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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools General Counsel André Mayes is leaving the district, according to a separation agreement signed Jan. 22.
Mayes has worked in CMS since 2008 when she was hired as associate general counsel, and she was later promoted to deputy general counsel in December of that year. Mayes was promoted to be the district’s top lawyer in January 2020. Her employment with the district officially ends Jan. 31, according to the “mutual separation agreement” that The Charlotte Observer obtained via a public records request.
The district will pay Mayes a severance payment of $289,430, which is equal to one year of her contracted salary.
The agreement doesn’t state why Mayes is leaving, including whether she was fired or decided to retire. There were still over two years left on Mayes’ contract.
“She decided to retire,” CMS board chair Stephanie Sneed told The Charlotte Ledger on Saturday. “She is getting what she is entitled to as a part of retirement.”
Mayes’ contract, which was released as a public record, indicates the district must pay Mayes a year’s salary as severance if she is “terminated for convenience.” That’s not required in the event she leaves voluntarily or is terminated “for just cause.”
The separation agreement indicates Mayes would not be required to work after Jan. 14 and stipulates that neither Mayes nor CMS can make “disparaging or defamatory comments about the other, or in any way criticize the personal or business reputation, practices or conduct” of the other.
It’s the second time in recent years that a local government organization has paid its top attorney to leave. Charlotte paid now-former City Attorney Patrick Baker more than $230,000 after he was reportedly forced out in 2024, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.
WFAE reported that Mayor Vi Lyles and a majority of the Charlotte City Council voted in closed session to “end” Baker’s employment, in part due to Baker’s decision to fulfill a public records request from the news outlet.
Baker told the Observer he officially retired, though his contract did not call for any severance payment if he left voluntarily or was “terminated for good cause.”
This story was originally published January 29, 2026 at 9:29 AM.
Rebecca Noel reports on education for The Charlotte Observer. She’s a native of Houston, Texas, and graduated from Rice University. She later received a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. When she’s not reporting, she enjoys reading, running and frequenting coffee shops around Charlotte.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating after someone pointed a blue laser at an American Airlines flight early Thursday morning in Charlotte, according to a release.
What You Need To Know
FAA investigating a reported laser strike on an American Airlines flight near Charlotte Thursday morning
The FAA says laser strikes can pose a serious safety risk to pilots and passengers on board
Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a serious crime, officials say, that can include various fines and prison time
American Airlines flight 3114 was “illuminated by a blue laser about 5 miles from Charlotte Douglas International Airport” around 7 a.m., a statement from the FAA said.
The flight landed safely, officials said, and local authorities were alerted to the situation.
Charlotte Mini-Con, Charlotte’s longest running comic book convention (since 1977!), takes place Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at a new location, Stage 1 at Blue Studios, 904 Post Street, Charlotte, NC. This is a rescheduled date, due to the weather.
Admission is $5. Guests 16 years and younger are admitted for free, with a paying adult. Limit 4 kids per paying adult. If you purchase your ticket in advance you can get in 10-15 minutes early.
Parking is FREE. It’s ok to bring in bags.
Costumes are welcome, but there will not be a costume contest. No metal props will be allowed.
The Charlotte Mini-Con is brought to you by Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find, the same folks who put on HeroesCon.
The Mini-Con will feature some of the best comic book dealers in the country, as well as an Artist Alley.
Featured Guests:
Subject to change.
Mark Bagley
Damien Becton
Chuck Brown
John Burgin
Rich Case
Bridgit Connell
Rick Davis
Mason Dickerson
Steve Epting
Dan Fraga
John Hairston Jr.
Bo Hampton
Dustin Harbin
John Hartness
Chris Kemple
Rick Leonardi
Jeremy Massie
Ryan Oakley
Eraklis Petmezas
Chris Pitzer — Adhouse Books
Rico Renzi
Budd Root
Andy Smith
Southern Knights
Brian Stelfreeze
Michael Watkins
Stephanie Williams
Kelly Yates
Artist Alley:
Subject to change.
Aceblade Comics
Adam Casey
Chris McJunkin
Gene Shanks
Hops Comic
Izzy Honeycutt Paints
Jackson Raines
Karlton T. Clay
Lyle Pollard
Popcycled
Ro Lamb
Spandex Splinters
Tony Scott
William Withers
Wolly McNair
Xomik Buk
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hardware stores across North Carolina are working to restock winter weather supplies ahead of this weekend’s snow. However, it will likely take weeks for some supplies to be shipped because many items sold out ahead of last weekend’s storm that affected most of the U.S.
What You Need To Know
Hardware stores are restocking winter weather gear
Many supplies sold out last week ahead of the past weekend’s storm that affected most of the U.S.
The owner of a Charlotte hardware store said some items will not be delivered for weeks
“We sold about 4,500 bags of ice melt,” Ben Little, the owner of Little Hardware in Charlotte, said. “We had maybe 10 or so generators on hand. We did sell through those by about Tuesday.”
Little, a fourth-generation owner of Little Hardware, said there was so much demand for winter weather gear last weekend that he had to order supplies from other states.
“We were scrambling all over trying to find ice melt,” Little said. “We had some actually ordered that we were worried wasn’t going to make it, but it did end up showing up on Friday. We were also able to overnight a truck out of Florida on Thursday. It was gone in about three hours.”
Little is working to restock his store with more supplies. He received new shipments this week, but he said some items are backordered.
“Some of the things like salt, I can’t get any until the second or third week of February now,” he said.
Little suggests that people always have ice melt, a generator and a second source of heat on hand in case a storm approaches.
Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.
Sometimes, I can still see myself walking up those back steps to the Pewter Rose in South End, dodging tables and catching a glimpse of butterscotch scones on my way to a seat. It’s hard to believe it’s been at least 13 years since my last brunch there.
The Pewter Rose was a Charlotte institution long before I arrived on the scene; it actually got its start in Spirit Square in 1978. When it moved to its iconic upstairs location in 1988, it beat the “South End” branding by nearly a decade — it was there before the neighborhood even had its name.
By the time my friends and I were spending our 20s there in the late 90s and early 2000s, it felt like the established heart of the neighborhood. We’d tuck away in that private glassed-in room with the French doors for bachelorette parties and baby showers. While I enjoyed dinner there a few times, it was the brunch — especially after a grueling hot yoga class — that truly had my heart.
Whether a restaurant stays for two years or two decades, losing a local favorite feels like losing a piece of the neighborhood. These are our “third places,” and losing the chance to catch up with a favorite barista or bartender is a real loss to the community.
Pewter Rose was one of those places for me. So was Charley’s, Pike’s Soda Shop, Letty’s, Owens Bagels … I could go on and on.
Patrons at the Pewter Rose during the 11:30AM Sunday brunch. Pewter Rose restaurant, located at 1820 South Blvd, held its last Sunday brunch on Sunday, Jan. 20,2013. The restaurant owners decided to close the restaurant after 25 years. Robert Lahser Charlotte Observer archives
After Tim wrote about restaurants that closed then came back again, it made me nostalgic for some old school Charlotte restaurant memories. I want to know about your old favorites!
Share Your Story
Help me remember the spots we’ve lost. I’m pulling together a list of Charlotte’s “gone but not forgotten” favorites, and I want to hear from you.
Patrons at the Pewter Rose during the 11:30AM Sunday brunch. Pewter Rose restaurant, located at 1820 South Blvd, held its last Sunday brunch on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013. The restaurant owners decided to close the restaurant after 25 years. Robert Lahser Charlotte Observer archives
Melissa Oyler is the editor of CharlotteFive. When she’s not writing or editing, you’ll find her running, practicing hot yoga or snuggling with her rescue dogs, X and Charlie. Find her on Instagram or X: @melissaoyler. Support my work with a digital subscription
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security said immigrants who are sleeping outside the Charlotte DHS office because of long wait times for appointments should self-deport to avoid situations like this.
Immigrants desperate to be seen for annual immigration check-ins have been sleeping outside of the DHS office on Tyvola Center Drive in Southwest Charlotte in recent weeks. Becca O’Neill, co-founder of Carolina Migrant Network and Immigration Attorney says this happens year round in extreme weather.
“It’s not only the cold. I’ve been there when it’s the heat of the summer. People are out there exposed to the sun, hot pregnant people, elderly people, children in like the heat and now this cold,” O’Neill said.
O’Neill says all immigrants report for check ins annually which overwhelms the system creating long wait times. Appointments are scheduled Tuesdays to Thursdays between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
“Department of Homeland Security requires almost everyone to check in, it’s just way too many people checking in than it seems that they have the capacity to see,” O’Neill said.
In a statement to WCCB, a regional spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security says long lines are a “direct reflection of misinformation and lies shared throughout the illegal alien and activist community.”
He goes on to write, “there are clear alternatives available, contacting the non-detained unit duty email, working through legal counsel, or using posted QR codes to resolve many issues without seeing an officer.”
The statement goes on to say, “To avoid situations like this, illegal aliens can take control of their departure with the CBP Home App. The United States is offering illegal aliens $2,600 and a free flight to self-deport now.”
Carolina Migrant Network represents immigrants who can’t afford attorneys. They caution their clients not to sleep at the office overnight and recommend immigrants document their attempt to comply with appointments.
“Take a selfie outside the office when they get there and then email it to me, or just text it to me and give it to me so I have a timestamp, right? And then if you are sent away because you can’t get seen, then do another selfie and timestamp it and send it to me,” O’Neill said.
WCCB reached out to Mecklenburg County Commissioners about this public health issue. A Commissioner replied and said that the Deputy County Manager is now aware of the situation and staff have been directed to meet the needs of people sleeping outside with blankets and heaters if possible.
Since our story aired, volunteers have been stopping by the office to bring people warm drinks, food and and blankets while they wait.
Frank’s Beer Shop, at 3348 Commonwealth Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina, was founded by “a guy and his dog” in 2025. It’s a neighborhood bar and bottle shop where dogs are welcome inside and outside on the patio.
To give you an idea of where it is, it’s across Commonwealth Avenue from Repo Record.
Frank’s Beer Shops hosts live music, shows the Panthers games, and more. They often have food trucks on site. You can find their upcoming schedule at franksbeershop.com/events. Read on for a few of them.
Upcoming Event
Live Music in 2026:
Friday, January 30, 5 p.m.: Grant Funderburk (Crystal Fountains)
Friday, February 6, 6 p.m.: Jason Moss & The Hosses
Friday, February 13, 6 p.m.: Drew Nathan
Saturday, February 14, 3 p.m.: Crystal Fountains
Friday, February 20, 6 p.m.: Tomson Nystrom
Recurring Events
Frank’s Run & Walk Club Wednesdays (scheduled through the end of January at least) 6:30 p.m. Free
Dog-friendly and family-friendly, with running and walking routes.
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Frank’s Run & Walk Club (dog and family-friendly)
When
January 30, 2026 @ 5:00 pm-8:00 pm
What
Live Music: Grant Funderburk (from Crystal Fountains band)
WASHINGTON (AP) — As a partial government shutdown looms at week’s end, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer has laid out a list of demands for the Department of Homeland Security, including an enforceable code of conduct for federal agents conducting immigration arrests and a requirement that they identify themselves to the public.
Republicans will need Democratic votes to keep the government open when funding runs at midnight Friday. But Democrats have pledged to block a spending bill for the department, hoping to pressure the GOP and President Donald Trump for major change at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other agencies as the country reels from the deaths of two people at the hands of federal agents in Minneapolis.
Democratic senators met on Wednesday before a crucial Thursday vote on whether to move forward with the spending legislation that funds DHS and a swath of other government agencies. Schumer said Democrats are asking the White House to “end roving patrols” in cities, coordinate with local law enforcement on immigration arrests, spell out an enforceable code of conduct so agents are held accountable when they violate rules, and require that agents have “masks off, body cameras on” and carry proper identification, as is common practice in law enforcement.
The Democratic caucus is united in those “commonsense reforms” and that the burden is on Republicans to accept them, the New York senator said.
“This is not law and order,” Schumer said, referring to the administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement surge across the country. “This is chaos.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has said he was waiting for Democrats to outline their what they want and he suggested that they need to be talking to the White House.
It was unclear how seriously the White House was engaged and whether the two sides could agree on anything that would appease Democrats who are irate after federal agents fatally shot Alex Pretti and Renee Good this month.
With no evident negotiations underway, a partial shutdown appeared increasingly likely starting Saturday.
Democrats lay out demands
Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy said Democrats have been looking at changes that will “unite the caucus, and I think unite the country,” including ending the “roving patrols” that Democrats say are terrorizing Americans around the country.
“None of this is revolutionary,” said Murphy, the top Democrat on the subcommittee that oversees homeland security spending. “None of this requires a new comprehensive piece of legislation.”
Schumer and Murphy have said any fixes should be passed by Congress, not just promised by the administration.
Republicans say any changes to the spending will need to be passed by the House to prevent a shutdown, and that is not likely to happen in time because the House is not in legislative session this week.
“We can have conversations about what additional oversight is required, what additional laws we should consider, but not at the expense of shutting down the government,” said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.
Many obstacles to a deal
Despite some conversations among Democrats, Republicans and the White House, it was unclear whether there could be a resolution in time to avoid a partial shutdown.
The House passed the six remaining funding bills last week and sent them to the Senate as a package, and that makes it difficult to strip out the homeland security portion as Democrats are demanding. Republicans could break the package apart with the consent of all 100 senators, which would be complicated, or through a series of votes that would extend past the Friday deadline.
It was unclear whether Trump will weigh in.
Republican leaders had hoped to avoid another shutdown after last fall’s 43-day closure that revolved around Democrats’ insistence on extending federal subsidies that make health coverage more affordable for those enrolled in the Affordable Care Act marketplace.
Even if the Senate could resolve the issue, House Republicans have made clear they do not want any changes to the bill they have passed. In a letter to Trump on Tuesday, the conservative House Freedom Caucus wrote that its members stand with the president and ICE.
“The package will not come back through the House without funding for the Department of Homeland Security,” according to the letter.
Democrats say they won’t back down.
“It is truly a moral moment,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. “I think we need to take a stand.”
UNC System President Peter Hans speaks during a meeting of the UNC System Board of Governors on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Raleigh, N.C.
Kaitlin McKeown
kmckeown@newsobserver.com
Administrative personnel cuts at North Carolina’s public universities are combining with tuition increases to boost budgets by $100 million a year.
Across the UNC System, 700 administrative positions have been cut since June, President Peter Hans announced during Wednesday’s UNC Board of Governors meeting. That amounts to $50 million in cuts to salaries and benefits.
Plus, tuition and fee increases the Board of Governors reviewed Wednesday would bring in an additional $50 million a year, according to a presentation given to the board.
After cuts, ‘we’re watching them like hawks’
During a discussion about tuition increases, board member Art Pope said before any increase in price, the board must confirm that each campus attempted to balance their checkbooks through increased productivity and efficiency.
“I’m happy to report some real progress based on activity in the first six months,” Hans said. “System-wide, this means 700 fewer administrators than we had in June. And before there’s hand-wringing about cuts, because I can promise you, my approval ratings dipped on the campuses significantly after announcing this cap, I want to just emphasize that this is how any large organization should operate.”
Hans emphasized that the $50 million in savings from cuts can stay in campus budgets and go toward the business of teaching students.
Board member Harry Brown asked Hans how he plans to ensure that colleges don’t just use the newfound money to hire more administrative personnel.
“One of the concerns is that [campuses] turn right back around and hire some of these people right back and because that seems to be, I don’t know why, but it seems to be something the campuses always tend to do,” Brown said.
Hans tried to assuage Brown’s fears.
“These campus folks are very clever, but we’re watching them like hawks on this,” Hans said.
“Because we haven’t had … a new state budget in place this past year … we have had some at least temporary — I’m hoping, temporary — compression on the availability of funds,” he said. ”Campuses have largely used the administrative personnel cap reductions savings to cover that, as opposed to hiring new people. But your vigilance is well-placed, and I promise we share that commitment.”
Tuition increases
After nearly a decade of holding tuition rates flat, the Board of Governors allowed chancellors across UNC institutions to submit proposals for tuition increases last fall, with a maximum increase of 3% for in-state students.
Wednesday, the board reviewed those proposals. Next month, members will vote. The increases are set to take effect in the 2026-27 school year for incoming students.
“This is a challenging, sort of philosophical thing here,” said Kirk Bradley, a member of the board. “But part of our job is to be good fiscal stewards and allow campuses to operate with the quality we expect.”
Board members Pope and Woody White were among the only board members to push back on the proposed increases. White said he hadn’t received enough campus-by-campus proof that these increases are truly necessary.
For Triangle schools, the increases proposed are as follows:
UNC-Chapel Hill would cost $9,081 for in-state undergraduate students and $49,323 for out-of-state undergraduate students.
NC State University wouldcost $9,030 for in-state undergraduate students and $34,744 for out-of-state undergraduate students.
NC Central University would cost $6,774 for in-state students and $20,201 for out-of-state students.
The only school in the UNC System that didn’t take advantage of the offer to raise tuition was Winston-Salem State University. That school is holding tuition and fees flat for in-state students.
Lunar New Year Paper Plate Drum February 4, 2026 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Harrisburg Library 201 Sims Pkwy, Harrisburg, NC Free Ages 6-11
Celebrating the Year of the Horse! In honor of the 2026 Lunar New Year, recreate a traditional Chinese spinning drum toy! No registration required, supplies are limited.
Lunar New Year Celebration February 12, 2026 5 to 6 p.m. Mount Pleasant Library 1111 N Washington Street, Mt. Pleasant, NC Free
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with crafts, games, and good vibes! Make lanterns, learn your zodiac sign, and try festive snacks as we welcome a fresh start together. Come for the fun, stay for the fortune!
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However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
SPONSORED CONTENT is content paid for by a partner. The McClatchy Commerce Content team, which is independent from our newsroom, oversees this content.
Edited By Chase Clements, Commerce Content Manager
To celebrate and acknowledge the history and creativity of Black voices, The Independent Picture House in Charlotte has put together a series of films with showtime extras to spark learning and discussion for people of all backgrounds.
This series, presented by IPH, is an opportunity for the community to engage beyond simply the experience of seeing a film on the big screen. Each film was carefully selected by de’Angelo Dia, the Director of Education & Community Engagement at IPH, and the creative director and operations team at IPH.
“For this particular series, it was important to me that these films are invitational to wherever individuals may be on the spectrum of their growth and awareness,” Dia said about the series. “I also did not want to have films that individuals would assume were making a monolithic experience of what it means to embody Blackness.”
“I don’t think one film in singularity can really examine, affirm, challenge our notion, our thoughts about what it means to live within the Black embodiment and the Black experience, specifically in this country. So that was the reason for this series,” he continued.
Kicking off the series on Jan. 30 is Do the Right Thing, directed by Spike Lee and originally released in 1989. The dark comedy is set on the streets of the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn as hate boils and builds until it finally explodes into violence. This film is perfect for anyone wanting not only to celebrate culture, but also to examine the complexities of pain and celebration coexisting.
Master is a psychological horror film directed by Mariama Diallo. The film follows three women as they strive to find their place at an elite Northeastern university, just as anonymous racist attacks start to target a Black freshman who insists she is being haunted by ghosts. This film has two showings, Feb. 6 and Feb. 11, and is perfect for those who love horror and want to observe the genre from a different perspective.
Opening on Feb. 13 is Juice, directed by Ernest R. Dickerson. In this Dark Comedy and Psychological Action Thriller, four inner-city teenagers get caught up in the pursuit of power and happiness, which they refer to as “the juice.”
Uptight is the oldest film in the series, first released in 1968. The movie was directed by Jules Dassin and is praised as a landmark collaboration between activist and actress Ruby Dee and the director. This dramatic thriller, based on the 1935 classic, “The Informer,” shows how Black revolutionaries are betrayed by one of their own.
The final movie in this special limited time line-up is One Night in Miami… Directed by Regina King, this drama is the fictional account of one incredible night where icons Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown gathered to discuss their roles in the Civil Rights Movement and cultural shake-up of the ’60s.
Each showing will be followed by a post-film discussion with background and featuring knowledgeable members of the community relevant to the film — perfect for anyone looking for more ways to discuss and learn while connecting with others.
All films are rated R and may not be suitable for children.
While February is a month to elevate and celebrate Black history, the IPH team presents films that showcase Black artistry throughout the year. Keep up with what is happening at IPH and support the nonprofit as it continues to screen diverse, foreign, arthouse and independent films focused on educating, engaging, and enabling individuals through the powerful medium of film at independentpicturehouse.org.
Big burgers, craft cocktails and an expansive, dog-friendly patio with a 25-foot LED Jumbotron screen is coming to a space right along the light rail’s Carson Station stop in Charlotte.
Market on Morehead will be a full-service restaurant with food made from scratch, craft cocktails to drink, “really good entertainment” and a “really cool atmosphere,” co-founder Josh Willoughby told CharlotteFive. It will seat about 200 inside, plus 150 more on the patio.
Perhaps the most attractive feature for the restaurant — which sits about four blocks away from Bank of America Stadium, right where South End and uptown come together — is its attached parking deck. The rest of The Offices at Carson Station’s space is filled with 9-5 businesses, ensuring plenty of parking will be available dinner and late-night customers.
Construction is still underway, but Market on Morehead — which carries the same MOM branding as its sister restaurant Market on Main in Columbia, S.C. — is projected to open sometime this spring. Willoughby is shooting for St. Patrick’s Day, “but everything is still fluid.”
Josh Willoughby, co-founder of Market on Main and Market on Morehead, oversees construction of Market on Morehead. Alex Cason CharlotteFive
Food and drink at Market on Morehead
Executive chef Howard Stephens, who crafts the food at Market on Main, will lead the way in the restaurant’s Charlotte kitchen, as well. The 2023 South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association Chef of the Year focuses on crafting gourmet American food with global influences.
From outside, you’ll be able to peek into the kitchen’s prep area to watch lunch, brunch and dinner in the works.
Inside look at the dining room construction at Market on Morehead. Alex Cason CharlotteFive
Among the options Willoughby expects to be popular is the M.O.M. Burger, made from two 5-ounce, grass-fed Brasstown NC beef patties, with shredded lettuce, chopped onions, pickles and Russian dressing served on a sesame seed bun and paired with truffle fries. The gourmet Big Mac dupe starts at $22, but you can make it even bigger by adding on bacon, an egg or pimiento cheese for $3 each. Or, you can go smaller and cut the price to $18 by making it a single-patty Step M.O.M. burger.
Market on Morehead’s M.O.M. Burger. Market on Morehead
Small plate selections ranging from $12-$19 include chimichurri shrimp, wings and Thai sweet potato bisque. And a highlight from the salad offerings is the Smoked Duck Salad ($30) with Culver City duck breast, mixed greens, local pears, goat cheese, candied pecans, dried cranberries and miso-maple vinaigrette.
Saturday and Sunday brunch will be served from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., with Waffle Hashbrowns ($12), Steak and Eggs ($44) and a Brunch Burger made with an 8-ounce, coffee-rubbed Texas Taijima wagyu patty loaded up with Canadian bacon, provolone, an over-easy egg and Alabama white sauce on a broche bun.
The beverage program includes elevated cocktails, along with beer and wine.
Market on Morehead’s Waffle Hashbrowns. Market on Morehead
What to expect at Market on Morehead
When you step inside Market on Morehead, you’ll see a lounge-style waiting area at the entrance and banquettes throughout the dining room.
An indoor fountain will anchor a sunken area of the restaurant, creating a calming space meant to offset the relatively low ceilings elsewhere in the dining area. A private room for 25+ people will also serve as overflow dining space.
The bar will stretch along the windows, allowing indoor and outdoor access.
The future bar and bar seating at Market on Morehead. Alex Cason CharlotteFive
Outside, that 25-foot LED Jumbotron on the patio will sit above a stage for live events, paired with multiple TVs. A smaller inside stage is sized for solo performers.
The future patio area at Market on Morehead at 1001 Morehead Square Drive. Alex Cason CharlotteFive
As you dine, you can play trivia or music bingo, sing karaoke or enjoy live music on the weekends. Those seated outdoors can enjoy a screened-in pergola space that cool guests with misters on hot days and warm them with heating on cold days.
“It’s basically a lot of exciting things that we’re trying to bring to the area,” Willoughby said.
The view from Market on Morehead patio of the old Morehead Tavern that burned down in March 2025. Alex Cason CharlotteFive
Heidi Finley is a writer and editor for CharlotteFive and the Charlotte Observer. Outside of work, you will most likely find her in the suburbs driving kids around, volunteering and indulging in foodie pursuits. Support my work with a digital subscription
The best chances for heavy snow lie to our east, but Charlotte’s 1,468-day streak without an inch of snow may be in serious jeopardy.
Happy Hump Day! Temperatures are much more tolerable this Wednesday morning after the coldest air many have seen in over three years. Lows bottom out in the teens and 20s before sunrise ahead of highs in the 30s and 40s. Skies will vary between partly cloudy and mostly sunny through the remainder of the workweek as temperatures remain 10-15° below average. Much colder air pools in from the north by Saturday as an Arctic ridge of high pressure slides eastward, setting the table for the Carolinas’ third winter storm in as many weekends.
The aforementioned Arctic high will push a stagnant boundary farther south, allowing a developing area of low pressure to ride along it and pick up moisture and energy from the Gulf before swinging back northeast along the Atlantic coast. With cold air likely in place – highs may not get out of the teens & 20s across the WCCB Charlotte viewing area on Saturday – this system will only produce snow for the western half of the Carolinas. The big question is where this storm will track; too far east, much of our area remains dry; but any westward trend could lead to significant snow around the Metro.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Greenville-Spartanburg currently gives Charlotte a 45% chance of seeing upwards of 3″ of snow between Friday night and Sunday morning, with higher chances to the east. For the record, it’s been over four years since Charlotte last saw an inch of snow in one sitting; it’s been eight years since the Queen City last saw a snow event pile up over 3″. A lot can and will change over the next 72 hours, but the trends are currently a snow-lover’s friend.
Today: AM variable clouds. PM mostly sunny. High: 44°. Wind: W 5-10.
Tonight: Clear and cold. Low: 24°. Wind: NW 5-10.
Thursday: AM sunny. PM variable clouds. High: 42°. Wind: Light.
RALEIGH, N.C. — There is a common belief in the sports world that high school athletes should play more than one sport. The idea behind that is learning versatility and translateable skills that can improve chances to continue playing at the collegiate level.
Wakefield High School sophomore Quinn Pope is one of those multisport athletes hoping to compete at the next level.
What You Need To Know
Wakefield High School girls basketball player Quinn Pope is the starting point guard for the Wolverines
She was also the starting quarterback for the flag football team in the fall
During the flag football season, she led the team to a state title and was named North Carolina Player of the Year by MaxPreps
She hopes to use the skills she’s learned to add to her Division II basketball offer
The Wakefield girls basketball player has had a ball in her hand for as long as she can remember.
“I kind of liked playing sports when I was younger, like, all the time. I didn’t really like playing with girly things. I don’t know if you’d say that, but I kind of always like playing with soccer balls or footballs,” Pope said.
So it was no surprise that when high school came around she’d gravitate to a couple of sports. She’s now the Wolverines’ starting point guard with a big gap to fill. Pope is only a sophomore and is leading the 2025 state finalists, hoping to push the program to new heights.
“It’s stressful. It’s big. I feel like the biggest thing is just stepping into their shoes and trying to go back to states because I know a lot of people from last year left, and it’s definitely a new team, but I feel like we can still do it,” Pope said.
The underclassman is no stranger to big stages. Just this fall, she led the Wakefield flag football team to a state title as the starting quarterback. In her first season, Pope was named the first-ever North Carolina Player of the Year by MaxPreps for flag football, after throwing for 3,400 yards and recording more than 70 total touchdowns.
“I feel like being the quarterback on the field definitely helped me with being a point guard on the court. When you’re a point guard on the court, you definitely have to read where everybody is to make sure you pass good. On the field, when people are doing certain routes you need to know where they are on the field and if they’re open or not,” Pope said.
That kind of insight is an asset for any multisport athlete, especially when it comes to college recruiting. Pope already has a Division II basketball offer, but she hopes to turn that into more opportunities to play at the next level.
“I’ve kind of always wanted to play basketball when I was younger in college. It’s kind of like my dream to play,” Pope said.
But does it actually pay off in the long run to play multiple sports or should student athletes specialize in what they’re best at?
According to Next College Student Athletes, a recruiting company, college coaches value multisport athletes because they’re mentally tough, versatile and competitive. NCSA helped more than 31,000 students secure college commitments in 2024.
Wakefield varsity girls basketball assistant coach Cam Scott agrees. He says he’s seen it first-hand with athletes he’s coached.
“It draws a lot of attention. If you’re doing flag football, it helps with footwork, being physical. So, definitely, college coaches look for it. And you know just kids that you know take care of the body, you know understand that grind,” Scott said.
In the meantime, Pope is focusing on the sport she’s currently playing and reaching her goals.
“I just feel like I still have to keep working hard, like no matter what, especially this year and next year are going to be big for me,” Pope said.
The point guard and the Wolverines look to return to the playoffs next month with the high school girl’s basketball regular season wrapping up in mid-February.
Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.
Students arrive for the first day of school at Elizabeth Traditional School in Charlotte, N.C., on Monday, August 25, 2025.
KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH
Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is considering two calendar options for the 2027-28 school year and is asking for community input before the board picks one on April 14.
In one option, the first day of school would fall on Thursday, Aug. 26, 2027, and the last day on Friday, June 9, 2028. In the other, the start and end of school would be shifted two days earlier, with the first day on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2027 and the last day on Wednesday, June 7, 2028.
The main differences between the calendar options lie in when teacher workdays and spring break fall. In option one, spring break would run from April 10 through April 14, ending the weekend of Easter. In option two, spring break would be the following week, from April 17 through April 21.
Both options include the same number of instructional hours, two weeks off for winter break and a teacher workday on Election Day, Nov. 2, 2027.
In a change from previous years, the district will not have four early release days as it has in the past, instead it will opt for two additional full teacher workdays.
The district’s hands are somewhat tied when it comes to school start and end dates. The North Carolina General Assembly passed a now-controversial law in 2004 that requires NC public school districts to start school no earlier than the Monday closest to Aug. 26 and end no later than the Friday closest to June 11.
This rigid timeframe has drawn criticism from some, including board members, as it means students must take end-of-course exams after they return from winter break, when they’ve spent two weeks away from class material.
CMS Vice Chair Dee Rankin suggested at Tuesday’s board meeting that the board and community “put pressure on our General Assembly to do the right thing and allow calendar flexibility,” in order to change the law so school can start earlier in August.
State law also says districts are required to have a minimum of 185 instructional days or 1,025 instructional hours. CMS aims to schedule at least 1,063, so there’s wiggle room in case days need to be canceled due to inclement weather, for example.
A poll is open to the public to share feedback on the two options until Feb. 13. CMS Superintendent Crystal Hill will give her recommendation to the board March 10, and the board will vote April 14.
Rebecca Noel reports on education for The Charlotte Observer. She’s a native of Houston, Texas, and graduated from Rice University. She later received a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. When she’s not reporting, she enjoys reading, running and frequenting coffee shops around Charlotte.
When it comes to your health-and-wellness goals, staying focused oftentimes can be challenging. But there’s a new app now out that can help you stick with it.
In this week’s Rising Spotlight, Tonya Rivens chats with Dawn Menning, Program Director for Digital Health at Willow Laboratories, about Nutu—an innovative, health-and-wellness app that’s making a difference.
The next generation of Nutu is now available in the Apple App Store and Google Play in English, Spanish, and Arabic. For more information, please visit: https://www.willowlabs.ai/products/nutu
Celebrate creativity and explore the artist within through guided theatre and art activities with “Life Skills Through Theatre Skills” with Creative Drama and Creative Movement. Recommended for ages 2-5. Free.
Life Skills Through Theatre Skills with Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is sponsored by Culture Blocks— a community partnership funded by Mecklenburg County.
Theatre Class Schedule
All of these classes take place from 10 to 11 a.m. on the days listed below in 2026.
David B. Waymer Recreation Center
David B. Waymer Recreation Center 14008 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, NC 28078
Creative Drama Thursdays from January 29 to April 30, 2026, except for April 9.
Creative Movement Tuesdays from January 27 to April 28, 2026, except for March 3 and April 7.
Change is coming this spring to a familiar space in NoDa.
The tiny sweet treat shop Reigning Doughnuts — tucked in what used to be a storage closet at Growlers Pourhouse at the corner of 35th and North Davidson streets — is closing Sunday, Feb. 15.
But the Tonidandel-Brown Restaurant Group isn’t giving up on the space that’s served fresh doughnuts since December 2018. Instead, it’s opening a micro-deli.
Reigning Doughnuts is closing, and a new walk-up deli is taking its place. Reigning Doughnuts
“We have loved operating this little shop, and we are so grateful to our team who have put in so much time, energy, and positivity to make this walk up window such a special place to enjoy,” co-owner Jeff Tonidandel said in a news release.
“Closing a business is never an easy decision. But we’re seeing a lot of different trends the last few years and moving into 2026, we’ve decided this is the best course of action for our team.”
Jeff Tonidandel and Jamie Brown stand outside the historic Leeper & Wyatt building, which is now set to become Wyatt’s Superfine. The Tonidandel-Brown Restaurant Group’s other ventures include Supperland, Leluia Hall, Haberdish, Ever Andalo and Growler’s Pourhouse. Wyatt’s Superfine
In April, Olivelli Deli will move into the 82-square-foot space served by a walk-up window on 35th Street. The menu will include a tightly curated selection of six or seven deli sandwiches, plus appetizer-style snacks, chips and soft serve ice cream.
Outdoor picnic tables will be an option for al fresco dining, and delivery through third-party services will be available.
“We’re in the process of curating meats and cheeses, and our team has been working up a delicious homemade Kaiser roll as well,” Tonidandel said in the release.
Picnic tables sit outside Reigning Doughnuts in NoDa. Melissa Oyler CharlotteFive
Heidi Finley is a writer and editor for CharlotteFive and the Charlotte Observer. Outside of work, you will most likely find her in the suburbs driving kids around, volunteering and indulging in foodie pursuits. Support my work with a digital subscription
A mural in memory of Iryna Zarutska was painted at the Taoh Outdoor Gallery in Charlotte following her killing in 2025.
KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH
Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
A state House committee hearing slated to feature prominent Charlotte leaders has been postponed again amid legal questions about a high-profile killing.
The House Select Committee on Oversight and Reform announced Tuesday its hearing on safety in Charlotte, the city’s public transit system and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives will now be held at 9 a.m. Feb. 9.
The hearing was originally scheduled for Jan. 22 then pushed to this Thursday. It’s now been delayed until early February as the committee looks to the courts for guidance on how much it can discuss publicly about the suspect in the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee, Iryna Zarutska, on the Blue Line light rail.
“Today, the Chairs of the House Select Committee on Oversight and Reform will file a motion seeking clarification of a federal court order issued earlier this month that limits state lawmakers from publicly disclosing information related to Decarlos Brown …” the office of House Speaker Destin Hall said in a statement. “Clear court guidance is necessary so committee members can thoroughly question Charlotte officials in light of recent tragedies.”
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, Mecklenburg County Manager Mike Bryant, Charlotte Area Transit System interim CEO Brent Cagle, City Manager Marcus Jones, Sheriff Garry McFadden, District Attorney Spencer Merriweather and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Estella Patterson were all invited to appear before the committee.
The hearing comes after months of national debate over safety in Charlotte following Zarutska’s death. Republicans cast blame on Charlotte’s largely Democratic local leadership, saying their approach to public safety contributed to the killing. The GOP-controlled General Assembly swiftly passed “Iryna’s Law” after the August incident, a sweeping criminal justice reform bill. Another person was stabbed on the light rail in December but survived.
Despite concerns about public safety, CMPD statistics show crime, including homicides, fell citywide in 2025.
McFadden has also clashed with some leaders in Raleigh over his position on local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration officials.
This story was originally published January 27, 2026 at 2:22 PM.
Mary Ramsey is the local government accountability reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she studied journalism at the University of South Carolina and has also worked in Phoenix, Arizona and Louisville, Kentucky. Support my work with a digital subscription
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