Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles today announced that she will not seek re-election in November 2027 and will resign early from the Office of the Mayor effective June 30. Mayor Lyles was first elected as Mayor in 2017.

“Serving as Charlotte’s mayor has been the honor of my life,” Mayor Lyles said. “I am proud of our record navigating various challenges, strengthening our economy, investing in our neighborhoods, and building a foundation for Charlotte’s continued success during a time of rapid growth. Now, it is time for the next phase of my life, to spend more time with my grandchildren and for someone new to lead us forward.”

Mayor Lyles has spent more than 30 years in Charlotte city government, with her service as mayor preceded by two terms on City Council (including service as Mayor Pro Tem from 2015-2017) and working as a budget analyst, budget director, and assistant city manager. She is Charlotte’s first Black female mayor.

Mayor Lyles said she is particularly proud of Charlotte’s economic growth and job creation during her time in office, and of enhancing city governments’ fiscal stability. Among her other key achievements as mayor, she cited public safety improvements, numerous housing initiatives, and a drive to expand and improve public transit that included voter approval last year of a sales tax to support infrastructure and service enhancements.

“I am very proud of my record as mayor, but I also firmly believe that true leadership includes knowing when it is time to let the next generation of leaders take over,” she said. “By leaving early, the voters will have more time to learn about their candidates. Our city is strong, our trajectory is positive, and now is the right moment for someone else to build on our progress from the past few years.”

Lyles also noted that the city is in the capable hands of a strong city manager and staff, which gives her great confidence in the decision to resign early in this term. I am forever proud of the team the city has built.

“As in all things politics, I am sure there will be speculation as to why I am making this decision now. Simply put, I am going to spend time with my grandchildren. Like many of us, I have missed some moments with them and intend to not miss anymore!”

Mayor Lyles said she will not make any immediate endorsement of a potential successor.

Charlotte Douglas just started construction on a 4th parallel ‘smart’ runway to both increase capacity and test out a new ‘digital twin’ technology in partnership with UNC Charlotte through its Aviation and Innovation Research Institute.

Sensors will be installed as concrete is poured on the new runway, located between existing runways 2 and 3. These instruments will track how pavement responds to aircraft traffic, weather, and long-term wear.

The data will feed into a digital twin, or virtual replica, of the runway. Engineers will use it to test scenarios, identify stress points, and predict maintenance needs before problems develop.

“By embedding technology directly into the runway, we aren’t just building infrastructure,” said UNCC Vice Chancellor John Daniels in a press release. “We are creating valuable data, models and insights that will inform the future of airfield design nationwide. Just as important, this work creates unparalleled, hands-on research opportunities for our students, who will be learning under the leadership of Dr. Cavalline.”

Airport officials say the technology will improve safety and efficiency. It could also guide daily operations, including de-icing and maintenance decisions.

The project stems from the airport’s 2016 Master Plan as Charlotte continues to grow. In 2025 alone, CLT recorded more than 574,000 aircraft operations, ranking seventh worldwide.

The digital twin portion of the project will cost about $6.5 million, including a $2 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Once complete, the 10,000-foot runway will include upgraded electrical systems, improved drainage, and a new fire station. The runway is expected to open in fall 2027.

Charlotte-based Atrium Health, one of the largest nonprofit hospital systems in the U.S., is preparing for a major expansion that could reshape healthcare across North Carolina. The system is pursuing a deal to take over WakeMed, bringing at least $2 billion in new investment to the Triangle.

The proposed transaction would place WakeMed under Advocate Health, one of the nation’s largest healthcare networks, of which Atrium is a part.

WakeMed’s board has already unanimously approved the deal. Wake County commissioners are expected to vote Monday on measures needed to move it forward.

If approved, Atrium would become the sole corporate member of the nonprofit that owns WakeMed, while WakeMed would remain its own legal entity.

Atrium has pledged at least $2 billion to expand services, improve care, and accelerate research. Leaders say the deal will also help attract medical talent and create thousands of jobs.

For WakeMed, the partnership could provide greater access to clinical trials and specialized care, strengthening its ability to compete with larger systems like UNC Health and Duke Health.

The agreement would also reshape governance. Wake County would appoint eight of 14 board members, with Atrium appointing the remaining six.

WakeMed’s current leadership team is expected to stay in place after the deal closes.

For Atrium, the move expands its reach into the fast-growing Raleigh market, linking North Carolina’s two largest metro regions under one system.

State law requires final approval from both Wake County commissioners and WakeMed’s board, with more details expected at a news conference Tuesday.

With gold prices now surpassing $4,600 per ounce, the Charlotte area’s largest gold mine has just announced a historic $240 million investment, bringing 200 new jobs to our area.

OceanaGold is expanding its Haile Gold Mine near Kershaw as it ramps up production and transitions operations.

The gold mine, estimated to be sitting on over $5 billion worth of gold, already employs roughly 850 full-time workers and 150 contractors. New hires will span engineering, operations, and heavy equipment roles.

Company leaders say the investment will support both current production and future growth. The site is shifting between underground and open pit mining, increasing demand for skilled workers.

The expansion follows a strong year for the company, including record production and increased exploration activity. OceanaGold also began trading on the New York Stock Exchange in April to attract more U.S. investment.

The economic impact is substantial. A 2025 University of South Carolina study estimates the mine generates $717.5 million annually across the state, with a projected $9.3 billion impact by 2037.