Lake Norman has a traffic problem + Vandals deface MLK monument in Concord

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1. Lake Norman has a traffic problem. We asked Huntersville mayor candidates how to fix it

You spend hours stuck in traffic. We asked candidates on November’s ballot whether they have a solution.

Three people running to be Huntersville’s mayor and chief problem solver — Christy Clark, Derek Partee and Dan Boone — offered different solutions to solving traffic woes. Current Mayor Melinda Bales is not running for reelection — instead seeking northern Mecklenburg County’s seat in the N.C. House.

Evan Moore has more on traffic solutions.

2. Vandals deface MLK monument in Concord with spray paint. City decries ‘desecration.’

Vandals spray painted the Martin Luther King Jr. monument in Concord this weekend.

The city’s Buildings and Grounds Department worked overnight to clean the spray paint,” wrote Concord’s spokeswoman, Lindsay Manson. The city did not say what the vandals spray painted.

Julia Coin has more on the monument.

3. As Panthers rookie Chandler Zavala recovers, injury shines light on football’s cost

The Carolina Panthers’ lineman from N.C. State sustained a neck injury Sunday that caused him to lay motionless for several minutes on field in Detroit.

Reich said it was to early to know how long Zavala would be out of action, but didn’t rule out the possibility of Zavala playing as early as Sunday at Miami. Zavala wasn’t immediately made available to reporters Monday afternoon.

Scott Fowler shares more.

4. With NBA preseason set to start, there are signs of optimism for the Hornets

As Charlotte Hornets set to open preseason in Miami following training camp practice, unmistakable aura surrounding them that’s hard to not notice.

The Hornets hope they are at even better point following their four-game preseason schedule, which also includes a stop in Washington against the Wizards on Thursday before wrapping up with home dates against Oklahoma City and Boston.

Roderick Boone has more.

5. Some more stories to read

• The “Sports Legends of the Carolinas” book is coming. Here’s how to get yours

• Want to take the train to the NC State Fair? Amtrak will drop you off the fairgrounds

• ‘Crawling critters’ and grease buildup at Charlotte restaurant: Inspection scores

• Carolina Panthers coach Frank Reich says owner David Tepper won’t ‘sit idly by’

• Charlotte security guard shoots suspect making threats near hotel, Spectrum Center

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