Charlotte, NC 12/1/11 – Richard Cox, who works with Charlotte Center City Partners, looks out the window of one of the classrooms at Northeastern University's new campus in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011. The university just got their state approval and opened for registration. Although they're not sure of their enrollment for next spring, they have emphasized how they're building community.
Charlotte, NC 12/1/11 - Krista Tillman smiles while touring Northeastern University's new campus in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011. The university just got their state approval and opened for registration. Although they're not sure of their enrollment for next spring, they have emphasized how they're building community.
Charlotte, NC 12/1/11 - From left, Charlotte Center City Partners staff members Jovonna Mozeak and Rashaan Peek joke with each other during a meeting at Northeastern University's new campus in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011. The university just got their state approval and opened for registration. Although they're not sure of their enrollment for next spring, they have emphasized how they're building community.
Most Friday nights Huntington Beach wrestler Jerry “Tha Chef” Carr, stirs it up for the crowd during the NWA Pro: Mach-1 Wrestling Friday Night Fights. The North Carolina native came out to California with the hopes of hitting the big time.
The Bellarmine Knights' Jelani Johnson (center) falls to the ground after scrambling with the Duke Blue Devils' Miles Plumlee (left) during the second half while playing in an exhibition match against the Duke Blue Devils men's basketball team on Sat., Oct. 29, 2011, in Durham, N.C. Duke defeated Bellarmine 87-62.
The Bellarmine Knights’ Jelani Johnson hands on to the ball during a scramble while playing against the Duke Blue Devils during an exhibition game on Sat., Oct. 29, 2011, in Durham, N.C. Duke held the lead 38-33 going into the second half.
Republican presidential candidates (R-L), former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, Texas Governor Rick Perry, former U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, businessman Herman Cain, Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) and former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman pose before a South Carolina Republican party presidential debate in Spartanburg, South Carolina, November 12, 2011.
Huntingtontowne Farms Elementary School teacher Bethany Guthard goes over a science lesson with her class on Wed., Sept. 14, 2011, in Charlotte, N.C. Guthard is one of many teachers new to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School system. After teaching in Florida for six years, Guthard started in CMS in early July. While many other school districts are cutting their budgets, CMS had a hiring spree prior to the start of the school year.
Fifth-grade teacher Bethany Guthard, center, smiles while teaching her students about the science of clouds in class on Wed., Sept. 14, 2011, at Huntingtowne Farms Elementary School in Charlotte, N.C. Guthard is one of many teachers new to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School system. After teaching in Florida for six years, Guthard started in CMS in early July. While many other school districts are cutting their budgets, CMS had a hiring spree prior to the start of the school year.
Bethany Guthard, center left, jokes with Essence Walker, 10, center right, while George Moore, 9, left, Zaeontae' Robinson, right, 10, eat their lunch on Wed., Sept. 14, 2011, in Charlotte, N.C. Guthard is one of many teachers new to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School system. After teaching in Florida for six years, Guthard started in CMS in early July. While many other school districts are cutting their budgets, CMS had a hiring spree prior to the start of the school year.
Ian Hubbert, 39, who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2002, sits for a portrait at his home on Mon., Aug. 22, 2011, in Long Beach, Calif. A controversial procedure called Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) treatment helped ease some of the symptoms of Hubbert's Multiple Sclerosis by dilating veins leading into his brain. Although the procedure is not a full cure, Hubbert said the procedure has helped him regain feeling in his extremities and strength. "One morning I woke up and (my hands) were numb," Hubbert said. "It was pretty amazing to feel your hands again." Hubbert can now walk with the use of a cane and no longer needs a wheelchair.
Rowan County, North Carolina has the unenviable distinction of being the American county hardest hit by the recession. An analysis of census data between 2007 and 2010 — capturing the effects of both the recession and the Obama presidency — shows how Rowan County exists in a nexus of loss. There has been a dramatic loss of median family and individual income, and a huge increase in the number of people living below the poverty line and on food stamps. There has been a sharp spike in unemployment.
President Obama laughs while addressing the crowd while promoting the American Jobs Act during a stop on his three-day bus tour at West Wilkes High School on Mon., October 17, 2011 in Millers Creek, North Carolina. Obama will also travel to Virginia as part of the tour.
President Obama addresses the crowd while promoting the American Jobs Act during a stop on his three-day bus tour at West Wilkes High School on Mon., October 17, 2011 in Millers Creek, North Carolina. Obama will also travel to Virginia as part of the tour.
A runner takes a muddy breath while crawling through an obstacle during the Irvine Lake Mud Run on Sun., July 17, 2011, in Silverado, Calif.
Michael Calderon, left, looks over his coconut bra while another group prepares to compete in the Irvine Lake Mud Run on Sun., July 17, 2011, in Silverado, Calif.
Wearing a luchador mask, Robert Kresher makes his way through the mud during the Irvine Lake Mud Run on Sun., July 17, 2011, in Silverado, Calif.
Runners dressed as "Where's Waldo?" cheer after making their way through a mud pit during the Irvine Lake Mud Run on Sun., July 17, 2011, in Silverado, Calif.
