo: iStock) Read more


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City to improve safety at site of student death
   August 26, 2013
Chuck McShane
Nearly 18 months after a Garinger High School student was struck by a car and killed crossing Eastway Drive at Sugar Creek Road, the city has OK'd spending money to improve the intersection. But construction won't start until fall 2014. (Photo: Mary Newsom) Read more


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Summer recess brings on the 'summer slide'
   August 22, 2013

As summer vacation winds to an end, many families anxiously await the first day of school – the end of their struggle to provide babysitters, activities and camps to curb bored kids’ mischief. But from educators’ perspective, beginning a new school year can mean a daunting task of overcoming the “summer slide.” (Photo: Nancy Pierce) Read more


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Where the wild things are
   August 21, 2013

Kevin Dick
What kinds of wild animals are in the woods, and what are they up to? The Smithsonian Institution and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences have set up cameras to find out. (Photo: N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences) Read more


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Worried about area’s growth? Here’s how to have your say
   August 21, 2013
Chuck McShane
Charlotte area planning and sustainability enthusiasts can have their say about the future of the region in coming weeks by getting involved in two long-range regional planning efforts. Read more


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A tropical garden in the temperate Piedmont
   August 15, 2013
Ruth Ann Grissom
The right combination of protective hedges, sun-absorbing walls and a southern exposure can turn a corner of your yard into a tropical microclimate ­– especially in a rain-soaked year like this one. (Photo: Ruth Ann Grissom) Read more


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Heed consultants, get on with zoning revamp
   August 13, 2013

Last month, consultants for the City of Charlotte delivered their assessment of the city’s zoning ordinance. The study came in two parts – an Assessment Report and an Approach Report. Like the two parts of the report, after reading it I had two reactions: encouraged, and anxious to see more meaningful action. Commentary. (Photo: Nancy Pierce) Read more


As cities revive, will ‘region’ ever be sexy?
   August 8, 2013
Mary Newsom
Whether you recall the old “inner city” image of poverty and dysfunction, or today's hipster downtowns, both images focus on the central core. That’s one of the biggest challenges facing U.S. cities today: the need to address the whole urban organism of city plus suburb plus exurb. (Photo: Nancy Pierce) Read more


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Uwharrie Trail, from end to end
   August 8, 2013
Crystal Cockman
Thru-hiking means going the complete distance on a long-distance trail. Thanks to the efforts of several organizations, all 40 miles of the Uwharrie Trail can now be “thru-hiked.” (Photo: Crystal Cockman) Read more