The Charlotte Focal
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Independent local news for Charlotte, NC. https://focalnews.org/charlotte-nc
Residents want Charlotte to keep its 150-day freeze on new data center development in place while the city develops rules addressing potential impacts. The moratorium is set to expire Nov. 5, with a council vote on an extension expected in about two weeks.
East Charlotte neighbors seek yearlong extension of data center moratorium
Residents want Charlotte to keep its 150-day freeze on new data center development in place while the city develops rules addressing potential impacts. The moratorium is set to expire Nov. 5, with a council vote on an extension expected in about two weeks.
focalnews.org
October 13, 2026 at 3:19 AM
Residents want Charlotte to keep its 150-day freeze on new data center development in place while the city develops rules addressing potential impacts. The moratorium is set to expire Nov. 5, with a council vote on an extension expected in about two weeks.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board Chair Dee Rankin says he will not step down amid public criticism of the board’s decision to fire Superintendent Crystal Hill. Petitions seeking resignations have drawn more than 1,100 signatures, and dozens of residents are scheduled to address the board.
CMS chair rejects resignation calls as backlash over Hill’s dismissal continues
Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board Chair Dee Rankin says he will not step down amid public criticism of the board’s decision to fire Superintendent Crystal Hill. Petitions seeking resignations have drawn more than 1,100 signatures, and dozens of residents are scheduled to address the board.
focalnews.org
October 13, 2026 at 2:47 AM
Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board Chair Dee Rankin says he will not step down amid public criticism of the board’s decision to fire Superintendent Crystal Hill. Petitions seeking resignations have drawn more than 1,100 signatures, and dozens of residents are scheduled to address the board.
Six Charlotte-Mecklenburg patrol officers face possible termination after racist text messages were found during an investigation into a former officer’s use of license-plate reader data. The city’s Civil Service Board will review evidence and decide whether they are fired.
CMPD termination cases tied to racist texts uncovered in camera probe
Six Charlotte-Mecklenburg patrol officers face possible termination after racist text messages were found during an investigation into a former officer’s use of license-plate reader data. The city’s Civil Service Board will review evidence and decide whether they are fired.
focalnews.org
October 13, 2026 at 2:09 AM
Six Charlotte-Mecklenburg patrol officers face possible termination after racist text messages were found during an investigation into a former officer’s use of license-plate reader data. The city’s Civil Service Board will review evidence and decide whether they are fired.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is proposing a $2.1 billion capital program, including an expansion of Concourse C and a passenger tunnel. The plan is tied to a long-term agreement with five airlines, but City Council has not yet set a date to vote on the deal.
Charlotte Douglas pitches $2.1 billion airport investment under new airline deal
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is proposing a $2.1 billion capital program, including an expansion of Concourse C and a passenger tunnel. The plan is tied to a long-term agreement with five airlines, but City Council has not yet set a date to vote on the deal.
focalnews.org
October 13, 2026 at 1:44 AM
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is proposing a $2.1 billion capital program, including an expansion of Concourse C and a passenger tunnel. The plan is tied to a long-term agreement with five airlines, but City Council has not yet set a date to vote on the deal.
Lavi Pham and James Salerno were convicted in the killing of 20-year-old Mary Collins, whose body was found after she was attacked in a NoDa apartment in March 2020. Both men were sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Charlotte jury convicts two men in 2020 killing of Mary Collins
Lavi Pham and James Salerno were convicted in the killing of 20-year-old Mary Collins, whose body was found after she was attacked in a NoDa apartment in March 2020. Both men were sentenced to life in prison without parole.
focalnews.org
October 12, 2026 at 7:59 PM
Lavi Pham and James Salerno were convicted in the killing of 20-year-old Mary Collins, whose body was found after she was attacked in a NoDa apartment in March 2020. Both men were sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Charlotte voters will decide this fall whether the city can borrow $425 million for transportation, affordable housing and neighborhood infrastructure. City officials estimate the bonds would not raise the tax rate, though ballot language allows additional property taxes to be levied for repayment.
Charlotte’s $425 million bond plan would fund housing, streets and neighborhood upgrades
Charlotte voters will decide this fall whether the city can borrow $425 million for transportation, affordable housing and neighborhood infrastructure. City officials estimate the bonds would not raise the tax rate, though ballot language allows additional property taxes to be levied for repayment.
focalnews.org
October 12, 2026 at 7:34 PM
Charlotte voters will decide this fall whether the city can borrow $425 million for transportation, affordable housing and neighborhood infrastructure. City officials estimate the bonds would not raise the tax rate, though ballot language allows additional property taxes to be levied for repayment.
City Council will take public comment Monday on whether to extend its pause on data-center projects. The current pause expires Nov. 5, and a council vote is expected by the end of October.
Charlotte weighs extending freeze on data-center approvals as deadline nears
City Council will take public comment Monday on whether to extend its pause on data-center projects. The current pause expires Nov. 5, and a council vote is expected by the end of October.
focalnews.org
October 12, 2026 at 7:10 PM
City Council will take public comment Monday on whether to extend its pause on data-center projects. The current pause expires Nov. 5, and a council vote is expected by the end of October.
Heavy rain from Isaias’ remnants overwhelmed a Morganton sewer junction box Sunday, sending about 840,000 gallons of sewage into Hunting Creek. A separate, smaller overflow sent roughly 1,500 gallons into a storm drain earlier that morning.
Morganton reports 840,000 gallons of sewage overflowed into Hunting Creek
Heavy rain from Isaias’ remnants overwhelmed a Morganton sewer junction box Sunday, sending about 840,000 gallons of sewage into Hunting Creek. A separate, smaller overflow sent roughly 1,500 gallons into a storm drain earlier that morning.
focalnews.org
October 12, 2026 at 6:46 PM
Heavy rain from Isaias’ remnants overwhelmed a Morganton sewer junction box Sunday, sending about 840,000 gallons of sewage into Hunting Creek. A separate, smaller overflow sent roughly 1,500 gallons into a storm drain earlier that morning.
Darnell Simms will remain jailed without bond while accused of firing at Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers in northeast Charlotte. Police say the Sept. 1 incident began after his wife called 911, concerned he was coming to her home with a gun despite a protection order.
Charlotte judge orders Darnell Simms held after September shooting involving police
Darnell Simms will remain jailed without bond while accused of firing at Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers in northeast Charlotte. Police say the Sept. 1 incident began after his wife called 911, concerned he was coming to her home with a gun despite a protection order.
focalnews.org
October 12, 2026 at 5:56 PM
Darnell Simms will remain jailed without bond while accused of firing at Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers in northeast Charlotte. Police say the Sept. 1 incident began after his wife called 911, concerned he was coming to her home with a gun despite a protection order.
Heavy flooding after Hurricane Isaias left several roads and public access points in the Morganton area underwater Sunday. Five locations were closed by Sunday night, while a local resident said no one in her family had been hurt.
Floodwaters close roads and recreation sites across Burke County
Heavy flooding after Hurricane Isaias left several roads and public access points in the Morganton area underwater Sunday. Five locations were closed by Sunday night, while a local resident said no one in her family had been hurt.
focalnews.org
October 12, 2026 at 5:32 PM
Heavy flooding after Hurricane Isaias left several roads and public access points in the Morganton area underwater Sunday. Five locations were closed by Sunday night, while a local resident said no one in her family had been hurt.
Court records say Ashley Monique Armstrong threatened to come to Metro School and shoot it up on Sept. 21, naming employees. The former Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools assistant was arrested Oct. 9 and charged with communicating a threat of mass violence against educational property.
Former Metro School aide charged after alleged threat against Charlotte campus
Court records say Ashley Monique Armstrong threatened to come to Metro School and shoot it up on Sept. 21, naming employees. The former Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools assistant was arrested Oct. 9 and charged with communicating a threat of mass violence against educational property.
focalnews.org
October 12, 2026 at 5:07 PM
Court records say Ashley Monique Armstrong threatened to come to Metro School and shoot it up on Sept. 21, naming employees. The former Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools assistant was arrested Oct. 9 and charged with communicating a threat of mass violence against educational property.
Michael “Mikey” Cowling, 20, was shot during an unsupervised gathering after Hibriten High School’s homecoming celebration. His father is asking attendees to share information as investigators work to determine what led to the shooting.
Lenoir father urges partygoers to speak up after son’s fatal shooting
Michael “Mikey” Cowling, 20, was shot during an unsupervised gathering after Hibriten High School’s homecoming celebration. His father is asking attendees to share information as investigators work to determine what led to the shooting.
focalnews.org
October 12, 2026 at 4:31 PM
Michael “Mikey” Cowling, 20, was shot during an unsupervised gathering after Hibriten High School’s homecoming celebration. His father is asking attendees to share information as investigators work to determine what led to the shooting.
The National Weather Service confirmed tornadoes in two North Carolina counties and two near Kline, South Carolina, after weekend storms. Survey crews were checking additional damage reports, including in the Raleigh area.
Four tornadoes confirmed in Carolinas as storm damage surveys continue
The National Weather Service confirmed tornadoes in two North Carolina counties and two near Kline, South Carolina, after weekend storms. Survey crews were checking additional damage reports, including in the Raleigh area.
focalnews.org
October 12, 2026 at 3:55 PM
The National Weather Service confirmed tornadoes in two North Carolina counties and two near Kline, South Carolina, after weekend storms. Survey crews were checking additional damage reports, including in the Raleigh area.
Two sewer overflows in Morganton on Sunday discharged a combined 841,500 gallons, including about 840,000 gallons into Hunting Creek. City officials said rainwater entering the sewer system during flooding caused the spills.
Morganton reports 841,500 gallons of wastewater overflows after heavy rain
Two sewer overflows in Morganton on Sunday discharged a combined 841,500 gallons, including about 840,000 gallons into Hunting Creek. City officials said rainwater entering the sewer system during flooding caused the spills.
focalnews.org
October 12, 2026 at 3:22 PM
Two sewer overflows in Morganton on Sunday discharged a combined 841,500 gallons, including about 840,000 gallons into Hunting Creek. City officials said rainwater entering the sewer system during flooding caused the spills.
Michael Smith, 54, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison after admitting to a scheme that generated $8 million in music royalties through automated streams. Prosecutors said his bot accounts played his AI-generated songs 80.9 million times in one month in 2023.
Cornelius man sentenced for using bots to inflate streams of AI-generated music
Michael Smith, 54, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison after admitting to a scheme that generated $8 million in music royalties through automated streams. Prosecutors said his bot accounts played his AI-generated songs 80.9 million times in one month in 2023.
focalnews.org
October 12, 2026 at 1:51 PM
Michael Smith, 54, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison after admitting to a scheme that generated $8 million in music royalties through automated streams. Prosecutors said his bot accounts played his AI-generated songs 80.9 million times in one month in 2023.
Nourish Up served 38,718 people through its food-sharing program in August, up 83% from a year earlier, as more residents face reduced or lost food benefits. Local nonprofits say stricter eligibility rules and more frequent paperwork could deepen demand for help they cannot replace at government sca
Charlotte food-sharing demand jumps 83% as assistance rules tighten
Nourish Up served 38,718 people through its food-sharing program in August, up 83% from a year earlier, as more residents face reduced or lost food benefits. Local nonprofits say stricter eligibility rules and more frequent paperwork could deepen demand for help they cannot replace at government sca
focalnews.org
October 12, 2026 at 1:27 PM
Nourish Up served 38,718 people through its food-sharing program in August, up 83% from a year earlier, as more residents face reduced or lost food benefits. Local nonprofits say stricter eligibility rules and more frequent paperwork could deepen demand for help they cannot replace at government sca
Flooding from Hurricane Isaias left several Burke County roads and public access points underwater Sunday, including areas near a mobile home park on Antioch Road. Two people were rescued from flash flooding, and officials reported no injuries in a vehicle crash on NC 126.
Floodwater shuts Burke County roads, parks and river access after Isaias
Flooding from Hurricane Isaias left several Burke County roads and public access points underwater Sunday, including areas near a mobile home park on Antioch Road. Two people were rescued from flash flooding, and officials reported no injuries in a vehicle crash on NC 126.
focalnews.org
October 12, 2026 at 1:02 PM
Flooding from Hurricane Isaias left several Burke County roads and public access points underwater Sunday, including areas near a mobile home park on Antioch Road. Two people were rescued from flash flooding, and officials reported no injuries in a vehicle crash on NC 126.
Chase Briscoe won the Bank of America 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway after a last-turn duel with Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Christopher Bell. It was Briscoe’s second straight victory and moved him to fourth in the Cup Series standings with four races left.
Briscoe beats Bell by 0.029 seconds in Charlotte’s second-closest NASCAR finish
Chase Briscoe won the Bank of America 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway after a last-turn duel with Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Christopher Bell. It was Briscoe’s second straight victory and moved him to fourth in the Cup Series standings with four races left.
focalnews.org
October 12, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Chase Briscoe won the Bank of America 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway after a last-turn duel with Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Christopher Bell. It was Briscoe’s second straight victory and moved him to fourth in the Cup Series standings with four races left.
National Weather Service crews planned Monday surveys to determine whether five tornadoes touched down as Hurricane Isaias’ remnants crossed central North Carolina. Damage was reported in Raleigh, Fayetteville and Candor, while the Red Cross deployed more than 40 disaster workers.
NWS to assess storm damage after tornado warnings in central North Carolina
National Weather Service crews planned Monday surveys to determine whether five tornadoes touched down as Hurricane Isaias’ remnants crossed central North Carolina. Damage was reported in Raleigh, Fayetteville and Candor, while the Red Cross deployed more than 40 disaster workers.
focalnews.org
October 12, 2026 at 10:57 AM
National Weather Service crews planned Monday surveys to determine whether five tornadoes touched down as Hurricane Isaias’ remnants crossed central North Carolina. Damage was reported in Raleigh, Fayetteville and Candor, while the Red Cross deployed more than 40 disaster workers.
Sahil Jilani, 24, was found dead in the water at Abrams Falls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park after a dayslong search. His family believes he was caught in strong currents, but official findings were still pending.
Search at Abrams Falls ends with recovery of missing Texas hiker
Sahil Jilani, 24, was found dead in the water at Abrams Falls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park after a dayslong search. His family believes he was caught in strong currents, but official findings were still pending.
focalnews.org
October 12, 2026 at 10:22 AM
Sahil Jilani, 24, was found dead in the water at Abrams Falls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park after a dayslong search. His family believes he was caught in strong currents, but official findings were still pending.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools says it has no records of work produced by consultant Raki McGregor or of a compliance assessment by law firm Poyner Spruill. The district agreed to pay $220,000 for the assessment, including $132,000 for McGregor’s company.
CMS says it has no deliverables on two consultant projects
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools says it has no records of work produced by consultant Raki McGregor or of a compliance assessment by law firm Poyner Spruill. The district agreed to pay $220,000 for the assessment, including $132,000 for McGregor’s company.
focalnews.org
October 12, 2026 at 4:35 AM
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools says it has no records of work produced by consultant Raki McGregor or of a compliance assessment by law firm Poyner Spruill. The district agreed to pay $220,000 for the assessment, including $132,000 for McGregor’s company.
Malcomb Coley, whose construction company works with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, is listed as an adviser to a transportation company founded by Raki McGregor’s son. Coley rebuked a reporter who asked about the relationship as investigations into CMS contracting continue.
CMS contractor executive named as adviser to McGregor family business
Malcomb Coley, whose construction company works with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, is listed as an adviser to a transportation company founded by Raki McGregor’s son. Coley rebuked a reporter who asked about the relationship as investigations into CMS contracting continue.
focalnews.org
October 12, 2026 at 12:28 AM
Malcomb Coley, whose construction company works with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, is listed as an adviser to a transportation company founded by Raki McGregor’s son. Coley rebuked a reporter who asked about the relationship as investigations into CMS contracting continue.
Charlotte police are investigating separate incidents at Garinger High School and Charlotte Lab School on Friday. In the Lab School case, court records say a man tracked and followed his former partner onto campus before allegedly assaulting and threatening her.
Two gun incidents reported at Charlotte-Mecklenburg school campuses on same day
Charlotte police are investigating separate incidents at Garinger High School and Charlotte Lab School on Friday. In the Lab School case, court records say a man tracked and followed his former partner onto campus before allegedly assaulting and threatening her.
focalnews.org
October 11, 2026 at 11:25 PM
Charlotte police are investigating separate incidents at Garinger High School and Charlotte Lab School on Friday. In the Lab School case, court records say a man tracked and followed his former partner onto campus before allegedly assaulting and threatening her.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police say two 11-year-olds were arrested after a report that juveniles on e-bikes were throwing rocks at passing cars in Ballantyne. Both were charged with failing to heed lights and sirens and operating without a license, then released to their guardians.
CMPD says two 11-year-olds detained after reported rock-throwing in Ballantyne
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police say two 11-year-olds were arrested after a report that juveniles on e-bikes were throwing rocks at passing cars in Ballantyne. Both were charged with failing to heed lights and sirens and operating without a license, then released to their guardians.
focalnews.org
October 11, 2026 at 10:23 PM
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police say two 11-year-olds were arrested after a report that juveniles on e-bikes were throwing rocks at passing cars in Ballantyne. Both were charged with failing to heed lights and sirens and operating without a license, then released to their guardians.
Michael Jordan’s donation to UNC-Chapel Hill will support social work programs and establish scholarships for graduate students facing financial barriers. Ten students received the first Jordan Family Scholar awards, worth $12,500 apiece.
Jordan’s $10 million UNC gift creates scholarships and names center for his mother
Michael Jordan’s donation to UNC-Chapel Hill will support social work programs and establish scholarships for graduate students facing financial barriers. Ten students received the first Jordan Family Scholar awards, worth $12,500 apiece.
focalnews.org
October 11, 2026 at 8:44 PM
Michael Jordan’s donation to UNC-Chapel Hill will support social work programs and establish scholarships for graduate students facing financial barriers. Ten students received the first Jordan Family Scholar awards, worth $12,500 apiece.