Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has decided to confront an issue that's been clear to many people paying attention to the level of criticism he's received throughout his career, stating at a press conference yesterday that he believes some of that criticism is based on his race. Newton said the fact he's an African-American quarterback scares people, "because they haven't seen nothing that they can compare me to." (Fox46 Staff) Despite being the leading frontrunner for MVP this season and leading the Panthers to a near perfect record with only one loss thus far, Newton has faced an amazing amount of criticism. That includes almost regular letters to the editor published in the Charlotte Observer written by fans of teams he has beaten, chiding him for celebrating touchdowns, removing other teams' merchandise from the front rows of Bank of America Stadium and just about any other reason they can find to dislike him. 

Cam Newton today responded to the critics he'll face heading into the Super Bowl. https://t.co/dQKmSDQ4iK pic.twitter.com/4Ds8NbABUf

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) January 27, 2016

Hundreds in east Charlotte have been without power this morning after a vehicle crashed into a utility pole on E W.T. Harris Boulevard at about 2:30 a.m. The accident happened near Idlewild Road, and closed the southbound lanes of Harris Boulevard during the morning commute while also leaving nearly 300 homes without power, most of which are in the Waterford Creek Apartments. As of 9 a.m., the homes were still powerless and it was unclear what time it would be restored. Police said they are still looking for the vehicle that wrecked into the pole. (WSOC Staff) 

At a press conference yesterday afternoon, local police and FBI officials discussed the Wednesday morning raids on homes throughout the Belmont neighborhood near NoDa that resulted in the arrest of 19 people on state and federal drug charges. Overall, 22 people are in custody and six more are on the run for charges stemming from the federal investigation. The group of suspects is of a diversity ages, from men and women in their 20s to their 60s, most of whom have prior drug records that will help put them away for longer prison sentences. (WBTV Web Staff) 

CMPD, FBI conduct large scale drug bust in Belmont https://t.co/B6ytCpANNu #charlotte #clt

— Explore The Mill (@ExploreTheMill) January 28, 2016

A man was arrested and charged after allegedly firing at a police officer responding to a disturbance in Cramerton last night. Four suspects were taken into custody, but Devin Richard Killian faced the most serious charges, including first-degree burglary, assault with a deadly weapon on a government official, conspiracy to commit burglary, discharging a firearm within the town limits and attempted first-degree murder. He is being held in the Gaston County Jail without bond. (WCNC Staff) 

A judge announced yesterday that a pool of 600 potential jurors would be needed for the selection process in the upcoming trial of Dylann Roof, charged with the racially-motivated murder of nine parishioners at a Charleston church last year. The judge said the large pool of jurors will be needed because of the complexity of the case. The trial is set to begin on July 11. Roof will be facing the death penalty. (Associated Press via WCCB)