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What's in a name? A lot if you're a high school in North Mecklenburg County. In our Cover Story, PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports on the name controversy that's dividing a community and has some parents worried. More>>
North Carolina trying to slam the door on inmates in state prisons serving life sentences and were apparently scheduled to go free. It's the case of 130 robbers, rapists and killers. Now, they're not getting out any time soon. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson explains in our Cover Story. More>>
This week, students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools getting the H1N1 vaccine. And according to local health experts that's a good thing, because when it comes to the swine flu the worst may be yet to come. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson has a look in our Cover Story. More>>
The case of a five-year old girl allegedly sold into slavery bringing to light an issue not many people know about: human trafficking. Slavery going on in the Carolinas PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson has a look in our Cover Story. More>>
Charlotte transit in transition. A new CEO tapped to head the Charlotte Transit System. She's Carolyn Flowers and she will oversee everything from buses, to streetcars, to LYNX light rail projects. So with a changing of power and decreasing revenue at CATS - what happens to all of those projects? PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports in our Cover Story. More>>
Two North Carolina families dealing with fear and worry - they want their loved ones to come home, a 5-year old girl missing from Fayetteville and a 61-year old grandmother who disappeared in west Charlotte. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson takes you inside a search why those first 24 hours that are so crucial. More>>
After days of heavy rain the concern now becomes rising waters on area lakes. In our Cover Story, PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson shows us who's managing the lake levels and what's being done right now to ward against flooding. More>>
President Obama talking with his national security team discussing options for winning the war in Afghanistan, a war some say we're losing. It's also a war that's being compared to Vietnam. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson has a look in our Cover Story. More>>
Flooding a real problem in urban areas in Charlotte. We've seen flooding on Briar Creek Road with previous weather events. The Doral apartments lie right in the floodplain zone. That's why the county has placed flood sensors in the area. Those sensors alert emergency responders when the water levels get too high. More>>
NC Gov. Bev Perdue with a plan that puts finishing I-485 on the fast track. The governor announcing Monday that she's found a way to get the outer belt completed faster and cheaper than anyone ever thought possible. And she won't need to take any money away from the Independence Boulevard Project. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson has a look in our Cover Story. More>>
Have you noticed? Gas prices are creeping back up again. Up 30-cents a gallon in the last month alone even though peak demand time, or summer driving, is over. What's going on here? PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson goes in search for answers in our Cover Story. More>>
Mecklenburg county could be losing a well-respected superior court judge in Mecklenburg County, which seems bad, but losing this judge could actually be good for the entire state of North Carolina. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson explains in our Cover Story. More>>
It's a mayoral race that's being watched around the country, the race between Anthony Foxx and John Lassiter. Who will become Charlotte's next mayor? In our Cover Story, PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson looks at what it takes to win. More>>
Two different takes on a political ad mailed out in the eleventh hour in the Charlotte mayor's race. Have the fangs come out, or this just fair political play? PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson has a look in our Cover Story. More>>
One of Charlotte biggest employers US Airways announcing 1,000 layoffs, direct flights slashed. In our Cover Story, PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson asks what does the shuffle mean for Charlotte? More>>
Bombshells dropped in Raleigh. A Mike Easley supporter opens up about the former governor's home fix-ups, allegedly paid for with campaign money. And flights Easley took -- that he allegedly did not pay for. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson has more in our Cover Story. More>>
Killers, rapists, and robbers in North Carolina prisons, awaiting release. At first, it was 20 inmates. Seven more just added. Now, we're being told it could be 120 prisoners freed when this whole thing is said and done. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson explains why in our Cover Story. More>>
Tens of thousands of balloon enthusiasts descending on Statesville this weekend for the 36th Annual Carolina BalloonFest, the second oldest ballon rally in the U.S. In our Cover Story, PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson says this festival would not be happening, if it weren't for a hot air balloon company based in our own backyard. More>>
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Union County Public Schools together received a more than half a million dolllar federal grant to clean up their buses. That means they'll be able to make changes, so that their buses will burn cleaner fuel. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports in our Cover Story. More>>
H1N1 swine flu death numbers being kept hush-hush by health officials. If someone died from the virus in your county - you'd have no way of knowing it. In our Cover Story PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson looks at the reasons why. More>>
Lowe's Motor Speedway and the z-Max Dragway are home to tens of thousands of race fans, and to some of the fastest speeds on the planet. But what brings all of these elements together is one Charlotte man. He's not a NASCAR driver, but he's famous in the racing world, as PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports in our Cover Story. More>>
Bank of America's new CEO could be announced any day now. And Charlotte city leaders are preparing to court the new chief executive Ken Lewis' replacement. However, some in Charlotte are hitting the panic button, concerned over who will take over the nation's largest bank, fearing the new CEO will move the bank's headquarters. In our Cover Story, PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson explores the real concerns, and the hype. More>>
County Commissioners in Lincoln county voting Wednesday night to take legal action if Sheriff Tim Daughtery refuses to resign. Daughtery is charged with two counts of obstruction of justice. With Daughtery facing criminal charges, some are asking do we really need to elect a sheriff? Critics argue that basically anybody could be put in office. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson explores the debate in our Cover Story. More>>
They're not only an eye sore, but a real danger to our neighborhoods. Abandoned buildings considered hot spots for vagrants and drugs. But even worse, they can become death traps in the case of a fire, which is part of the reason Charlotte wants to end the problem of empty stores once and for all. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports in our Cover Story. More>>
An elderly man dies in a house fire in Gaston County. The man who dialed 911, called from his cell phone and didn't have the right address. In our Cover Story, PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports on why 911 operators say cell phones can make it harder for them to find you in an emergency. More>>
WBTV On Your side tackling your office swine flu questions. Can your boss send you home if you're sick? And can your boss force you to get the H-1-N-1 vaccine? PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports in our Cover Story. More>>
U-S Airways passengers flying from New York to Charlotte didn't think they'd be riding with a celebrity today. Captain Sully Sullenbuerger, back in the cockpit on Thursday, almost nine months after that incredible splash landing in New York City's Hudson River. In our Cover Story, PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson answers what's changed since that January accident. More>>
Counting down the hours until a game that carries a 117-year rivalry. The Livingstone Blue Bears in Salisbury taking on Johnson C-Smith's Golden Bulls. In our Cover Story, PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson explains how these two black colleges are taking their history in North Carolina...and pushing it to the national level. More>>
Charlotte is the employment hub of our region. But in a bad economy, we've see significant job loss. City planners are hoping to take that loss, and turn into opportunity. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson is unveiling Center City 2020 Vision Plan..what Charlotte's Center City and surrounding neighborhoods will look like in the next decade. More>>
Words like "must win" and "do or die" being said about the big matchup in the "Big D." The Panthers taking on the Dallas Cowboys in Dallas. Wondering why, with the season still so young... so much riding on Monday night's game? PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson explains in our Cover Story. More>>
A gun from South Carolina used to shoot four police officers in New Jersey. And according to police, this happens far too often. Guns are stolen from the Carolinas and used to commit crimes in the northeast. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports in our Cover Story. More>>
Upset over credit card interest rates and overdraft fees, bank customers are strking back. In our Cover Story PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports on how to make sure your complaint gets resolved. More>>
On this week we mark the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Hugo in the Carolinas.. one surprise development.. it looks like predictions for an active hurricane season this year will miss the mark. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports in our Cover Story. More>>
The first open seat for Charlotte mayor in 14 years. Tuesday night, the candidates trying to get your vote, are going toe-to-toe. Voters believe it's an important election but say they can't distinguish between the candidates. How do Lassiter and Foxx break out of the pack? PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson has a look in our Cover Story. More>>
20 years ago at midnight Tuesday, Hurricane Hugo hit the Carolinas. Hours later it slammed Charlotte. Trees were down. Hundreds of thousands without power. Destruction everywhere. In our Cover Story, PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson is asking the question, If Hugo hit right now, would we be ready? More>>
While some banks may be in trouble, this piggy bank for Concord keeps on making deposits. In our Cover Story PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports on how Concord Mills has become North Carolina's number one tourist destination. More>>
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is having to re-draw boundaries to even out enrollment. Students would be moved to other schools, leaving parents very un-easy. In our Cover Story, PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson talks to the experts, who say even if your kid doesn't go to C-M-S, re-zoning could happen in your city. More>>
Major developments in court today surrounding a teenager convicted three years ago in a highly publicized deadly drunk driving case. Attorneys for former Myers Park senior Brock Franklin arguing in Mecklenburg court today for a new trial. Franklin's attorneys claiming they have new evidence that Franklin was drugged the night he drove his car the wrong way on I-485 killing two people. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson has more in our Cover Story. More>>
Charlotte voters go to the polls in the city primary. But turnout was one of the lowest in history. In our Cover Story, PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports Tuesday's low turnout really hurts the process, and some say it costs a lot of money. More>>
It's considered one of the safest general aviation planes in the world. The only aircraft with a parachute. We're digging into the safety features on the plane that Skipper Beck was flying when it went down in Rock Hill Friday. And what aviation experts say likely led to the deadly crash. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports. More>>
President Obama on Wednesday night making what's being called the most important speech of his presidency. He'll be trying to get the health care reform train back on track. After months of criticism for not offering a clear plan, the White House says the president will talk about specific goals tonight. As PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson explains in our Cover Story this is not the first time Congress has had this debate. More>>
Calls for South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford to resign, now coming from one of the State's top ranking Republicans. House Speaker Bobby Harrell sent the Governor a letter asking him to step down. Meanwhile as PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports in our Cover Story Sanford is reaching out to average South Carolinians to convince them he should remain in office. More>>
It's become a case of the President versus parents. Obama's web speech to students stirring up controversy, and it hasn't even aired yet. Some say the president's views are being shoved down their child's throat. Others say, the speech is about education, what's the harm? In our Cover Story, PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports on what this debate is really about and why some say it has nothing to do with students. More>>
Thursday was the last pre-season game for the Panthers. While football season is heating up, so are ticket sales. We've heard the stories before, you buy on-line, get your ticket, go up to the gate and it doesn't scan. More>>
Swine flu could soon be spreading faster than we've seen so far. 100 students at Wake Forest University were diagnosed with and treated for swine flu. And experts believe college campuses could be the catalyst to a nation-wide epidemic. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson explains in our Cover Story. More>>
A sports shocker. The Richardson sons step down from the Carolina Panthers. Now questions about the future of the franchise and what will this mean for other big sporting events in the Queen City? PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson has a look in our Cover Story. More>>
Is anyone on SC Governor Mark Sanford's side? At a meeting this weekend, not one Republican defended him. The calls to impeach, and how fast it could happen. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports in our Cover Story. More>>
A push to make the cars we drive safer. And to reduce the number of traffic deaths by thousands. A group will be testing this new technology right here in Charlotte -- and it will be used across the world. In our Cover Story, PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson introduces us to what some are calling the seatbelts of tomorrow. More>>
United Way of the Central Carolinas hopes a million dollar donation will be the shot in the arm it needs to survive a tough campaign season. Thursday kicked off the 2009 campaign. Primetime's Dedrick Russell explores in our Cover Story. More>>
Imagine sitting in a classroom with 25 people, now imagine that classroom with 35 students. Would you learn at the same level or differently? In our Cover Story, PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports on what the experts say about packing more students in a classroom. More>>
We're all tired of hearing about crime in our neighborhoods. Frustrated by the robberies and the shootings. But the question we're asking what do you do when you are personally confronted with a criminal, face to face. Do you take matters into your own hands? And will the law be on your side? PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson explores in our Cover Story. More>>
An effort underway to boost participation in the U.S. Census. Why so early? Because for the last 40 years response to the Census questionaires has been declining.. and this time around some groups are pushing for illegal immigrants to boycott the Census. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson has more in our Cover Story. More>>
The Charlotte Bobcats team is millions of dollars of debt. And it's no secret, that team owner Bob Johnson has been trying to sell his 70 percent share for months now. So who's on the bidding list? And what would a new owner mean for Charlotte? More>>
VIPs broke ground on the first toll road in North Carolina Wednesday. It's called the Triangle Expressway, west of Raleigh. In our Cover Story PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson is looking at the money issue... Is this double taxing drivers? More>>
City leaders from Charlotte and Atlanta meeting in Charlotte discussing plans for future growth in the southeast. They say without a plan the region will grow without direction.. which in the end, could hurt us economically. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson explains in our Cover Story. More>>
If you're thinking about taking advantage of the Cash for Clunkers extension this weekend consumer groups have a warning. Scammers are ripping people off. And in some parts of the country some dealerships are of taking advantage of car buyers. WBTV is On Your side with what to watch out for. Here's PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson. More>>
The North Carolina budget on its way to Governor Beverly Perdue's desk. What does this mean for you? Higher taxes in the form of an income tax surcharge for the wealthy, a one-cent sales tax hike for all of us... and increases in tobacco, alcohol and other taxes.. altogether totalling $990 million. Will there be any fallout from raising taxes in a recession? Here's PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson. More>>
Concerns being raised about home grown terrorism after federal officials charged eight Raleigh area men of planning a "violent jihad." In our Cover Story, PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson says when you think of terrorism, you don't think of North Carolina. But this latest case has certainly opened our eyes. More>>
While our men and women are fighting terrorists overseas-- we're reminded the sacrifices they make for our freedom. When troops are hurt.. many times they're sent to a hospital.. far from home and family. Naturally, the family members of those injured want to be close to their loved one, but may not have the money to see them. That's where a local group is stepping in. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson explains in our Cover Story. More>>
Recent lightning strikes doing a number on our city. Crews were busy all day checking not only our power lines but our sewage stations. At least three were hit, putting our water and our community at risk. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson has more in our Cover Story. More>>
Suspects committing crimes while on probation and parole. In our Cover Story, PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson tells us how a new tool introduced this week won't let criminals keep law enforcers in the dark. More>>
A controversial federal program that deports illegal immigrants tonight being credited with nabbing here in Charlotte one of America's Most Wanted. But could the program itself being going away? PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports in our Cover Story. More>>
The legal battle over the puppy born with five legs growing just hours after her surgery to remove her fifth leg. A Coney Island show owner is threatening to sue because the puppy's original owner backed out on the sale of the dog. At the heart of this -- is a verbal agreement between the show owner and the original owners. The question we're asking how much is your promise worth? PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports. More>>
Congress debating an overhaul of the nation's health care system and local doctors and patients are weighing in on the plan. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson explains in our Cover Story. More>>
A new trend in senior health care that's taking the country by storm. It's more personal, more affordable and best of all.. it happens at home. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson explains in our Cover Story. More>>
The changing face of politics in Charlotte Mecklenburg. Friday was the last day to file for local elections - and the ballot is filled with names you've probably never heard of before. In our Cover Story, PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson takes a look at how local democracy is about to do a total one-eighty. More>>
NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield denying all accusations of drug use after NASCAR says Mayfield tested positive again for methamphetamine. In our Cover Story, how additing is meth and what are the warning signs? PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports. More>>
Day 15 without a state budget for North Carolina. And state government's running on a temporary spending plan that expires at midnight Wednesday night. Hanging in the balance teachers' jobs.. tax increases and cuts in government services. And the lawmakers trying to come up with a plan can't get together. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson explains in our Cover Story. More>>
President Obama on Tuesday making a pitch for community colleges. He's proposing spending $12 billion over the next decade to strengthen them. As PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports in our Cover Story it couldn't come at a better time. More>>
As we celebrate WBTV's 60th Anniversary, our Cover Story looks at what the next 60 years of TV might look like. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports. More>>
With the number of home foreclosures seeming to rise every day, a Charlotte non-profit Habitat for Humanity is coming to the rescue of homeowners. It's becoming one of the first Habitat affiliates in the U.S. to buy vacant, foreclosed houses and fixing them up. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson explains in our Cover Story. More>>
A lot's been made about Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools' nearly 1,200 layoffs. 665 of them have been teachers, all the while school Superintendent Peter Gorman and his top lieutenants have held on to their six-figure salary. In our Cover Story, PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson has found a school district where they're cutting top brass salary to save teachers' jobs. More>>
NC Gov. Bev Perdue proposing to raise taxes in a recession, and in the face of a huge budget shortfall. She's promising it won't be permanent. The hike is only to get us over the hump. But we found a better way. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson explains in our Cover Story. More>>
One day after police confirmed the so-called Gaffney serial killer was dead.. new details are emerging about Patrick Burris' whereabouts the last two weeks and who he was with. The big question is what would cause someone to go on a killing spree? PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson has more in our Cover Story. More>>
It's been five months since President Obama signed the stimulus package into law and on this weekend we celebrate American independence we're looking at how your tax dollars in the stimulus are being spent and who's accounting for them. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson has our Cover Story. More>>
Republican leaders from SC Gov. Mark Sanford's own party calling for his resignation. A majority of Americans think he should resign as well. In our Cover Story, PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson asks can Sanford finish out his term? More>>
Local charities struggling to make ends meet and struggling to serve the needs of people in our community. The United Way, which distributes donated dollars, took in less money during the recent fundraising campaign. It was forced to cut funding to all but four local charities. More>>
A month into the hurricane season concerns are being raised over North Carolina's insurance fund that protects property along the beach. It could go under. So why should you care?Because even if you don't own a home on the beach -- you could get stuck with the bill. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson has our Cover Story. More>>
Pressure mounting for SC Gov. Mark Sanford to resign. It comes as questions are being raised over marital infidelity among America's leaders. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports in our Cover Story. More>>
CHARLOTTE, SC (WBTV) - South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford shocked his state on Wednesday, admitting to an extra-marital affair with a woman from Argentina. In our Cover Story, PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson looks back at Sanford's start and his political future. More>>
While much of the news has been about companies cutting jobs there is an area of the local economy that is growing jobs. Just think -- anything green. A new study shows North Carolina is in the top 10 of states growing "green jobs." PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports in our Cover Story. More>>
An airline mix-up that has parents thinking twice about letting their children fly alone. Two fathers of two daughters each lost by one airline over the course of two days. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson looks at what you should do if your child will be flying alone this summer. More>>
North Carolina's Transportation Secretary sounding optimistic about getting stimulus money to replace the I-85 Yadkin River Bridge. The federal government has set aside $1.5 billion in a discretionary fund for transportation projects. As PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports in our Cover Story, North Carolina is hoping to snag a piece of the pie. More>>
Concern over the safety of airlines in the U.S., regional airlines in particular. These regional airlines go by names most of us have never heard of before. But they operate under the big names like U-S Airways and United. In our Cover Story, PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports on who they are and why you should be concerned. More>>
While travel and tourism are down in this recession one area of the economy that doesn't seem to be taking a break is youth sports. Starting this weekend, athletes will be arriving in Charlotte for North Carolina's version of the Olympics. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports in our Cover Story. More>>
Gas prices on the rise again. The cost of fuel just part of the reason people want to go green. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson found out Charlotte may be on the road on the road to a green economy.. we're talking jobs, and clean fuel. More>>
Charlotte Douglas International Airport has become the eighth busiest airport in the country in the most recent federal rankings.. a position it's had for three months. Busiest in terms of the number of passengers who fly out of here. The fact has largely flown under the radar. Even if you don't fly, it's an important economic story for Charlotte. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports. More>>
Funeral services Tuesday for 15 year old Yvette Williams, the victim in an officer involved shooting last week in Rock Hill, SC. A lot of the attention has been focused on the victim's family and understandably so. But there's another side anytime there's a tragedy like this -- that often goes untold. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports in our Cover Story. More>>
Former NC First Lady Mary Easley fired from her job at NC State on Monday. It comes hours after State's popular chancellor stepped down, the third top North Carolina education official to resign over the controversial hiring of the former First Lady. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson has more in our Cover Story. More>>
Charlotte Mecklenburg school (CMS) parents and students in the Northeast learning community have created some new habits. Moms and dads are taking a more active role in their children's education. More>>
WBTV On Your Side warning you about people hi-jacking bank accounts in Charlotte. CMPD alerted us to two cases of what they call Bank Account Takeovers. More>>
Texting while driving. North Carolina is about to make it illegal.. a bill in the General Assembly could be headed to the governor very soon. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson has a look in our Cover Story. More>>
Charlotte City Council talking about the transit tax. That's the half cent sales tax Mecklenburg county has which funds transit projects like light rail and bus lines. On the city council agenda, should the city ask the legislature for permission to hike the transit tax another half cent? As PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson explains many people are hearing "tax hike" and assume their taxes are going up immediately. More>>
Charlotte Area Transit System CEO Keith Parker Wednesday morning expected to be formally offered the job as head of San Antonio's transit system. Parker's likely departure comes at a crucial times for CATS looking to construct a multi-billion dollar transit system. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson has a look in our Cover Story. More>>
In our Cover Story helping preserve a part of Charlotte's past. It's known as mid-century modern architecture. Homes that came out of the Second World War, but now face a modern day conflict. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson tells us why they're being threatened and how they're being saved. More>>
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools taking drastic cuts to the point of laying off teachers. One group has some money saving ideas. They're people whose opinion unfortunately is being overlooked in this debate over cuts. You want to find out how an organization finds real savings.. talk to the people at ground zero. In this case, we talked to the students. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson has our Cover Story. More>>
Charlotte's power struggle could soon be over. Duke Energy wants to bury power lines around the city, which has the potential of reducing the impact of an outage. More>>
Solar energy could be coming to your home. Duke Energy rolling out a first-of-its kind program to capture energy from the sun using homeowners' rooftops. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson explains in our Cover Story. More>>
With North Carolina's unemployment rate almost 11-percent, WBTV is on your side investigating what jobs are out there. What are the "hot" jobs? PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson tells you what jobs you should be looking for and who can help you get there. More>>
Congress considering a proposal that could boost car buying, improve road safety and the environment. It's called "cash for clunkers." And many people are behind it, including Charlotte billionaire Bruton Smith. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson spoke to Smith about it for our Cover Story. More>>
Wednesday brought another day of severe weather to the Carolinas. For a lot of parents at work -- this severe weather can be a scary thing. Especially when it unfolds while our kids are out of our care and someone else is watching them. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson has been looking into that and looks at what are schools and daycares are doing to make sure kids are kept safe. More>>
With Memorial Day a week away, all eyes are on gas prices. You've probably noticed the jump over the last few weeks. And we've learned they are headed higher. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson has been looking over the numbers and reports in our Cover Story. More>>
A big weekend of golf in Charlotte with the Quail Hollow Championship underway. But will Charlotteans have to kiss Quail Hollow good-bye? We got word from the president of the Quail Hollow Club that club members might not be interested in continuing the golf tournament once its sponsorship with Wachovia-Wells Fargo ends in five years. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson looks at the reasons why in our Cover Story. More>>
Chrysler Motor Company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Thursday. Officials say the bankruptcy will last just 60 days, until a partnership with Fiat is completed. But during those two months -- Chrysler will stop most vehicle production and that means thousands of workers will not be collecting paychecks. That's surely to ripple through the Carolinas, as PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports in our Cover Story. More>>
Panic for parents on Wednesday. 33 children were on a bus that flipped on its side on I-77. No one was seriously hurt. However, the crash reignited the debate over the safety of our school buses. The law requires us to buckle up in our car, but these buses don't have seatbelts -- what's going on here? PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson has a look in our Cover Story. More>>
It's never been done before. State leaders taking your comments live via the internet. What should be cut, what should stay? How do you want your money spent? As PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports in our Cover Story, for the first time ever -- you can tell them live on-line. More>>
Wednesday, April 22 is Earth Day and the country is hard at work spending your green on going green. Of the $787 billion in federal stimulus, 30 billion will be spent on green projects. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports in our Cover Story. More>>
Banks doubling peoples' credit card interest for no apparent reason jacking up fees. Creditors claim it's necessary. The recession has forced people out of their jobs. Many of them using their credit to get by -- and in most cases -- they are having a hard time paying that credit back. WBTV On Your Side tonight taking aim at credit cards. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports. More>>
The latest jobless numbers for North and South Carolina are dismal. North Carolina's unemployment rate now stands at 10.8%, which is a record high. South Carolina's rate hit 11.4%, which ties a record set in 19-83. One county Allendale.. has the highest in the state at 22.3%. Those numbers are scary. But some economists believe the recession is coming to an end. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports in our Cover Story. More>>
A high speed train traveling through Charlotte? President Obama says America needs to get on the fast track with high speed rail lines. He says we need a smarter transportation system. And he wants to use federal stimulus dollars to do it. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports North Carolina is ready to pounce. More>>
April 15th, millions of Americans are scrambling to get their income taxes filed before the midnight deadline. In our Cover Story, Primetime's Jeff Atkinson found something that taxpayers can really get excited about. More>>
Calls for reforming NC's tax system. North Carolina stands out in the southeast as a high tax state, personal and corporate income tax rates are above those in surrounding states. But what's being proposed is a revamp of the tax system by cutting tax rates while making more people pay taxes on more things. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson has our Cover Story. More>>
The Masters, in full swing in Augusta, GA. But get ready for another round of golf right here in Charlotte. The tournament at Quail Hollow Club starts in about two weeks. When this thing swings through -- so do the dollar signs. The tournament brings in an estimated $40-60 million to our local economy. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson has more in our Cover Story. More>>
A new road study out today shows things could get even worse for Charlotte drivers. Right now six million trips are made into or out of the city every day. A trip for example is going from home to work. Going from Point A to Point B. By 2030, that number is expected to more than triple to 20 million trips per day. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson has the solution in our Cover Story. More>>
A woman with a history of speeding accused in that street racing crash over the weekend in Charlotte's Steele Creek community. A lot of people want to know how she was still allowed to have a license. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson did some digging and reports in our Cover Story. More>>
While the eyes of the sports world are on the Final Four this weekend you may not have realized there's a national championship tournament going on right here in Charlotte's backyard this weekend. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson explains in our Cover Story. More>>
North Carolina Tar Heels clinch another national basketball championship. A lot of these big colleges got so much media attention during the NCAA tourney, which means more enrollment and more money for these schools. But PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports you don't have to reach the top to see a big payoff. More>>
College basketball's national championship crowned Monday night. But one feat not so stellar. A new study finds there are many college basketball players that won't graduate college. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson has a look in our Cover Story. More>>
SC Gov. Mark Sanford rejecting calls that he take $700 million dollars in the economic stimulus package for South Carolina. One newspaper editorial wonders what planet he's living on. Another says Sanford's sending a clear message: Stop living beyond our means. What's really going on here? Is it politics.. principle or posturing? Jeff Atkinson reports in our Cover Story. More>>
A gunman went on a shooting rampage at a nursing home in North Carolina Sunday morning. We always hear that the gunman "just snapped," but in this report, PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson explains why that's not necessarily the case. More>>
Local businesses stepping up in tough times. WBTV is On Your Side showing you the amazing deals available to you if you lose your job. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports in our Cover Story. More>>
One of the things that helped crack a Catawba county quadruple murder case was the composite sketch that was circulated all over the country. Aired on the TV show "America's Most Wanted" just this weekend. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson talked with the forensic artist who did that sketch. More>>
NC Governor Bev Perdue facing two stark realities to balance the budget.. cut spending or raise taxes. She's doing both. In our Cover Story, PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson looks at what the governor's proposing. More>>
President Obama rolls out a plan Moday to help small businesses. But, provisions recently signed into law could really hurt them. And it has to do with health insurance for laid off employees. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson explains in our Cover Story. More>>
Getting off foreign oil and using home-grown hydrogen to power everything from cars to trains. Monday night supporters briefed the Charlotte City Council on an ambitious plan to bring a company that manufacturers hydrogen-powered buses and streetcars to the area. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson has our Cover Story. More>>
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools facing a budget shortfall is considering eliminating as many as 450 teachers. In our Cover Story, what are other districts around the state to trim their budgets? PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports. More>>
New unemployment numbers released Wednesday show the Carolinas have the highest jobless rate in 26 years. The Carolinas aren't used to such sky-high numbers. What's behind it? It's our Cover Story. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson reports. More>>
North Carolina has a large veteran population. Over 700,000 live in the state. And over 100,000 live in Charlotte alone. There are so many veterans here that need medical attention or legal help, but a lot of them don't know where to go. PrimeTime's Jeff Atkinson shows us a group that's going to bat for veterans. More>>
