CMS Settles Free Speech Case For $95,000 After Student’s Charlie Kirk Message Was Removed

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CMS Settles Free Speech Case For $95,000 After Student’s Charlie Kirk Message Was Removed
via The Stout family

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has agreed to pay $95,000 to the family of an Ardrey Kell High School student whose Charlie Kirk tribute was painted over by school officials last year.

The settlement follows a federal lawsuit filed after the student painted “Live Like Kirk — John 11:25” and “Freedom 1776” on the school’s spirit rock in September 2025. The family said the student had received permission to paint the rock before the message was removed.

As part of the settlement, CMS acknowledged that the message did not violate school rules.

The lawsuit alleged school officials falsely characterized the message as vandalism, pulled the student from class for questioning, and reviewed her phone logs. The family also claimed the student was publicly humiliated during the incident, according to ADF.

CMS later clarified that the student had not vandalized the rock and that no criminal investigation had taken place.

The controversy led to a districtwide review of student expression policies. On June 9, the CMS Board approved new free speech guidelines designed to provide clearer rules for student expression and spirit rock messages.

The case ends with a nearly $100,000 payout, a policy change, and an acknowledgment from CMS that the student’s message did not violate school policy.

Pizza Hut Is Being Sold to a Chinese Company and Private Equity Firm After Years of Declining Sales

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Pizza Hut Is Being Sold to a Chinese Company and Private Equity Firm After Years of Declining Sales

One of America’s most recognizable restaurant brands is getting new owners after years of declining sales.

Yum! Brands announced Tuesday that it is selling Pizza Hut in a deal valued at approximately $2.7 billion. The transaction will split ownership of the pizza chain between a U.S. private equity firm and a Chinese restaurant company.

Under the agreement, Pizza Hut’s business outside mainland China will be sold to LongRange Capital for $1.5 billion. Meanwhile, Pizza Hut China will be sold by Yum! China for $1.2 billion.

“These transactions enable Yum! to be a more focused company that continues to leverage scale, technology and talent to accelerate our raising the B.A.R. priorities and deliver sustained value for our stakeholders,” said Chris Turner, Chief Executive Officer, Yum! Brands in a press release. “Under LongRange and Yum China, Pizza Hut will be well positioned for future growth with ownership that brings deep expertise in the restaurant industry. Pizza Hut is one of the most iconic restaurant brands in the world, and we are proud of the important role it has played in Yum!’s history. Pizza Hut was built by the passion and dedication of our team members, employees and franchisees, and we’re excited for the next chapter.”

The sale comes during a challenging period for the company. According to Yum! Brands, Pizza Hut’s sales growth has lagged behind the company’s other major brands, including KFC and Taco Bell.

Earlier this year, Yum! Brands announced plans to close 250 Pizza Hut locations across the United States. The chain currently operates more than 6,000 restaurants nationwide.

Industry analysts say Pizza Hut has struggled to keep pace with competitors, particularly Domino’s, which has gained market share through stronger delivery operations, online ordering technology, menu innovation, and marketing efforts.

Yum! Brands first revealed in November that it was exploring strategic options for Pizza Hut following declining comparable-store sales.

Pizza Hut was founded in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas, and grew into one of the world’s largest pizza chains. PepsiCo acquired the company in 1977 before spinning off its restaurant division in 1997, creating what is now Yum! Brands.

The sale marks one of the biggest restaurant industry deals of the year and could signal major changes ahead for the iconic pizza brand as new owners attempt to revive growth and compete in an increasingly crowded market.

Rarely Seen North Carolina Artifact Featured in Brand-New Smithsonian America 250 Exhibition

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Rarely Seen North Carolina Artifact Featured in Brand-New Smithsonian America 250 Exhibition

Museum collections are displayed in glass and wood exhibition cases.Opening this Thursday, June 18th, at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, “From These Lands: Sharing Our Natural and Cultural Heritage” is a groundbreaking new exhibition commemorating America’s 250th anniversary through more than 600 rare objects and specimens representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories. Drawn from the museum’s collection of more than 148 million artifacts and specimens, the 5,000-square-foot exhibition explores the people, landscapes, discoveries, traditions, and defining moments that have shaped the United States across millions of years of natural and cultural history. Many of the objects on display have rarely or never before been exhibited publicly.

Representing North Carolina in the exhibition are fossil “megalodon” teeth, one of 14 objects from the state featured in the From These Lands exhibition. North Carolina’s state fossil is not a whole organism. Instead, it is the teeth of the mega toothed shark (Otodus megalodon), commonly known as “megalodon.” This extinct species lived between 3 and 5 million years ago and grew up to 60 feet long—three times the size of a modern great white shark. These colossal creatures sported several rows of sharp, 6-inch teeth that helped them take down large prey such as whales, seals, sea cows and sea turtles. Fossils like these reveal the presence of ancient species that once dominated marine ecosystems.

The exhibition highlights the unique natural, cultural, scientific, and historical contributions connected to North Carolina and is expected to be viewed by millions of visitors from around the world during its multi-year engagement in Washington, D.C.

“This exhibition brings the entire country into one gallery,” said Kirk Johnson, Sant Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. “As the country marks its 250th anniversary, ‘From These Lands’ presents an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our landscapes, the depth of our history and the connections that link people and the natural world across borders.”

New Data Shows Sharp Increase in Charlotte-Area Foreclosures

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New Data Shows Sharp Increase in Charlotte-Area Foreclosures

The Charlotte region saw a sharp increase in foreclosure activity this spring, as our region experienced a sharp spike that far exceeded the national trend.

According to new data from ATTOM, the Charlotte metro recorded 517 foreclosure filings in April, up from 309 during the same month last year. The 67% increase was significantly larger than the nationwide annual increase of 18%.

While foreclosure activity remains below pre-pandemic levels, Charlotte’s surge is raising concerns among housing experts and local officials who are closely monitoring signs of growing financial stress among homeowners.

Nationally, ATTOM reported 42,430 properties with foreclosure filings in April 2026. Foreclosure starts increased 12% year-over-year, while completed foreclosures jumped 42% to 5,098 properties.

The Charlotte area’s real estate market suggests some homeowners may be struggling with higher housing costs, insurance premiums, and borrowing expenses.

Housing analysts are now watching to determine whether the spike represents a temporary clearing of backlogged cases or the beginning of a broader trend.

A sustained increase could have ripple effects across the region, potentially adding pressure to an already tight housing market and increasing demand for rental housing.

For now, experts say it’s too early to know whether the jump is an isolated event. However, Charlotte’s foreclosure activity is moving sharply higher at a time when affordability remains a challenge for many households.

First Tropical Threat of Hurricane Season Could Bring Damaging Winds to Carolinas

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First Tropical Threat of Hurricane Season Could Bring Damaging Winds to Carolinas

UPDATE 6/18/26 11:00am:

The remnant of Tropical Storm Arthur will be arriving in the Charlotte region later today into tomorrow morning, bringing tons of rain and possible damaging winds.

Please stay weather aware.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE 6/16/26 9:00am:

The first tropical system of hurricane season has formed in the Gulf of Mexico, and it could strengthen enough to bring heavy rain and potentially damaging winds to parts of the Carolinas later this week, according to official models.

Potential Tropical Cyclone One developed Tuesday and could become Tropical Storm Arthur by Wednesday. The National Weather Service is watching for the possibility that the system could continue strengthening after moving inland, increasing the risk of stronger wind gusts as it approaches South Carolina.

Tropical Storm Watches are already in effect for portions of Louisiana and Texas.

For the Charlotte region, rain is expected to arrive early Friday, with periods of heavy downpours possible throughout the day. Current forecasts suggest some locations could receive around an inch of rain.

The exact rainfall totals and wind impacts will depend on the storm’s track and how much it strengthens over the next several days.

Forecasters will continue monitoring the system closely as new forecast models become available throughout the week.

Carolina Hurricanes Win Second Stanley Cup, Parade Scheduled for Saturday

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Carolina Hurricanes Win Second Stanley Cup, Parade Scheduled for Saturday

The Carolina Hurricanes are Stanley Cup champions once again.

Carolina capped off a dominant postseason run Sunday night, defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final to secure the franchise’s second championship.

The Hurricanes finished the playoffs with an impressive 16-3 record after years of regular-season success and postseason disappointment.

The victory was especially meaningful for head coach Rod Brind’Amour. Twenty years after captaining Carolina to its first Stanley Cup in 2006, Brind’Amour now joins an elite group of NHL figures to win championships with the same team as both a player and coach.

After the final horn sounded at T-Mobile Arena, Brind’Amour celebrated by tossing the Stanley Cup into the air before catching it and raising it above his head.

Known to fans as “Rod the Bod,” Brind’Amour has spent 26 years with the organization as a player, executive, assistant coach, and head coach. He has been part of all but two of the franchise’s 104 playoff victories since the Hartford Whalers relocated to North Carolina in 1997.

The championship validates a process the Hurricanes organization never stopped believing in despite years of playoff setbacks.

Following the victory, Governor Josh Stein announced plans for a championship parade on Saturday. Additional details about the route and festivities are expected soon.

The celebration will be Carolina’s first Stanley Cup parade since 2006, when the Hurricanes defeated the Edmonton Oilers to win their first title.

Nearly two decades later, the Stanley Cup is headed back to North Carolina.

Fort Mill’s Anne Springs Close Greenway Shines with Authentic Summer Camp Experiences

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Fort Mill’s Anne Springs Close Greenway Shines with Authentic Summer Camp Experiences

Each summer, Anne Springs Close Greenway offers children unique  opportunities to explore, learn and grow outdoors through its summer day camp programs, offered for ages 3-15.  Hosted across the Greenway’s 2,100 protected acres, these camps are designed to foster curiosity, confidence and a  meaningful connection to nature through hands-on experiences. 

For more than 15 years, the Anne Springs Close Greenway has offered outdoor summer camp programs serving  children from Fort Mill, Charlotte, Rock Hill, Indian Land, Lancaster and surrounding communities. Serving nearly  5,000 campers each year, the camp program has grown to see former campers become summer camp counselors,  creating strong roots in the community. Each camp program emphasizes outdoor exploration, active learning and  teamwork, with programming tailored to age group and camp type. 

Greenway Summer Camp Programs include: 

  • Preschool Camps (Pre-K & Kindergarten | Ages 3–6): Introduces the Greenway’s youngest campers to  nature through guided exploration, creative play and outdoor activities. 
  • Day Camps (Rising 1st–9th Grades): Offer a broad range of Greenway experiences and expanded  recreational opportunities allowing campers to explore activities that best match their interests and  abilities. Activities include field games, archery fishing, cycling, off-site field trips and water activities. 
  • Children’s Farm Camp (Rising Kindergarten–4th Grades): Hosted at the Crandall Bowles Children’s  Farm, campers learn the fundamentals of animal care and agriculture through hands-on activities. Campers will work with farm animals, learn how to garden and develop practical skills. 
  • Equestrian Classic Half-Day Camp (Rising 3rd–9th Grades): Open to all experience levels, this camp  focuses on riding and horsemanship both on and off the horse, paired with games and hands-on learning at  the Greenway’s farm and stables. 
  • Equestrian Horsemanship Full-Day Camp (Rising 3rd–9th Grades): An educational full-day program  designed to teach campers horse ownership basics, equine anatomy, nutrition and introductory veterinary  care. 
  • Fish Tails Camp: A fishing-focused program introduces campers to the fundamentals of fishing, hands-on  techniques, alongside themed crafts and activities. An advanced fishing camp option builds onto these skills  through fly fishing, knot tying and expanded kayak fishing experiences. 
  • Mountain Biking Camp (Rising 4th – 10th Grades): Designed for biking enthusiasts, offering campers the opportunity to build technical skills and gain more confidence on trails. 

The Anne Springs Close Greenway Summer Camps offer a wide range of outdoor, educational and recreational  experiences that support childhood development and foster environmental connections. For more information  about our summer camps, please visit https://www.ascgreenway.org/play/camps/. 

Charlotte Taxpayers Might Owe Millions To NCDOT After I-77 South Toll Lanes Were Killed

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Charlotte Taxpayers Might Owe Millions To NCDOT After I-77 South Toll Lanes Were Killed

Just weeks after local leaders officially killed the controversial I-77 South toll lane project, a new proposal in Raleigh could leave Charlotte and other municipalities with a hefty bill.

A draft amendment by the NC General Assembly would require the tax payers of Charlotte to reimburse the North Carolina Department of Transportation for planning and design costs already spent.

According to NCDOT, roughly $60 million had been spent before the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) voted in May to cancel the $3.2 billion project.

Repayment amounts would be based on each municipality’s voting share within CRTPO. Because Charlotte controls approximately 41% of the weighted vote, the city could potentially face a bill of more than $24 million if the proposal becomes law.

The amendment follows a series of votes that ended the project. Charlotte City Council voted 6-5 to rescind support for the toll lanes, and CRTPO later approved a supermajority vote officially canceling the project.

The proposed toll lanes would have added capacity along an 11-mile stretch of I-77 between Uptown Charlotte and the South Carolina state line. Supporters argued the project would reduce congestion, while opponents cited concerns about tolls, neighborhood impacts, and project transparency.

When the project was canceled, NCDOT also warned the region could lose approximately $700 million in transportation funding tied to the project and related allocations.

The proposed amendment has not yet been formally filed, and its future remains uncertain. If approved, however, Charlotte and other local governments could be required to pay millions for a project they ultimately voted to stop.

National Outlet Shopping Day Returns to Charlotte With Huge Discounts and Giveaways

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National Outlet Shopping Day Returns to Charlotte With Huge Discounts and Giveaways

Bargain hunters across the Charlotte region will have four days to take advantage of major discounts as National Outlet Shopping Day returns to Concord Mills and Charlotte Premium Outlets from June 11-14.

The annual event celebrates its fifth year with exclusive sales, giveaways, and special activities at outlet centers across the country.

Together, Concord Mills and Charlotte Premium Outlets feature more than 300 retailers offering additional savings throughout the event.

Featured deals include 30% off purchases at Crocs, 50% off apparel plus buy-one-get-one 50% off footwear and accessories at New Balance, and $20 off purchases of $75 or more at Old Navy.

Both centers will also host family-friendly activities. Charlotte Premium Outlets will offer fashion sketch experiences, photo opportunities, children’s art activities, and train rides. Concord Mills plans trucker hat experiences, Plinko games, photo opportunities, and retailer activations.

Members of the Simon+ loyalty program can unlock additional perks, including complimentary tote bag giveaways and exclusive event experiences.

Located just outside Charlotte, Concord Mills is North Carolina’s largest outlet and value retail destination, while Charlotte Premium Outlets remains one of the region’s most popular shopping centers.

Organizers expect the four-day event to draw thousands of shoppers looking for summer deals and special experiences.

A 2.1 M Earthquake Just Struck The NC Rainforest

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A 2.1 M Earthquake Just Struck The NC Rainforest

Another earthquake just struck the North Carolina rainforest late last night at 11:48 pm, 8 km SSW of Canton, NC.

Today’s quake had a magnitude of 2.1 and a 5.1 km depth, according to USGS.

Earthquakes have been increasing in frequency around the Charlotte region over the past few years. Last year, we experienced the largest earthquake in over 100 years when a 5.1 magnitude quake hit Sparta, NC, and since then, dozens of aftershocks have continued to rattle our state.

According to USGS.gov, “Moderately damaging earthquakes strike the inland Carolinas every few decades, and smaller earthquakes are felt about once each year or two.”

Have you felt any of the quakes?

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