🌱 Missing Charlotte Father Of Two + Changes To CATS Routes?

Hey, Charlotte. I'm here in your inbox this warm morning to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town. Let's have at it...

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First, today's weather:

Humid with sunny intervals. High: 90 Low: 71.

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Here are the top three stories in Charlotte today:

1. The search continues for a missing Charlotte father of two, who was last heard from over two weeks ago. 44-year-old Douglas Kocher, last seen on Otter Creek Drive in south Charlotte, reportedly left without his driver's license, credit cards, or medicine. Anyone with information on Kocher's whereabouts is asked to contact the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. (WBTV)
2. Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) bus routes could soon change amid frequent driver absences. The frequent call-outs, paired with ongoing staffing shortages, have led to weeks of bus delays and inconsistent service. CAS plans to change up to 20 percent of its current routes and will bring a proposed plan to the Metropolitan Transit Commission on Jul. 27.(WBTV)
3. Seven local stores ⁠— including the Walmart in North Charlotte, the Dollar General in East Charlotte, and the Dollar Store in Northeast Charlotte ⁠—have been fined for overcharging customers in Q1 2022. Officials believe staffing shortages are to blame for the price-scanning errors. (WCNC.com)

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Today in Charlotte:

• Resume Reviews, Virtual Programming At Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (All Day)
• Fern ID With Paula Gross At UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens (9:00 AM)
• Summer Fest At Charlotte Center For Legal Advocacy (9:00 AM)
• Blue Man Group At McGlohon Theater (2:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Sister, the all-day European-inspired cafe in Commonwealth/Plaza Midwood, will close its doors on Jul. 31. The owners took to Instagram to announce the closure, saying "rising food, labor, and rent costs have made it impossible for us to continue." (Charlotte Observer)
• Round out your Saturday and Sunday plans with this list of events happening in Charlotte this weekend. (WCNC.com)
• Sunday is National Ice Cream Day! These Charlotte area ice cream shops are celebrating the occasion with sweet deals. (Charlotte Observer)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• SAT Master Strategies In-Person Class (July 17)
• Top 10 Divorce Mistakes and How to Avoid Them – Vesta's Charlotte, NC Hub (July 20)
• Sugar Bear Memorial Virtual Run (July 22)
• Add your event

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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.