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NOAA forecasters expect above normal Atlantic Hurricane Season

NOAA forecasters expect above normal Atlantic Hurricane Season

Forecasters with NOAA issued their predictions for the 2013 hurricane season Thursday. Once again, a busy year is expected in the tropical Atlantic. NOAA expects 13-20 named storms to form. Of those 7-11 could be hurricanes, and 3-6 of those could be major hurricanes with winds of at least 111 mph.

Forecasters look at several factors including sea surface temperatures, the likelihood of an El Nino event in the Pacific and long-range computer models to assist in their predictions.

Drs. Phil Klotzbach and William Gray, forecasters at Colorado State University, are also anticipating an above-average season. They expect 18 named storms to develop. Of those, they anticipate nine hurricanes.

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Former Police Department employee charged with embezzlement, officials say

MATTHEWS, NC (WBTV)- A former employee with the Matthews Police Department has been charged with embezzlement, according to a release from the department.

On April 25, the Police Department became aware of possible improper conduct involving the Police Records Clerk/Property Control Technician, Melissa Guillet, 35.

She was immediately removed from the position, and a criminal and personnel investigations began, police said.

Guillet, employed by the department since 2007, had served in the role as Property Control Technician since 2009. She was responsible for the security and management of all seized and found property items.

"Any inappropriate actions by an employee will not be tolerated and in this instance we took steps to address the situation quickly but thoroughly." said Police Chief Rob Hunter.

Foxx questioned on leadership, how to fund infrastructure at Senate hearing

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- Mayor Anthony Foxx was questioned Wednesday on his experience leading Charlotte and how he would fund future transporation projects amid a tight budget environment if he was confirmed as the next U.S. Secretary of Transportation.

Foxx gathered before a crowded room of Senators and media at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, DC.

The hearing, which started around 2:30 p.m., began with opening remarks from North Carolina Senators Kay Hagan and Richard Burr.

The list of senators who are questionsing Foxx include South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott. No North Carolina senators are on the list.

"Click It or Ticket" Campaign Now Under Way in NC

"Click It or Ticket" Campaign Now Under Way in NC

The Governor’s Highway Safety Program today officially launched its Memorial Day "Click It or Ticket" campaign, marking 20 years of seat belt safety awareness efforts that have saved countless lives.

To honor this milestone and show support for the cause, GHSP is asking North Carolinians to get out their cell phone cameras, snap a self-portrait of them buckled up while parked and share it on social media, using the hashtag, "#SafetySelfie."

"As the state that started "Click It or Ticket" two decades ago, we're known for finding unique ways to encourage people to fasten their seat belts," said Don Nail, interim director of GHSP. “The ‘#SafetySelfie’ is just one more example of our innovative approach to changing motorists' behavior for the better. By harnessing the power of social media, we hope to convince the small percentage of people who aren't buckling their seat belts that it's the right thing to do."

Updating your summer wardrobe

Updating your summer wardrobe

When the seasons change, your wardrobe changes too.

"Fashion has changed so much," said Ann Taylor store manager Luca Grenaway.

"It just gives you an opportunity to express yourself."

Whether you'd like to change it up on a vacation, buy a few new shirts, or completely remake yourself; you have one month to spruce up your look, so it's time to get started!

One of the major challenges the fashion-forward face, however, is cost.

If you are trying to stay fresh for less, experts say start taking inventory.

"Think about what you have in your closet," said Grenaway.

"Keep it in mind when you're shopping. A lot of times you might find a great piece that might match something you haven't worn in 10 years."

Grenaway recommends deciding what kind of clothing you're interested in buying before you hit the mall.

After you've figured out your style, it's time to pick out your clothes and go shopping.

Voters scold Mecklenburg County Commissioners at Tuesday meeting

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- Mecklenburg County Commissioners got an earful from the public Tuesday evening during their weekly meeting in Uptown Charlotte.

The meetings comes on the heels of a tense few weeks, originally prompted by the public firing of former county manager Harry Jones.

Jones, who was fired on May 7th, asked to speak and thank his staff and supporters, but Chairwoman Pat Cotham denied Jones' request, asking him to leave immediately.

Tuesday night was the first time, residents could publicly address the board over Jones' firing. Many came to the aid of Jones, threatening board members they would lose votes.

"You better get on board and understand that Charlotteans do not work that way," said Sandy Copeland.

Michael Jordan: Bobcats changing name to Hornets

CHARLOTTE, NC (AP/WBTV)- Charlotte Bobcats Owner Michael Jordan announced Tuesday that he has asked the NBA to allow him to change his team's nickname to the Charlotte Hornets.

Jordan made the announcement at the Bobcats practice facility at Time Warner Cable Arena Tuesday evening.

"You guys wanted the Hornets name back," Jordan told the crowd gathered. "I was always astounded by the way the fans supported the team."

If approved, the Hornets nickname would go into effect for the 2014-15 season. The NBA Board of Governors will vote on the name change at its July meeting in Las Vegas.

"Let's bring the buzz back, and bring that energy back on the basketball court and make this city proud again," Jordan said.