Sex Ring Bust, Binge Drinking: Mooresville's Top News Of The Week

MOORESVILLE, NC — There's been no shortage of news around Charlotte and the Lake Norman region this week. There was a massive, multi-state sex ring bust that led to the arrest of 76 people and rescue of 13 children, a study on how binge drinking affects North Carolinians and the news that one of NASCAR’s most popular drivers is losing his primary sponsor at the end of the season.

Here's a look at the top stories in and around Mooresville that captivated readers this week:

NC Child Sex Exploitation Ring Bust Nabs 76 Arrests, 13 Rescues
Thirteen children were rescued from an eight-state child pornography ring that led to the arrest of 76 people seeking and distributing the most violent child pornography involving infants and toddlers, authorities said.

Here's How Drunk North Carolina Gets From Binge Drinking
St. Patrick's Day has come and gone — though some hangovers surely still linger in North Carolina — and millions of Americans participated in the unofficial binge-drink fest across the country. But a new study by the federal Centers of Disease Control and Prevention might give some binge-drinkers pause before they crack open that next can (or seven) of booze.

ICYMI: Lowes Ends Sponsorship Of NASCAR’s Jimmie Johnson
For the first time in his Cup series driving career, NASCAR Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson will be looking for a new sponsor. After nearly two decades, Lowe's Companies is ending its primary sponsorship of Johnson and the Hendrick Motorsports' No. 48 team, the company announced today.

American Idol: Mooresville’s Shannon O’Hara Advances To Hollywood
Mooresville's own Shannon O'Hara earned a Golden Ticket to Hollywood Sunday night, after an American Idol audition that left one on panel of three judges stunned by what he described as a 'soulful' voice.

See Evil Eye Gloves At DC Gun Reform Rally: Pink Hat 2.0
In a matter of days, protesters will take to the streets, demanding gun reform in the March 24 "March For Our Lives" rally in Washington, D.C., and in cities across the country. This day will mark an occasion for protesters to make signs, noise, and — in much the same spirit of the iconic pink hats of the 2017 Women's March — a knitted handicraft meant to let lawmakers know voters are watching: the Evil Eye glove.

Toys R Us Liquidating North Carolina Stores
Liquidation sales are set to begin Thursday at Toys R Us and Babies R Us stores across the country, including 15 stores in North Carolina. The liquidation comes a week after the struggling retailer said it would close all of its 735 U.S. locations. Nationwide, the closings will impact 33,000 jobs in what the company called "an orderly wind-down."

23-Year-Old Arrested For Assault: Davidson Police Blotter
Davidson police made one arrest, wrote four speeding tickets and had reports of crimes such as breaking and entering and credit card theft, according to the town's police blotter.

32-Year-Old Mooresville Woman Wanted On Drug Charges: Sheriff
The Iredell County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance finding a Mooresville woman wanted for a list of felony drug-related charges, it said Wednesday.

Charlotte’s Blue Line Opens Friday: How To Buy Tickets
Friday morning, commuters will finally have a new light rail option connecting NoDa and the University area in north Charlotte to City Center when Charlotte-Area Transit Systems launch service on the 9.3 miles Blue Line extension.

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