WCNC - Business

US stocks erase sharp losses, while oil prices leap on worries about Iran conflict

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 23:10:22 GMT

Past military conflicts in the Middle East have not caused long-term drops for markets, but rising oil prices could have significant effects for a long time.

Refunds tied to Trump's tariffs won't be paused, federal court rules

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 20:16:28 GMT

Trump’s Justice Department urged the Federal Circuit to proceed cautiously and hold off on a ruling for 90 days, but the judges refused.

Burger King is testing AI headsets that will know if employees say 'welcome' or 'thank you'

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 01:25:12 GMT

The headsets are being tested in 500 U.S. restaurants.

Papa John's to close 300 locations across the US

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:15:11 GMT

The closures would affect around 9% of the restaurant's total locations in North America.

Charlotte's dining scene is growing, but not everyone is surviving

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 23:36:49 GMT

Charlotte's restaurant scene is evolving rapidly, with a surge in new openings and an increase in closures of long-standing eateries due to rising costs.

Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s sweeping tariffs

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 17:42:22 GMT

In his first remarks since the decision, Trump said he was "absolutely ashamed" of the Supreme Court justices who issued a "deeply disappointing" tariff decision.

Dr Pepper is bringing back its creamy coconut flavor

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 04:19:09 GMT

The creamy coconut flavor debuted in summer 2024, and it will be available again for a limited time, the company said.

PSA flight attendants reach tentative deal that includes pay increase

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:54:25 GMT

The three-year deal includes an immediate 10% wage increase and pay for boarding, with total compensation increases of 30% to 50% over the life of the contract.

Costco recalls Synergy gift cards after program abruptly ends

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 03:46:10 GMT

Costco issued a recall to members who purchased the gift cards from them between Oct. 27, 2025, to Jan. 31, 2026.

Trader Joe's announces new stores coming soon in 2026. See the full list of locations

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 04:27:00 GMT

The grocery store chain, which is known for its viral and seasonal items, has announced plans to open several new stores across seven states.

‘We’re not fast food, we’re good food fast’ | Bojangles reflects on nearly 50 years in the Carolinas

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT

From the beginning, the menu centered around bold flavors, spicy fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits made from scratch, and sweet tea prepared with extra care.

NoDa street market pilot program ends

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 23:29:26 GMT

Any illegal vending activity in Noda will be subject to enforcement and may result in a $500 fine.

Mooresville-based Lowe's lays off roughly 600 corporate employees

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 04:23:00 GMT

The home improvement retail company said the decision "helps better align our resources" and focuses on helping frontline workers.

Gov. Stein celebrates North Carolina skiing industry during Blowing Rock visit

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 23:44:12 GMT

Stein encouraged more visitors to experience western North Carolina's winter offerings, particularly as the region continues its recovery from Hurricane Helene.

EPA Administrator defends plan to overturn Obama climate finding in NC

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 23:28:16 GMT

"This is a very good thing for these companies," Lee Zeldin said .

River District in west Charlotte gears up for first retail space amid rapid development

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 03:18:05 GMT

The River District in west Charlotte is transforming from concept to thriving community with a new 28,200-square-foot mixed-use space, signaling growth momentum.

Hershey's to sell limited-edition chocolate medals during Winter Olympics: How you can score one

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:10:06 GMT

Ahead of the official launch, Hershey’s gave some fans an early taste.

Retail operator of outdoor sportswear pioneer Eddie Bauer files for bankruptcy

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 13:02:28 GMT

Most Eddie Bauer retail and outlet stores in the U.S. and Canada will remain open as the company winds down certain locations.

Target CEO reshapes his leadership team in first big move since taking over this month

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 13:01:26 GMT

Target is making significant changes to win back customers after years of slumping sales.

Street vending crackdown: Charlotte considers citywide regulations and increased penalties

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 02:45:17 GMT

"We do not want vendors gone. We want them in this neighborhood," Nathan Cyr, co-owner of Old News Vintage, said.

Pizza Hut closing 250 locations

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 19:44:18 GMT

The Pizza Hut closures are part of a larger "strategic review" of the chain, which may include a possible sale, the restaurant's parent company said.

Comerica Bank has merged with Fifth Third. Here's what it means for customers.

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:55:38 GMT

The combined bank is the ninth-largest in the U.S., with nearly 2,000 branches expected to be open by 2030.

PepsiCo lowers price for Lay's, Doritos and other chips ahead of Super Bowl

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:06:30 GMT

The planned price cuts are PepsiCo's latest effort to win back consumers as demand for snacks and drinks has slipped.

Winter storms hit Gaston County small businesses hard

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:02:12 GMT

Back-to-back winter storms are creating financial hardship for small businesses across Gaston County, forcing closures and cutting off vital revenue streams.

Disney parks chief Josh D’Amaro named to succeed Bob Iger as CEO

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:42:41 GMT

D’Amaro, who has been with Disney since 1998, has led the charge on the company's multiyear $60 billion investment into its cruise ships, resorts and theme parks.

McDonald's offering a free McNugget Caviar kit — here's how to get it

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 01:02:42 GMT

The company is jumping on the viral food trend with a free kit available online for only one day.

Costco launches surprise new Nike sneakers at select locations

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 01:28:37 GMT

The "Kirkland Signature x Nike SB Dunk Low Pro QS" shoes have plenty of details for diehard Costco customers.

Saks to close most OFF 5th stores, all Last Call locations

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 01:43:32 GMT

Saks Global is closing all but 12 Saks OFF 5th stores with sales starting next week. Here's the full list of locations.

Twin Peaks, Smokey Bones parent company files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:49:30 GMT

The restaurant company's filing comes a year after Twin Peaks' rival sports bar Hooters filed for bankruptcy and shuttered dozens of locations nationwide.

Amazon cuts 16,000 jobs in latest round of layoffs

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:32:19 GMT

The reductions follow October's layoffs of 14,000 workers. U.S.-based staff will have 90 days to find a new role internally.

UPS plans to cut another 30,000 jobs and shutter more than 20 facilities in 2026

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 17:58:46 GMT

The company announced the cuts as it "deploys automation" and moves away from shipments of low-priced goods, officials announced Tuesday.

James Beard Awards reveal 2026 semifinalists for standout US chefs and restaurants

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 20:42:36 GMT

Here's the list of semifinalists for the award, which is akin to the Oscars of the food world, in 25 categories.

Verizon customers waiting on $20 refund after outage warned about scam messages

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:10:32 GMT

The scam reportedly revolves around Verizon customers getting a text claiming they need to click a link to get their $20 credit after last week's outage.

Tuna recalled over botulism risk mistakenly shipped to stores in 9 states

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 21:49:54 GMT

The Tri-Union Seafoods tuna was initially recalled last year. The current recall happened after a distributor shipped quarantined cases to retailers.

More than 470 GameStop stores closing in U.S. this month

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 20:37:10 GMT

The video game retailer is closing locations in 43 states. Here is the full list.

As Trump's deadline for a cap on credit card rates looms, banks have only questions and no answers

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 20:33:25 GMT

President Donald Trump has demanded a 10% cap on credit card interest rates by Jan. 20. Consumer groups, politicians, and bankers remain unclear about the plans.

The Sphere in ... Washington? Iconic Las Vegas stadium could get a cousin near DC

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 18:36:13 GMT

The original Sphere in Las Vegas has become one of the most iconic parts of the city's skyline, and developers want the same thing for Washington D.C.

'We’re right on the fringe of possible damage' | Florida citrus farmers race to stay ahead of the freeze

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 23:04:01 GMT

Arctic air threatens Florida's $7 billion citrus industry.

M&M announces limited-edition Marvel superhero packs

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 20:03:04 GMT

Mars Inc. and Walt Disney Co. are teaming up on seven collectible M&M packs that will feature different M&M colors as Marvel superheroes.

Charlotte City Council approves vote to add first local businesses to Eastland Yards

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 04:38:54 GMT

The Charlotte City Council is poised to revive Eastland Yards by welcoming four local businesses.