The Charlotte Observer

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education expects to complete its independent review of Superintendent Crystal Hill before students return to school on Aug. 25. Hill was placed on temporary leave in June as part of an investigation into her administrative and operational oversight, which includes scrutiny of over $1.7 million in CMS contracts awarded to some of her former colleagues.

Two Charlotte brokers, Johnnisha Albert and Regina King, are charged with insurance fraud for allegedly submitting fraudulent life insurance applications and claims to steal money, earning commissions from these activities. The North Carolina Insurance Commission stated such crimes increase insurance rates for everyone.

North Carolina's new budget delays Charlotte Water's plan to expand water transfers from the Catawba River basin to the Rocky River basin until 2028. The delay is part of a temporary moratorium on new interbasin water transfers to allow a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study on long-term water management.

Charlotte's French Street Station will temporarily close for concrete repairs, causing Gold Line streetcars to bypass the station and adjust service to Johnson C. Smith University. The closure is part of infrastructure maintenance, while the transit system also plans to implement a new fare policy for the Gold Line over the next 12 to 18 months.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill will receive a raise while on leave, approved by the school board in December 2025. Her salary increases from $318,000 to $340,000 as she is on paid leave due to an investigation into administrative matters.

The Fort Mill School District agreed to pay $200,000 to the family of crossing guard Stanley Brucker, who was killed by a driver in 2024 while directing traffic outside Fort Mill elementary and middle schools. Prosecutors declined to press charges due to video evidence showing Brucker stepped into the road, and the district denies civil liability.

Atrium Health agreed to a $1.8 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit alleging it shared patient data via Meta Pixel on its website, allowing Facebook and Google to use the data for targeted ads. Atrium Health denied wrongdoing, and individuals with specific accounts between 2015 and 2024 can file claims until Sept. 28, with a final hearing on Sept. 30.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley criticizes former Gov. Roy Cooper for a 2021 prison settlement that allowed early inmate releases but previously supported calls for stronger prison protections during the pandemic. Whatley and NCGOP, which he led, had earlier criticized Cooper for insufficient action on prison conditions amid the crisis.

North Carolina lawmakers are considering a proposal to transition vehicle registration cards and renewal stickers to a digital system as part of the state’s budget. The plan allows electronic access to registration information for drivers and law enforcement, with printed versions available for a fee. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles has not taken a position on the proposal, which is expected to be voted on soon.

A former PNC Bank manager is suing the company for discrimination, alleging men were promoted while women were excluded or criticized. The lawsuit also claims she was excluded from compensation calls where bonuses were decided. PNC Bank stated the claims are baseless and they will dispute them.

Garinger High School teachers oppose the construction of rental homes on school property. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) is building 138 rentals for educators under the At Home with CMS program, but teachers argue the district should prioritize other school issues first. The district claims it addressed teacher concerns through meetings before approving the land lease.

Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will speak at Queens University on October 27 about the influences of technology and crises on community and democracy. The lecture at the Sarah Belk Gambrell Center will offer tickets for purchase starting in August.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles is resigning effective June 30, less than six months into her new term, to spend time with her grandchildren. She has served as mayor since 2017 and previously served on the City Council. The Charlotte City Council will decide who completes the remainder of her term.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles will resign on June 30, less than six months into her new term, to spend time with her grandchildren. Lyles has served as mayor since 2017 and won reelection in 2025. The Charlotte City Council will decide who completes the remainder of her term.