The Charlotte Roller Girls were back at it on Saturday, March 4, for another season opener at the Grady Cole Center.

The Charlotte Roller Girls All-Stars took care of business early, taking down the Tallahassee RollerGirls 255-155. The CLTRG’s B-team, the B-Dazzlers, had a rougher go of things, falling to the Carolina RollerGirls Bootleggers from Raleigh by a score of 305-120.

Total Lizaster skated with CLTRG for five years before taking to the sidelines as the All-Stars’ coach on Saturday.

“Going from an All-Star skater to coach has been incredible. Sure, I wish I was still on the track battling it out with my teammates, but I feel like I bring a unique perspective to coaching,” Lizaster said following the bout. “With the emotions of being a skater still fresh in my mind, I can have a better understanding of what is going through my players’ heads during the game.”

Lizaster said she’s confident about the team’s potential as they prepare to cross the country for the Dust Bowl tournament in Bakersfield, California, on March 17.

"Why is everybody wearing these wack khakis?"

Less than 10 minutes into this week's episode of the local Phone Wallet Keys Podcast and Sherrell Dorsey, founder of The Plug Daily, is already going in on why her newest venture, #BLKTECHCLT, is needed in Charlotte's tech world.

Dorsey, who writes Creative Loafing's monthly "Thank me Later" column, hosted her first #BLKTECHCLT experience in December, and will be hosting the second one tomorrow at Hygge West on Remount Road, where Queen V and Light Skin Joe record the PWK podcast.

In the lead-up to this week's event, Dorsey joined the PWK hosts and tech entrepreneur Kendrick Carroll to talk about The Plug, #BLKTECHCLT and how an all-inclusive event like Thursday's helps diversify what can feel like an exclusive field for most black techies. Check the episode out below, and might we suggest you catch up with the PWK episodes and subscribe? It's one of our local favorites.

Apache leader and longtime indigenous rights advocate Wendsler Nosie, Sr., will be speaking at an event in Uptown on Friday night to raise awareness for his years-long fight against efforts to build a copper mine on his tribe’s land in southeastern Arizona. He and local advocates also aim to tie that fight in with land issues facing native and non-native people throughout the country.

Nosie will be the keynote speaker at the Apache Stronghold event at Goodyear Arts on Friday night. The event was organized by Allie Fredericks, who moved to Charlotte three weeks ago after spending nearly a year living with the Apache Stronghold at Oak Flat, a sacred site in danger of being lost to the potential mine construction. The locally-based American Indian Party is hosting the event.

The Apache Stronghold's struggle against the powerful Arizona copper industry will soon be featured in an episode of the new Viceland series, “Rise." Organizers will screen the episode at the event on Friday.

Hosts on Friday will focus not only on the fight for Oak Flat, but emphasize the relevance to everyone of preserving federal land and land promised to indigenous tribes.

Speaking over the phone on Thursday, Nosie said he’s touring the country — as he’s been doing for nearly 14 years now — to educate people on the importance of holding the government accountable when they renege on federally mandated environmental protections, as they did when they approved a land exchange with Resolution Copper Mining, LLC as part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2015.

“The administrative process that is required for federal law to go into effect, that law doesn’t particularly deal with the Indian tribes, it deals with all of us,” Nosie said. “But naturally, the land issue and the water issue and the environment is very important to us, and so I think over the years, not only native people but non-native people are waking up to the issue about how Congress can exempt laws — as pertaining to this particular one — that protect the land and water.”

He said while he has been fighting against exemptions to Environmental Protection Agency mandates under multiple administrations, the Trump administration brings new fears that the president could do away with environmental protections — or the EPA as a whole — altogether.

“Now with the new president there, he threatens all preservation, he threatens the future of all people. That’s why I come up here to North Carolina,” Nosie said. “It’s not only for native people but for the people in general, because what I’ve found is that people around this country don’t realize that they have a say on federal land. Even though the land is in California, Arizona, or wherever, if you’re in the United States, you have a say.”

Despite the broad reach of Nosie’s message, a goal of Friday night’s event will be to focus on what can be done on a local level. Representatives of the AIP and Metrolina Native American Association will be on hand to discuss local issues such as recent efforts to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day and the AIP’s clothing drive, being held at Healthy Home Market this year until Feb. 15.

According to Robert Greeson, who is active in the AIP and MNAA, Friday night’s event isn’t just about informing people, but inspiring people to take that information and act on it.

“It’s not to just give people knowledge and do nothing with it, but to harness that knowledge,” Greeson said. “Knowledge alone isn’t power, knowledge with action is power. Nobody cares what you know, they care what you do with what you know.”


Fredericks said she’s been inspired while meeting with local indigenous organizations since moving to Charlotte, and hopes Friday’s event spurs momentum in an indigenous movement that’s already grown in popularity since recent protests by a multitude of tribes at Standing Rock reservation in North Dakota regarding the Dakota Access Pipeline.

“It’s one of these things where I know people are very open in light of recent political events,” Fredericks said. “It’s becoming more and more important for people to know their own communities and who’s in their own cities and states. I’m really excited that people want to know whose land they’re on.”

A man was shot and killed in east Charlotte this afternoon after allegedly pulling a gun on a man in traffic, not knowing he was a police officer.

According to CMPD, the shooting happened at about 1:18 p.m. on the 6200 block of Albemarle Road, but the incident began elsewhere. Police say an undercover officer was driving an unmarked car near the intersection of Albemarle and Reddman roads. He was then allegedly struck by 28-year-old Josue Diaz, who immediately began driving outbound on Albemarle Road.

The detective followed Diaz and called in to CMPD communications to report the hit-and-run and request a marked vehicle to assist him, but while he was doing so Diaz allegedly stopped his vehicle suddenly, then exited the vehicle and brandished a handgun.

According to a CMPD release, the detective perceived an imminent threat to his life and opened fire on Diaz, who was later pronounced dead on the scene.

A group of about 20 activists were at the scene a couple hours after the shooting. Some demanded answers from police, while others live-streamed from the scene to hundreds of people watching online.

A few officers, including Major Mike Campagna, known for his outreach efforts during and after the Charlotte Uprising, tried to engage with residents on the scene.

"We've tried to engage with CMPD in the past, for years. What has that gotten us? Bullets in the street," said activist Gloria Merriweather to others who had gathered there on Albemarle Road.

Some on scene attempting block incoming traffic. Have since cleared back to sidewalk. pic.twitter.com/fpNVapm7hv

— Creative Loafing (@cl_charlotte) January 26, 2017

CMPD says it won't release the name of the officer, due to the undercover nature of his work. As is protocol, the detective will be placed on administrative leave and the CMPD Internal Affairs Bureau will conduct a separate but parallel investigation to the CMPD's homicide investigation.

Creative Loafing will update this story as more details are released.

Charlotte public radio station WFAE premieres its 60-minute documentary Eyes Closed in Prayer, about the racially motivated shooting at the historic Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C., tonight at 8 p.m.

After tonight's premiere, the doc will air three more times: Saturday at 2 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. (Listen to a clip from the documentary at bottom.)

WFAE news director Greg Collard said the idea for the documentary came when he realized the station was sitting on hours of material from its coverage of the Charleston massacre and trial, as well as tangential stories from earlier debates over the flying of the Confederate flag outside the South Carolina Statehouse. Most importantly, WFAE had personal stories from Charlotte residents who were either directly connected to victims — such as Malcolm Graham, brother of victim Cynthia Graham Hurd — or connected to the City of Charleston.

"We spoke with one woman whose sister had died in the shooting and she had taken in her nieces," Collard said. "It told the story of one family's survival."

Collard knew there was an even larger story to tell about race in America, in the South, and in our region.

"We had a lot of other stories, so it just occurred to me, 'Hey we have so much material: Why don't we weave it together?" Collard said. "The great thing about a documentary is you can put all these pieces together and a story with a stronger message emerges."

Eyes Closed in Prayer was written and produced by Tom Bullock, and hosted by Gwendolyn Glenn, who traveled to Charleston for much of the reporting.

Listen to a segment of the Eyes Closed in Prayer below, and tune in to WFAE tonight at 8 p.m. for the full documentary.

The Charlotte City Council held a surprise vote this morning in which they rescinded a non-discrimination ordinance passed in February with the understanding that it would lead to the full repeal of the infamous House Bill 2 by the North Carolina General Assembly as soon as tomorrow.

Governor-elect Roy Cooper released a statement following the city council's vote stating that he was told by NCGA leaders that a special session would be called for tomorrow with the goal of fully repealing House Bill 2, which is credited with losing the state millions of dollars in revenue due to boycotts and lost opportunities for economic development.

"Senate Leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore assured me that as a result of Charlotte's vote, a special session will be called for Tuesday to repeal HB2 in full. I hope they will keep their word to me and with the help of Democrats in the legislature, HB2 will be repealed in full," Cooper wrote in the statement.  "Full repeal will help to bring jobs, sports and entertainment events back and will provide the opportunity for strong LGBT protections in our state."

A section of the ordinance passed today states that it will no longer be valid if HB2 is not repealed by December 31.

Governor Pat McCrory's office released a statement confirming that he would call for a special session, claiming that the timing of the surprise vote proved that the entire issue was political in nature, aimed at unseating McCrory.

"Governor McCrory has always publicly advocated a repeal of the overreaching Charlotte ordinance. But those efforts were always blocked by Jennifer Roberts, Roy Cooper and other Democratic activists," wrote Graham Wilson, McCrory's press secretary. "This sudden reversal with little notice after the gubernatorial election sadly proves the entire issue originated by the political left was all about politics and winning the governor's race at the expense of Charlotte and our entire state."

A statement released following the council's surprise vote reads in part, "The City of Charlotte continues its commitment to be a welcoming community that honors and respects its people. The Charlotte City Council recognizes the ongoing negative economic impact resulting from the passage of the City's Non-Discrimination Ordinance and the State's House Bill 2. The Council acknowledges that North Carolina House Bill 2 'supersede(s) and preempt(s)' the City's Ordinance. In order to continue thriving as an inclusive community and compete for high paying jobs and world-class events, the City and State must take action together to restore our collective reputation."

The surprise vote has been criticized by Charlotteans on social media who see it as a capitulation in a struggle the city has undergone against the state for nearly the entire year. Three months ago today, Jennifer Roberts stated clearly in a press conference that the city would not consider repealing the non-discrimination ordinance.

City removes Non-Discrimination Ordinance, Cable TV Ordinance, and Business Privilege License Tax from City Code. #CLTCC #HB2 #NCGA pic.twitter.com/rltoJnxFkU

— City of Charlotte (@CLTgov) December 19, 2016

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Five people have been charged following shootings in the NoDa and Plaza Midwood areas on Saturday night that happened within 30 minutes of each other.

The first shooting happened just before 10:30 p.m. in front of the Spice Lounge on North Tryon Street, just outside of the NoDa neighborhood. At least two people fired shots in the club's parking lot during what was apparently a teenaged party. Four victims were transported to the hospital, all between the ages of 14 and 16 years old. One of the victim's injuries were considered life-threatening, although as of Monday morning, nobody has died as a result of the shooting.

Two teenagers were arrested and charged following the incident, although police believe the suspect who actually shot into the crowd is still on the loose. Police arrested Carnis Poindexter, Jr., 16, and charged him with possession of a firearm by a minor after finding a gun in his car following the shooting. Another 15-year-old juvenile was arrested and charged with carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm by a minor and shooting in the city limits. Police say the juvenile was riding with Poindexter and admitted to shooting a gun into the air after the original shooting occurred.

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About 30 minutes later, in a completely unrelated incident, a couple was shot following an armed robbery in Plaza Midwood. According to police, the couple was shot right under the Family Dollar sign in the middle of the neighborhood, where many people park to go to the surrounding bars and restaurants.

According to Lt. Durant with CMPD's Eastway division, a bike patrol that had been assigned for the area following the shooting death of Ketie Jones in October had been pulled out to help with the North Tryon shooting when the robbery happened in Plaza Midwood. However, two CMPD officers were working security nearby and heard the shots. One rendered aid to the victims while the other pursued the suspects. The suspects eventually crashed their car in front of the Presbyterian Hospital. A foot chase ensued and one person was arrested. Further investigation led to the arrest of two more suspects.

Recent reports state that 25-year-old Antonio Worthy has been charged with two counts of armed robbery, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious bodily injury and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. Jamall Glenn, 33, was charged with two counts of armed robbery, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious bodily injury, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and two counts of hit and run. Ebonee Ward, 29, was charged with two counts of armed robbery, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious bodily injury and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.   

Two men were killed in what appears to have been a shootout that occurred in the Hidden Valley neighborhood in northeast Charlotte last night. Police responded to Spring Garden Lane at about 7:17 p.m. last night and found three people suffering from gunshot wounds. One man, 35-year-old Raheem Hammond, was pronounced dead on the scene. Two more were transported to Carolinas Medical Center, where 21-year-old Gary Stevenson Jr. was later pronounced dead.

Shortly after the incident on Spring Garden Lane, a fourth victim turned up on nearby Sugar Creek Road at the I-85 interchange. The two remaining victims — Jacques Stevenson, 26, and Tammy Hammond, 53 — are still being treated at Carolinas Medical Center. It's unclear whether Stevenson and Hammond are solely victims or will be charged in connection with the shootings, but CMPD stated last night that they were not looking for any additional suspects.

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Two men have been arrested for a murder that happened off Freedom Drive early Thursday morning. In that case, police responded to an assault call at about 2:45 a.m. yesterday on Eddleman Road and found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene. His name has not yet been released, as police have not been able to contact any family members to notify them of his passing.

Later on Thursday, officers with the Mount Holly Police Department and North Carolina State Highway Patrol pursued a car into Mecklenburg County, where it crashed at the intersection of S. Tryon Street and Sandy Porter Road. The driver, later identified as Dequillar Moore, jumped from the vehicle and was chased by a K9 unit into the nearby woods. Moore was apparently already a suspect in the murder that took place that morning, because homicide detectives responded to the scene and later charged Moore, 27, with murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Detectives then identified Justin Hood, 29, as a second suspect in the case. That night, Hood was apprehended and charged with murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and assault with a deadly weapon.

CMPD investigators say a young man who died during a raid by SWAT in northwest Charlotte yesterday committed suicide, but his mother and her neighbors are raising questions about the incident.

According to a police statement, the CMPD's Violent Criminal Apprehension Team had set up surveillance on 18-year-old Timothy Davis outside of his home in Sparrow Valley Drive yesterday morning. He was wanted on warrants for two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, attempted armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.

Police knocked on the door at around 7:20 a.m. and saw Davis peak out of a window. They then tried to reach Davis through social media, text messages and a loudspeaker, unsuccessfully.

The VCAT team then requested a SWAT team, which parked its armored vehicle in front of the home at about 10 a.m. The team continued unsuccessfully to try to communicate with Davis before deploying a robot, followed by a canine, into the home.

A SWAT entry team eventually entered the home and found Davis dead of what they say appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a room upstairs. The CMPD's Homicide Unit investigated the scene, as is standard protocol, and it appears the investigation was over as of last night, as the family was allowed back into the home.

Family members, neighbors and anti-police-violence activists held a vigil for Davis outside of his home last night. Davis's mother said she doesn't believe the CMPD's version of events, and said that her son would never have taken his own life. Neighbors have said they didn't hear a gunshot and agree with his mother.

Some community members reportedly cleared up an original theory that Davis may have been shot through a window, where an apparent bullet hole could be seen, by saying that the hole was caused by a BB gun previous to yesterday's incident.

In Facebook Live video taken after last night's vigil, Charlotte activist Ashley Williams toured Davis's home and took footage of the spot where police say they found Davis dead. Activists have demanded that CMPD release any body camera footage related to yesterday's SWAT raid.