WBTV 3 News, Weather, Sports, and Traffic for Charlotte, NC-Speak Out
Member Center:
Somebody please explain how a drunk driver with previous DWI's -- is allowed back out on the road? Two local state reps, Wil Neumann and Tim Moore, say they're looking into changing laws so repeat drunk drivers don't kill anyone else. More>>
Want your child to play sports in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools? Then get out your wallet. Because of a budget crunch, parents will now have to PAY to have their child PLAY.
More>>
"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette. There's a racial battle brewing inside the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School More>>
Recent Primary elections caused our editorial board some concern. Not concern for who was elected -- but concern for the lack of you who voted. 14-percent. 14-percent??? More>>
The honest hard working families that operate small businesses must be free from the fear of being robbed. Those that choose to rob should fear deadly consequences. More>>
Let's do some math… A ZERO increase in the budget equals ZERO merit raises for county employees. I get that. No money equals no raises for employees. What I *don't* get is how a ZERO increase equals a 27-thousand dollar pay increase for County Manager Harry Jones? More>>
This weekend our nation pauses to celebrate the 4th of July, a day set apart to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. John Adams believed it to be (quote) "a day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty." More>>
The year 2010 is half way over. And it's time for a report card for some of our local leaders. More>>
Monday marks the two-year anniversary of our SpeakOut Editorials here on WBTV. This continues a long-standing commitment to social commentary which began on our station back in the 1950s. We remember some of our most important topics and remind viewers why they should Speak Out, as well. More>>
Here's a question for you: Is our indifference growing as our skyline gets bigger? We fear it is. We fear too many people are turning a blind eye. More>>
We know it's early on, but NASCAR Hall of Fame, congratulations on a good beginning. We hope you continue to live up to the hype and the public dollars we've invested. More>>
This month, thousands of students in North and South Carolina are experiencing a rite of passage that they will never forget. They are graduating from High School and preparing for the next phase of their lives. But this year's graduation is bitter-sweet. Hundreds of teachers are losing their jobs due to budget cuts. More>>
Last year more than 19 thousand students in North Carolina gave up. 19 thousand dropped out of school. For some perspective, 19 thousand is almost the student population at U-N-C-Charlotte. Closer to home in C-M-S, nearly 2,000 students quit high school last year. That's about the size of East Meck High How sad.... More>>
"No greater love hath any man but that he lay down his life for his. (John 15:13) More>>
A few weeks ago, parents and the community spoke out and criticized Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Superintendent Peter Gorman and school board members about brutal budget cuts. We applaud them for letting their voices be heard, but at the same time we wonder: "Was it a day late and a dollar short?" More>>
"Celebrate. Remember. Fight back." That's the mission of Relay For Life -- the American Cancer Society's signature event More>>
A few weeks ago we aired an editorial on Healthcare Reform and, boy, did it get a lot of response from our viewers. More>>
Three major Charlotte sports "Atta Boys" this week – The Charlotte Bobcats, The Quail Hollow Championship and the NASCAR Hall of Fame, opening Tuesday, May 11th.
More>>
In 2007, 375-million dollars was raised for "EDUCATION" from the lottery. But it had to be used for classroom reduction, school construction and scholarships. Maybe it's time to reallocate how the "EDUCATION" lottery uses its funds. Think about it... if 375-million was divided by 100 counties... that's an extra 3-point-75 million each county school district could use how it sees fit. More>>
We need healthcare reform. But the way it was just passed is shameful. Our President promised that the process would be out in the open... we all know it wasn't. And, some elected officials voted on the bill without ever reading it. More>>
We live in a war zone. It's not Iraq. Nor Afghanistan. But a war zone, nonetheless. We report on shootings every day. Usually it's bad guys versus bad guys. But when stray bullets hit innocent people, how can we say our streets are anything but war-like? More>>
Our recent Editorial challenging Dr. Peter Gorman's cavalier attitude on advanced teaching degrees really hit a nerve.
More>>
If you get sick while in jail, the state is paying lots of money to get you well. The Department of Corrections spending on healthcare was $175 million in 1999. In 2009, it was $55.8 Million. More>>
A simple question: "Are you prepared?" Spring-time in the Carolinas can be beautiful. Blooming dogwoods, azaleas and longer, warmer days. But it can also bring turbulent weather. More>>
Sometimes we could all use a reminder. But, come on... how many of us need to be reminded sexual harassment isn't tolerated in the workplace? More>>
We've just come through the coldest and wettest winter in decades. We need a break. Well, today's the first day of Spring. Temperatures are rising and we're already in Daylight Saving Time. And while the arrival of Spring won't make all of our problems magically disappear, it is a chance to begin again. More>>
Peter Gorman argues that teacher pay Increases should be based on student achievement…not on a teacher getting an advanced degree. arguing that teacher pay Increases should be based on student achievement…not on a teacher getting an advanced degree. Now we do agree that teachers should get extra money if they boost student achievement. But Dr. Gorman – seriously? Making a statement that advanced degrees don't matter? More>>
On October 9 of this year, The Carolinas Walk Now for Autism Speaks will take place at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The event raises money to fund autism studies and to support those families affected... not only in Charlotte and the Carolinas, but around the world. More>>
Ballantyne will not get public housing -- at least not right now. In concept, spreading public housing throughout a community makes good sense. It's only fair. But in this case -- it was never really about housing for the needy. More>>
Privacy is dead. We're not kidding. We think the concept of "privacy" is gone. Everything you do can be monitored. More>>
Wouldn't it be great to have some of YOUR debt erased? Last month, the U. S. National Whitewater Center announced its lender agreed to forgive a huge chunk of its construction debt. More>>
It's one of the largest and most financially-successful basketball tournaments in the country. It attracts more than 100 thousand fans each year. In 2009, it pumped nearly 40 million dollars into the host city's economy. That five-day tournament is held right here in Charlotte - at the Time Warner Cable Arena. More>>
Here we go again. Same problem. Same strategy. Different superintendent. This time around the drama is unfolding in Lincoln County. More>>
Rosa ParksWhat do Martin Luther King, Jr., the Greensboro Four, the Rock Hill Nine, and Rosa Parks all have in common? Every last one of them said enough was enough. They all said we will no longer be afraid to speak out and stand out. More>>
Charlotte's proposed streetcar purchase to us, it sounds similar to the sub-prime loan mess which just helped wreck our economy. More>>
President's Day will be observed Monday. We'll celebrate George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Two true American heroes who did great things for our nation. But don't you think "heroes" is a word used too loosely these days? It describes athletes...actors...rock stars. Anyone, really. More>>
At this point, the enormity of the devastation from the earthquakes in Haiti is barely understood. Over 200,000 dead and three million homeless. The need for emergency relief is overwhelming. More>>
A few weeks back we aired an editorial about the lack of transparency Congress displayed when crafting Healthcare reform legislation. We clearly hit a nerve. More>>
How many of us have had one job – the same job – for 35 years? That's where Peter Gilchrist is sitting right now. 35 years as Mecklenburg County District Attorney. He's set to retire at the end of the year. More>>
Devastating…
Unimaginable…
Horrific…
These few words barely begin to describe the destruction resulting from the earthquakes in Haiti. The pain and suffering born by our neighbors to the south is, at the very least, heart-wrenching. Tens of thousands More>>
"Outdated and in need of modernization." That's how Governor Bev Perdue recently described the patch-work system of 163 Alcohol Beverage Control boards operating across the state. More>>
"Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth." That's from Abraham Lincoln, in his Gettysburg Address back in 1863. Is that what is going on in Washington these days? Government by the people and for the people?
We think not…
More>>
At 21, you are old enough to drink, smoke, and no longer need adult supervision. But, believe it or not - you can be 21 and still be in the ninth grade in CMS. More>>
This is our 82nd SpeakOut in 2009. In our editorials, we've given atta-boys, slapped wrists, questioned policies and honored those deserving.
More>>
It's only one word. Only four letters. You wouldn't think something that takes up such little space could cause so much controversy. The term is: "Homo." More>>
This is the time of year when we come together with family and friends, count our many blessings, and plan for our futures.We pray in churches, synagogues, and mosques, and ask for divine guidance. More>>
"The joy of giving." We hear that phrase often this time of year. Some may say it's a cliché…but we see plenty of evidence that it's alive and well.
More>>
Recently we aired an editorial about Repeat Offenders being one of the biggest problems in our community. We asked you what you thought the solution was, and many of you responded. More>>
Construction on the final five mile leg of I-485 is slated to begin in 2015. Six years past due. Only... surprise! Last month Governor Beverly Perdue promised to kick it off in 20-10. More>>
"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette. First, Ken Lewis says he'll run Bank of America for the long haul. Then... More>>
The holiday shopping season is here. The sales will be EVERYwhere and EVERYone will be looking for the best deal. These days, a lot of us do our shopping online. But this season, we encourage you to also consider shopping right in your own community. More>>
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving…a time when we traditionally take stock of our many blessings. And while 2009 has been a challenging year, there is still much for which to be thankful. One example we'd like to acknowledge is the Carolinas' Thanksgiving Day Parade. More>>
Police say call it a blatant fact...If you commit one crime, you are likely to commit another. Repeat offenders are one of the biggest problems in our community -- More>>
This week we celebrate Veteran's Day. For many, it won't be a holiday. Especially for American servicemen and women stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq...and in many other locations around the world. More>>
Tackling racism is the tough assignment of the day in Gaston County public schools. More>>
Today is Halloween. And many of you loving, responsible parents will take your children trick or treating. You'll protect them in your neighborhood. You'll check their candy before they dive into it. You'll keep them safe...today. But what about tomorrow? More>>
Tuesday is Election Day. It's a day many of our forefathers fought for and sacrificed everything to achieve. All elections are important...but this one especially so. More>>
The dysfunctional Burke County school board strikes again. Behind closed doors, a majority recently voted in new superintendent Dr. Arthur Stellar. We hope the new top educator can live up to his last name. More>>
At the end of our SpeakOut editorials, we invite you to respond...whether you agree or disagree. Here's a sampling of e-mails we've received on a variety of issues: More>>
The Charlotte Mecklenburg School Board is under fire lately as it considers re-drawing assignment boundaries. Parents and students caught in the middle of these changes are *fired up*. More>>
"It will happen. How quickly is up to you." That's the slogan for this year's Susan G. Komen *Charlotte's* Race for the Cure. We like the cause... but we've got to say... we also like this slogan. It's a confident way to talk about finding a cure. More>>
One thing is very clear after a series of recent town hall meetings and the September 12th rally in Washington D-C -- lots of people are mad as hell! Are YOU one of them? More>>
Think democracy doesn't work? People uniting together can make a difference. You can live in a small town with big problems and get results. More>>
If the North Carolina coast is hit with a catastrophic storm like Hurricane Hugo, property owners statewide will now have to help cover loses for beach homeowners. More>>
Before the summer vacation, Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools laid off 665 teachers. Now that the state budget is finally approved, Superintendent Peter Gorman is re-hiring teachers...but not all of them. CMS can bring back 286 teachers and licensed staff. We want Superintendent Gorman to hire the best... More>>
Friday is September 11th, now also known as Patriots' Day. Show your patriotism. Show your support of our country. Show your belief in our Constitution. Fly an American flag. More>>
At this hour do you know where your children are? Do you know what they are doing? Who they are hanging out with? If not...you should. It could mean a matter of life or death. More>>
The National Association of Colored People...better known as the N-double-A-C-P... has played and continues to play a major role to obtain justice for African Americans. But in a world where there is still racial tension, it's sad to say Charlotte... the largest city in North Carolina... is not on board with the oldest and largest civil rights organization in the country. More>>
"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette. When it comes to parceling out road money, the "Good Ole' Boys" in Raleigh More>>
Just a few weeks ago Beverly Perdue said: "Who in the world thinks in these trying, challenging times for families that you can raise income tax?" But then, last week, Governor Perdue signed a State Budget that raises 990-million in new taxes. It passed. More>>
Governor Sanford -- you should resign. We don't support your affair, but that's not the reason we're saying this. In fact, if it was just the affair, our editorial board wouldn't have this stance. You should resign because you are not living up to your own word. Even more importantly, you ignored your duty. More>>
It's a SHAME and an EMBARRASSMENT. The Burke County School Board may have thought their troubles were over after getting rid of popular superintendent David Burleson. They were wrong. More>>
GOVERNOR PERDUE...WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?
WE'VE SAID THIS IN A PREVIOUS EDITORIAL, AND WE WANT TO SAY IT AGAIN.
UNEMPLOYMENT IS AT A RECORD HIGH IN NORTH CAROLINA...
PEOPLE ARE HURTING...
AND YOU WANT TO RAISE TAXES ON MONEY THEY DON'T HAVE? More>>
60 years ago this week, WBTV...the Carolinas' first TV station...broadcast a grainy, black and white picture. It was a simpler time, but not care-free. More>>
When a parent is ordered by the court to pay child support and continuously fails to do so, he or she is referred to as a "deadbeat." More>>
I'm about to say something you've all heard before. This time, really listen to the words. "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." More>>
You might have heard...things are a little rowdy in Burke County. It all centers around decisions made by school board politicians. Check out the chain of events: In April, the Burke County school board terminates a popular superintendent but gives no reason....the community is outraged. More>>
$790 million...$900 million...$1½ BILLION...That's how much the North Carolina House, Senate, and Governor want to "increase revenues" for the next fiscal year. More>>
As a father, I can honestly say that being a parent is the most important job of your life. From the moment your son or daughter comes into this world, it is your responsibility to care for your child and take an active role in developing the adult they will become. More>>
John Cole from Lenoir sent an e-mail to Speak Out Saying,
"I would like to commend you on your investigation of the United Way in Charlotte and its respective leader and board members," writes John Cole from Lenoir.
"However, perhaps unintentionally, The United Way of Catawba County - which is completely separate from those in your story - are being directly impacted by association." More>>
In February, N.C. Governor Bev Perdue said, "It's my goal to start I-485 by the end of the year and finish soon after that." What she neglected to say is that if this is to happen, there will be some strings attached. More>>
The ripple effect from the United Way controversy continues to adversely affect many worthy agencies and programs. With contributions way off, difficult decisions on "who gets the money" are being made. More>>
The BIG SWITCH to digital television is only days away. On June 12th, local broadcast television stations, including WBTV, will stop transmitting analog, over-the-air signals. More>>
"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette. Memorial Day Weekend is the traditional kick-off to summer. Families often More>>
End of Grade testing is this week...school is almost out. What are you going to do with your children? It's important to get your kids involved in something. More>>
In the 1976 movie, Network, a fictional newsman implores viewers to shout from their windows: "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take this anymore!" Well, that seems to be happening in our community. More>>
"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette. Weeks ago we aired a Speak Out editorial about the United Way. Stop dragging More>>
School boards all across North Carolina are saying..."Show us the money!" We're asking..."What's the holdup?" More>>
President Obama campaigned on "CHANGE" and the majority of American voters embraced the concept. Make no mistake, change is coming at a lightning-fast pace. More>>
Some teenagers have been using camera phones to send sexually provocative pictures to each other. It's called "Sexting". More>>
Street racing isn't just a thrill in the moment -- it's a deadly form of lawbreaking. People die. Sometimes even those who are innocent, as we recently witnessed. More>>
They say time heals all wounds. The Clark family says they've had time...now they need justice. More>>
Is this just another ploy to keep Charlotte smaller than Raleigh or truly an oversight by our newly elected Governor Beverly Perdue? More>>
We concluded a recent editorial on the sour economy with the phrase "Keep the Faith." We believe that things will get better. More>>
Pushing, yelling, hitting... Constant threatening. These are symptoms of abuse. If it's not stopped in its tracks early, it could lead to tragedy. More>>
Parents: OPEN YOUR EYES. Teenagers are drinking alcohol. Underage kids *are* buying and consuming beer, wine, and liquor. Lots of it. More>>
Desperation is not a tangible thing. Only...It's starting to feel like it. You can touch it. You can see it. If desperation could talk, we'd hear a loud chorus of people speaking that language. I bet you know at least one person who has lost their job because of the economy.You may know several. More>>
Politicians can do a lot of good and harm behind closed doors. They can make deals... create alliances... and conceal their conversations. Now, thanks to a bold decision from Mecklenburg County Commissioners, closed-door meetings will be recorded for the public to hear. More>>
The BIG SWITCH to digital television will happen...EVENTUALLY. Vegas odds makers are now listing the day June 12th, 2009. That's if the U-S Government doesn't change its mind AGAIN. More>>
Money is tight...People are desperate... And yet... South Carolina's Governor says forget it. He'll refuse a quarter of the eight-point-two billion stimulus package unless Washington lets him use some of it to pay down debt. More>>
In a recent Speak Out, we asked you how you thought Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools could cut the 90 million it needs to cut, without cutting teachers. Here are some of your responses. More>>
If you are distributing stimulus money - would you give more to small towns with fewer people, or more money to larger cities with a significantly higher population? More>>
At the end of each SpeakOut, we invite you to email us your thoughts. After our editorial on the smoking ban -- we said we were all for it -- many of you responded. More>>
"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette. Once upon a time being a teacher was a safe profession, But teachers are More>>
Despite the fact our country is in a recession, Despite Wall Street hitting the lowest point in more than two decades...There is a bright side. These days, the consumer is in the driver's seat More>>
As the, quote, "World's largest artificial whitewater river and an official U.S. Olympic Training Site", we think the idea is well and good... but the bottom line is that so far, we've seen many more dollars go down the drain than rafters float down the river. More>>
I'm sure you've heard the news by now: "The End of the World" is coming...in weeks, if not days. Economists, pundits, even your neighbors have dire predictions about the future of our sinking economy. And yet, we go on about our daily lives...because we must. More>>
