Ajmera saw an opportunity for the Charlotte City Council to put a moratorium on data centers as early as this month but she couldn’t get a majority of her colleagues to agree on the sense of urgency.
The first domino toward a
moratorium involved setting a public hearing on the issue. The council was split on that vote April 27, prompting Mayor Vi Lyles to break the tie in favor of not setting a public hearing.
Lyles preferred data centers to be placed on the May 11 meeting as a discussion topic.
She credited Ajmera for raising concerns about data centers while also mentioning staff would share additional information with the
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
CHARLOTTE – Mecklenburg County proclaimed April 2026 as Cambodian Heritage Month while acknowledging the work of the Cambodian Legacy Project and the Cambodian Buddhist Society of Charlotte. The official proclamation approved April 21 mentions the Khmer Rouge genocide from 1975 to 1979, which prompted many Cambodians to leave the country to settle in Charlotte and
by Justin Vick justin@charlottemediagroup.org
CHARLOTTE – Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is coming off National Library Week (April 19 to 25) with a renewed sense of mission.
Interim CEO Angie Myers describes it as improving lives and building a stronger community.
“We do that through our 21 physical branches in the community, as well as outreach efforts,” Myers said. “We go into the hard-to-reach places.
We go to visit the seniors at
council in three to six months.
Ajmera felt the topic deserved “urgent and immediate attention.”
She explained that data centers are allowed by right in several districts, such as commercial, industrial, research, mixed-use and uptown, without council approval.
“We have one of the best planning staff, not just in the state but in the nation, and I feel like we are not leading on this
CML's
senior centers. We go into pre-K. All ages, all stages of life.”
People of all ages also visit the library. There’s more than books or places to study.
Branches offer programming that supports STEAM skills, college and career education, workforce development and continuing learning.
“Your libraries are the place where any member of this community can go for free and be welcomed,” Myers said. “In this day and age, that is more important than ever.”
She also described libraries
other parts of the United States in the 1980s.
The Cambodian Buddhist Society of Charlotte became a place where newcomers gathered for their spiritual needs and cultural celebrations. The Cambodian Legacy Project has built on that work.
"For many of us, our stories begin with survival – families rebuilding, parents working multiple jobs, children growing up between languages and cultures, often without spaces where we felt fully seen,” said Kaovny
Ma Jonas, co-founder and CEO.
“This experience is not unique. It is shared across generations in our community. And now we’re stepping forward.”
(through 5/24/26)
Council to discuss data centers
issue,” Ajmera said. “We need to take an action now, where taking action means even considering a temporary moratorium so we can study the impacts and ensure that we have guardrails in place to protect our communities.”
She mentioned data centers opening in the University City area and proposed for East Charlotte.
She made a motion that the council place a public hearing on
RENEWED MISSION
as the place to go where people can get one-on-one help. Staff helps make all this happen.
“We have 500 library employees who bring their hearts to work every single day across those 21 branches, support areas, outreach and others, and they make the magic happen there,” Myers said. “They’re the MVPs.” Mecklenburg County commissioners observed National Library Week (April 19 to 25) by reading a proclamation into the record
see LIBRARY, Page 3A
the May 11 agenda to consider whether a temporary moratorium on new data centers is necessary as they evaluate their impacts.
“We can have a hearing in the near term, but I think it will take a little time for us to come to grips with all of the issues here, the public need, the actual impacts, the noise, the water,” District 7 rep Ed Driggs said. “Therefore,
Fresh face expresses frustration with council
by JD Arias Councilman
Ido really like working with all of my colleagues, and I deeply respect my colleagues, but this council has me deeply, deeply frustrated. It seems like we want to quoteunquote roll with every problem that faces the working people of this city every single time. And I think we have to show up differently as a council, as elected leaders.
How many more conversations do we need to have about something before action is made on it, especially conversations that we’ve been discussing for years?
I mean, we knew I-77 was coming, and it hit us like a deer in headlights. I think I’m just frustrated by the lack of action on any pressing, urgent issue that is facing our community.
I think I’m also frustrated with the inconsistency that we sometimes show as a council. You know, Dr. Victoria Wallington suggested earlier this evening to bring the housing trust fund recommended projects back to committee. And that was not approved or not spoken about. But yet with data centers, we want to bring it back to committee. There’s inconsistency there. I think sometimes, oftentimes, we have outside relationships that might influence the way we vote.
I think the weight of decisions that we have as a council impact our neighborhoods. The weight
Cambodian Legacy Project builds connections
The organization not only celebrates culture but also tries to empower Cambodian Americans.
“When people feel seen, they show up differently,” she said.
Jonas said in the span of a year, the organization grew from an idea to showcasing culture at schools, libraries and other community spaces.
“We bring the richness of our heritage to life through language, dance, art and wellness,” Jonas said. “We are reconnecting families and rebuilding culture in real time.”
“They engage. They lead. And they give back. That’s what this work is about.”
Kim Lam admits to feeling isolated, lonely and invisible when she arrived in Charlotte 20 years ago. Now she feels at home. She is co-founder and chief operating officer for the Cambodian Legacy Project. She spoke of the elders
who escaped the killing fields and started their lives over in Charlotte.
“Those survivors raised their children here, and those children, born unbreakable courage, built something real in this county – donut shops and nail salons – through extraordinary sacrifice and pride. That is the Cambodian story – resilient, returning to roots.”
Aneelia Ma, a founder of a Neelia’s bakery in Charlotte, grew
see LEGACY, Page 4A
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library offered a tease of its future May 1 on Facebook. “See how we will transform, for a new experience that’s fresh and modern but still holds true to everything you love about Charlotte Mecklenburg Library,” the system posted. CMG file photo
see ARIAS, Page 4A
Leaders react
Mayor announces plans to leave post, 2B
Sounding off County leaders wary of state legislation, 3A
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Arias
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Vishing suspect faces justice
by Alan Wooten Contributor
(The Center Square) – Nearly 16 years later, American prosecutors believe justice is on the way for a Romanian involved in a vishing scheme. A 2017 grand jury in Charlotte returned a criminal indictment against Gavril Sandu, charging a count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and a count of bank fraud. The 53-year-old was arrested Jan. 9 in Romania and extradited to America on May 1.
Vishing is scam scheme whereby small businesses’ Voice over Internet Protocol systems
are hacked. A script is inserted, requesting to contact financial institution customers in order to net personal debit card and personal identification numbers.
Prosecutors say Sandu and colleagues did this between May 2009 and October 2010. They used the information obtained “to make magnetic stripe cards with the victims’ fraudulently obtained debit card numbers.”
Sandu is also accused of operating “as a money mule, traveling to ATMs to withdraw money and funds from the banks and credit union accounts of the victims of the scheme. Sandu
then allegedly provided his co-conspirators with a percentage of the fraudulently obtained victims’ money and kept a portion for himself,” prosecutors say. Sandu is in federal custody pending trial. The sentencing maximum is 30 years in prison.
Russ Ferguson, a federal attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, said in part, “Greed crosses borders, but so does our relentless pursuit of justice. Scams originating outside of our country are out of control. Wherever scammers operate – here or abroad – we will use every tool available to bring them to justice.”
Hurricane season is just weeks away
by Alan Wooten Contributor
(The Center Square) – Six to nine hurricanes have been forecast in the Atlantic Basin hurricane season from June 1 to Nov. 30 by the two leading authorities.
At N.C. State University, the Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences teamed with the Department of Computer Science projected six to nine from 12 to 15 named storms, with two to three deemed major. At Colorado State University, the Department of Atmospheric Science predicts six hurricanes from 13 named storms, with two likely major.
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season was remarkable as the first since 2015 with none making landfall. Erin in August brought significant coastal damage along the East Coast, and Tropical Storm Chantal was the lone system making landfall when it damaged the Carolinas in July.
Erin, Gabrielle, Humberto and Melissa were major hurricanes, and
Imelda was the fifth hurricane of the season. Thirteen storms earned names.
Dr. Lian Xie, professor at N.C. State, predicts two to five named storms forming in the gulf and one or two of them becoming a hurricane with one major. The Caribbean Sea is predicted to be the origin for one to two hurricanes, of which one would be major.
Xie said he uses more than 100 years of historical data on the Atlantic Ocean, weather patterns and seasurface temperatures to arrive at his forecast.
At Colorado State, the summary forecast says in part, “We anticipate that the 2026 Atlantic basin hurricane season will have somewhat belownormal activity. Current weak La Niña conditions are likely to transition to El Niño in the next few months, with the potential for a moderate/strong El Niño for the peak of hurricane season.”
Hurricanes are generally described using the wind scale known as SaffirSimpson. It doesn’t take into account storm surge or rainfall, two factors that contribute heavily to death totals and
REASONS
property damage estimates.
The scale is Category 1 for maximum sustained winds of 74-95 mph; Category 2 for maximum sustained winds of 96-110 mph; Category 3 for maximum sustained winds of 111129 mph; Category 4 for maximum sustained winds of 130-156 mph; and Category 5 for maximum sustained winds of 157 mph or greater.
Categories 3, 4 and 5 are deemed major.
The National Weather Center earlier released names to be used this year as maintained and updated through a strict procedure by an international committee of the World Meteorological Organization. They will be Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hanna, Isaias, Josephine, Kyle, Leah, Marco, Nana, Omar, Paulette, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky and Wilfred.
The list rotates and is recycled every six years, sans a change because of retirement of a name due to storm fatalities or cost. These names are next up in 2032.
Airport gets key OK for fourth runway
by Alan Wooten Contributor
(The Center Square) – Financing requests by Charlotte of $1.5 billion from North Carolina’s Local Government Commission are approved, setting the stage for the continent’s seventh busiest airport to get a fourth runway.
The 10,000-foot fourth parallel runway is expected to open in fall 2027. The commission’s blessing is required by state statute, determining whether the money borrowed is adequate and reasonable for proposed projects and debt can be reasonably repaid.
The commission, chaired by state Treasurer Brad Briner, has oversight for taxpayer money in more than 1,100 local government units. Specifically, Charlotte is approved to issue $215 million in revenue bonds for the runway work; and it is approved $175 million in revenue bond anticipation notes for existing runway rehabilitation, terminals and other projects at the airport.
To finance wide-ranging extensions, additions and improvements of water and sewer system infrastructure and equipment, Charlotte was approved for $530 million revenue bond anticipation notes; to pay off a prior short-term bond anticipation note, Charlotte was approved for a $505 million revenue bond; to refund existing bonds at a savings, Charlotte was approved for $65 million in revenue bonds; and to refinance outstanding transportation bonds to achieve savings and more favorable financing terms, Charlotte was approved for $9 million in revenue bonds.
Charlotte, according to the city website, for general obligation bonds has top ratings with the Big 3 of Standard & Poor’s (AAA), Moody’s Investors Service (Aaa) and Fitch Ratings (AAA). The ratings mean the city has the highest available and it means best terms for taking on debt.
Only San Antonio and Austin in Texas, and Columbus in Ohio are among the 15 largest cities in the nation with triple-A ratings in each of the nation’s Big 3 for its taxpayers.
Charlotte Douglas, its website says, serves 188 destinations through three foreign flag carriers, seven major carriers and 15 regional carriers. Charlotte’s estimated population is 944,742, growing by 70,055 since the COVID-19 outbreak.
with
Experience peace of mind with the convenience of
Leaders sound off on tax reform
County commissioners warn about limiting authority
CHARLOTTE – Mecklenburg County commissioners oppose any constitutional amendment that would limit its property tax authority.
The board unanimously approved a resolution explaining proposals that affect local tax authority may “reduce local flexibility, undermine fiscal stability and shift costs to less stable revenue sources.”
“Such modification may result in unintended consequences, including service reductions, delayed infrastructure investment, increased fees and inequitable impacts on residents,” according to the proclamation. “County governments are best positioned to balance fiscal responsibility with service delivery, accountability and responsiveness to local news through transparent budgeting and elected representation.”
Here are excerpts of remarks made by county commissioners during their April 21 meeting
George Dunlap If the state did what it needed to do (in funding local education), the citizens would receive the relief that they claim that they’re going to give if they’re able to cap the sales tax.
I think our community needs to understand that, because that’s where people are going to get it wrong if they vote for this cap thinking that they’re going to get a reduction.
They get that reduction if the state funded the system.
Elaine Powell
We had a very long meeting at Centralina, the regional council, and there’s no disagreement, so it kept going because people were so upset.
So Cabarrus, Iredell, Gaston, they’re like, ‘this is not a good path.’
And so it’s not just Mecklenburg. It’s regional.
Arthur Griffin
I totally support the resolution, but I continue to say this: We
my concern is how long a moratorium are we talking about because we do have existing policies that permit these, and if we don’t yet have a replacement for those policies and we just shut it down, I would be concerned about how long we do that.”
Ajmera suggested a 90-day moratorium to give staff time to develop regulations and guardrails.
“I have more of a process concern that we don’t know the implications of imposing that moratorium,” Driggs said. “We don’t know what projects are in the pipeline and what availability of those computer resources. So I would just like to be sure I understand all the dimensions of this problem before shutting down data centers for months.”
District 1 rep Dante Anderson said she wanted to have “robust holistic conversations about data centers” before advancing policy. She suggested they loop in subject matter experts, including Duke Energy, into the discussion.
At Large Member Victoria Watlington said the council can discuss long-term policy during a moratorium.
Malcolm Graham preferred the mayor’s timeline and agreed with Anderson’s approach.
“I don’t think I understand, or maybe I don’t understand, why we’re moving so fast,” Graham said. “I think we ought to do
represent about 10.5% of the state population.
The state admits that we produce about 22% of the GDP for North Carolina.
We’re funding a whole lot of other things for other communities around the state with the revenue that comes out of this county.
So it makes absolutely no sense to propose a resolution, and I reached out to folks at the state level. Anywhere, are there models? There’s no indication of what they’re proposing to do other than put a blank check out there in terms of a constitutional amendment to do anything. I mean, it’s just, there’s no logic to it.
I begin to think that there are other motives, maybe to try to draw people out for the November election as opposed to trying to make some type of economic sense out of this.
Laura Meier
Our teachers did not get a bonus that other counties’ teachers got, yet we contributed the most to it. I just want to make that point. That’s a specific thing that the people in this county who paid money to the state, our teachers did not benefit.
for sure.
Susan Rodriguez-McDowell. I support the resolution, and I just want to point out that I read the article in the Observer, which talked about this.
And I made the choice to read comments from the public on those.
I think that we have a lot of education to do. I think folks don’t understand, and that there are other tools.
And what I saw the most in the comments were people who wanted relief for people who are over 65, people who are retired, and they wanted to see relief for certain groups. So we have a state that could
our homework and make sure that we all collectively have the same understanding, the same information and even have some conversations among ourselves.”
City Attorney Andrea LeslieFite clarified that there’s a process to set a temporary moratorium.
For instance, a moratorium longer than 61 days requires a public hearing and the council would need to give at least 10 days notice ahead of the hearing. There are also legislative requirements, such as setting the least restrictive amount of time possible and the launch of a study.
District 5 rep J.D. Arias encouraged colleagues to schedule a discussion and public hearing for May 11.
“Yes, I think we can have a discussion,” Arias said. “But I also think time is of the essence as data centers, specifically in my district, are being proposed across the city.”
District 6 rep Kimberly Owens said she didn’t feel comfortable voting on a moratorium given various issues.
Owens wants information about other communities that have placed moratoriums and how those were received and if they would hurt residents rushing to judgement. She acknowledged the idea of being good stewards of resources like water but worries about data centers going overseas.
“I do appreciate the leadership that’s been expressed by Council Member Ajmera, but I personally
do a different type of taxation, but they choose instead to go for this solution rather than one that would actually please a lot more people.
Leigh Altman
I think that the political spin is that the people in Raleigh are seeking to protect residents from tax-and-spend Democratic boards like ours.
But it behooves us to remember that Mecklenburg County’s property tax rate is the 19th lowest in the state, and this board is very hesitant to raise taxes. I know we are very much not desirous of ever having to raise the rate for our residents, but
need more information before I would be comfortable even hearing from an entire packed room full of people because I feel as though there are some folks who are anti-AI, who are using data centers as a means to try to shut down AI,” Owens said.
At Large Member Lawana Mayfield expressed concerns to the council about data centers in 2023. Today, she worries about their impact on the water supply as the city recently contracted with a neighboring town for access.
Mayfield also pointed out to colleagues that May 11 would be the same day they were having a budget hearing, which tends to go long.
Ajmera suggested the public hearing be moved to May 18. She said this would allow the council to discuss data centers by committee on May 4 and again as a full board on May 11 while also meeting legislative requirements.
Driggs, who chairs the council’s transportation,planning and development committee, said it was already working on an overloaded agenda, including the I-77 South project.
Ajmera suggested given the sense of urgency, data centers could be more of a secondary topic. Driggs thought this was too short of notice.
“Frankly, I agree with you entirely on the importance,” Driggs told Ajmera. “The urgency is something that I have a harder time with.
we are directly answerable to them every two years. And if our residents don’t like what we’re doing and don’t think that the resources that we’re spending are well-spent, they can recall all of us at any point in time. Yet they’re not doing that. So we have been fiscally responsible, being the 19th lowest, and the power remains with the people always.
Mark Jerrell I think it’s important that we keep the messaging consistent and not confusing to the public. The 19th lowest tax rate, for sure. The unfunded mandates,
“I agree with Miss Mayfield. This has been out there for a long time. It is critical that we do something. It’s not critical that we do something in the next couple of weeks. I think we can give ourselves a little more time than that and be deliberate.
After more council discussion, Ajmera amended her motion to move the public hearing to June 8. Ajmera, Arias, Mayfield, Watlington and Joi Mayo voted in favor. Anderson, Driggs, Graham, Owens and James Mitchell voted against. Lyles broke the tie by voting against.
“I am going to support the idea that we continue as it is,” Lyles said, alluding to the May 11 discussion. “I really do believe that this is important, but I don’t believe that we ought to have a public hearing and to do something without more actually understanding.”
Both Arias and Watlington expressed disappointment in the outcome of the vote.
“We always seem to allow our process to be the hindrance,” Watlington said. “I feel like we’ve got to develop better ways of working such that our own internal processes are not shortchanging the outcomes for the people.
“There’s no way we should be talking about data centers for a year and a half and then be nickel and diming a week or this week or how many minutes on an agenda. At some point, we’ve got to be responsive.”
I did also send an email, and I spoke to the manager about this. I am going to be engaging the business community and those partners, because they need to have a voice on our behalf as well to go to and help us with our friends in Raleigh to understand what we are contributing.
Twenty-one percent of the state’s GDP is coming from us, as was already stated. So we need to all be singing from the same handbook. Just as much as we can get in lockstep behind issues of transit or safety and these other issues, this is not sustainable, the rate that we’re at at this point.
And so we need all hands on deck, everybody to lean in and to make sure that Mecklenburg County residents’ voices are being heard.
LIBRARY
(continued from page 1A)
on April 21. Commissioner Laura Meier had the honor of reading the proclamation. Her mother was a librarian.
“I grew up at the library,” she said. ”It just was part of my life as long as I can remember.”
Commissioner Leigh Altman has fond memories from the library growing up.
“It was one of the only places that we little girls could go by ourselves without our parents worrying,” Altman said. “We’d get in all kinds of trouble and get shushed by the librarians. I just remember loving checking out Nancy Drew books.
Pineville Branch closed PINEVILLE – Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has closed the Pineville Library after the branch was struck by a vehicle after hours.
"Teams are assessing the extent of the damage to determine the next steps," the system posted on social media. "The safety of our staff and customers is a priority. We anticipate reopening later this month. However, the length of the closure may be adjusted as we learn more information."
Library holds will be sent to the South Boulevard location.
Dunlap
Powell
McDowell
Altman
Griffin
Meier
Jerrell
Heritage Museum sees continued interest
by Justin Vick justin@charlottemediagroup.org
MATTHEWS – Interest in Matthews history extends beyond the town.
The Matthews Heritage Museum welcomed 3,981 visitors in 2025, which is a 37% increase over the previous year, according to Director Bob Aycock. The museum hosted visitors from 14 countries.
In recent months, the museum hosted an adult group from Belmont and a school field trip from Union County.
Aycock attributed the museum’s success to volunteers, who put in 812 service hours and helped welcome 332 visitors a month on average.
“Their enthusiasm, knowledge and commitment are essential to everything we do,” Aycock told town commissioners April 27. “I’m deeply grateful for the role they play in bringing our mission to life.”
They’ve also helped with outreach beyond the walls of the MasseyClark House.
More than 60 volunteers joined the museum and Matthews Historical Society in cleaning up headstones April 18 at Historic Matthews Cemetery. Aycock noticed a lot of people came from Charlotte to the event, given the museum’s partnership with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Landmarks Commission.
“A key focus for the museum continues to be expanding our reach through community engagement and educational programming,” Aycock said, mentioning talks he’ll be doing for the next two months at Windsor Run. “Opportunities like this allow me to bring Matthews history directly to the community, helping foster new connections and spark continued interest.”
of expectations from a city of nearly a million people. The weight of knowing that sometimes, even when we want to act, the tools in front of us feel very limited. For example, how do we come up with a resolution? What are the legal avenues? How do we put something on the agenda?
Maybe it’s because I’m 27 and impatient. But it’s also because we’re a generation that have lived through a pandemic, that are facing an affordable housing crisis, that are facing layoffs, a healthcare crisis.
we get, who has it, who expects it and how we as a council engage with it. Because access to us should never feel like a given.
Which brings me to something that I hope this council can explore together: the hard ask, which is asking ourselves whether our processes make it just as easy to elevate the concerns of working families as it is to advance the priorities of developers. To examine whether we have internal barriers, bureaucratic gatekeeping, limitations on agenda setting that are preventing us from even having the conversations our constituents are asking us to have, and to ensure that when a council member wants to bring forward an idea rooted in community need, that there is a clear and fair path to do so.
Aycock also plans on resuming historic walking tours in the spring and working with the Matthews Library on programming that coincides with the United States of America’s 250th anniversary.
The venue also plans to participate in the Miles for Museums summer passport program, an initiative that drives foot traffic to Charlottearea museums. That ramps back up around Memorial Day.
“We’re seeing meaningful momentum with growing attendance, expanding programming, increased community engagement, and new opportunities,” he said. “At the same time, we remain deeply committed to our role as stewards of Matthews’ history, ensuring that the places, stories and experiences that we preserve will continue to serve and inspire future generations.”
Want to go?
The museum opens from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays at 232 N. Trade St. Aycock told commissioners that the museum is exploring ways to expand its hours. He’s personally opened on a few Wednesdays for groups visiting outside of regular hours. On the web: matthewsheritagemuseum. org
Last year, the public works department installed a historic market at the Matthews Depot that was funded through a grant from the William Pomeroy Foundation. The foundation has since awarded another historic marker to honor Fullwood, one of the town’s earliest names.
I really do not think we’re here as public elected officials to serve the systems, to serve access. I think we’re here to serve people, people who don’t have lobbyists, people who don’t have direct lines to us and people who trust that when they’re not in the room, we’re lifting their voices up.
And so to the voices that are not always centered in the conversations: the residents who wonder what these decisions mean for their livelihoods, their commute, their neighborhood; the workers who show up every day to keep this city running and still struggle to make ends meet – I think about the airport service workers whose labor keeps our city moving, yet those working conditions often remain invisible; and those workers who speak up and organize like (Service Employees International Union) 32BJ, who are helping elevate the voices of those workers.
We should pause to listen to those voices and not pause to question their legitimacy but to listen more closely to that.
Because I feel like if we begin to doubt the lived experiences of the most vulnerable among us, then we risk losing sight of where we are, why we’re here in the first place. I think our role is to balance. I’ll be honest, as somebody new to this body, as someone that’s young, I’ve had to navigate what it means to hold that balance, to understand the access that
LEGACY
(continued from page 1A)
up in a small town in South Carolina where she was the only Black Asian American in her school.
And so how do we strengthen our ability as a council to act on behalf of the people? How do we ensure that when a council member sees a need in their district, that we listen to what Council Member (Malcom) Graham tells us about the affordable housing projects that are coming to his district, that we listen to Council Member (Dimple) Ajmera when she thinks there’s an urgency for data centers?
How do we look at our own processes and ask whether they empower us to lead or to unintentionally hold us back from having any action?
I think we all have a belief, a purpose, a commitment to serve. And if we can hold on to that, if we can let that guide us, even in moments where the tools feel limited, our impact does not have to be.
Because I really do think that ultimately, public service at its core is not about what is easiest. It’s about what is right to do even when it seems hard.
JD Arias made these remarks at the Charlotte City Council meeting on April 27.
“I came here on my own eight years ago, into a budding city, and was met with people who look like me, a community that made me feel seen, and a city that actually gave me hope,” Ma said. “ It brings me hope that my little siblings are able to grow up in a city where diversity is celebrated and connection is encouraged.”
not be aware of Cambodia beyond the history books.
“Our community is so much more than our darkest moments,” she said.
Ma said the proclamation helps uplift Cambodian youth and educate others who may
“Cambodia is an ancient country. It is filled with so much beautiful and rich history. And as I’ve learned more about our history, I have learned more about who I am.”
The Matthews Heritage Museum hosts rotating exhibits and events that help people appreciate local history. Photo courtesy of Matthews Heritage Museum
FEATURE IMPACT
Shingles isn’t just a painful rash and nerve pain. It’s also linked with a higher risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, especially in the weeks to months after infection. However, shingles is largely preventable with vaccination.
The world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on changing the future of health for all, the American Heart Association, reminds eligible adults to protect themselves by getting vaccinated and staying on top of their heart health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. will get shingles in their lifetime. If you’ve had chickenpox, the virus that causes shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is already inside you. It can “wake up” years later, causing painful blisters and nerve pain that can last for months or longer.
After a shingles episode, one large study published in the “Journal of the American Heart Association” found the risk of heart attack and stroke was nearly 30% higher in the short term and may persist over time.
“Shingles can be very painful and knock you down for weeks,” said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., FAHA, the American Heart Association’s chief medical officer for prevention. “It’s also associated with a higher chance of heart and stroke problems afterward. If you’re 50 or older, or have a weakened immune system, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the shingles vaccine. It’s a simple step that can keep you healthier.”
Knowing your risk is the first step toward prevention. Age is the most important risk factor for developing shingles. As people age, their immune systems naturally weaken, making it easier for the virus to reactivate. People over 50, and especially those living with heart disease, diabetes or other chronic illnesses, are more likely to develop shingles.
The risk of serious complications from shingles increases:
n As you get older
n If you take drugs that keep your immune system from working properly, like steroids and drugs given after an organ transplant
n If you have medical conditions that keep your immune system from working properly such as certain cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, or HIV infection
DINING SCORES
Heart Health Made Simpler
In addition to ensuring you’re up to date on your vaccines, talk to your health care professional about ways you can improve your overall heart health. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease remains the leading cause of death, taking more lives in the United States than any other cause. Following healthy lifestyle guidance like Life’s Essential 8 can make inroads toward preventing heart disease and stroke, and improving brain health. The set of four health behaviors (eat better, be more active, quit tobacco and get healthy sleep) and four health factors (manage weight, control cholesterol, manage blood sugar and manage blood pressure) are key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health.
How to Get the Shingles Vaccine
1. Check eligibility: Recommended by the CDC for adults 50-plus and adults 19 and older with weakened immune systems.
2. Find a location: Most national pharmacies, many primary care and specialty clinics and local health departments offer it. Search your pharmacy’s app or website, or call your clinician’s office.
3. Book it: Make an appointment online or by phone. Same day or walk in options may be available at pharmacies.
4. Bring what you need: Photo ID, insurance card and a list of medicines and allergies. Wear a short sleeve shirt, if you can.
5. Plan for two doses, 2-6 months apart: When you schedule dose one, set a reminder or book dose two before you leave.
6. Cost and coverage: Many health plans, including Medicare Part D, cover shingles vaccination at low or no cost. Check your benefits or ask the pharmacy to verify coverage.
7. After your shot: A sore arm, fatigue, headache or mild fever are common and usually go away in 2-3 days. Call your clinician about severe or persistent symptoms.
If you’ve had shingles before: You can still get vaccinated after you recover. Ask your health care provider about
Leaders react to Charlotte mayor’s plans to resign
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles
made national news when she announced May 7 that she will be resigning from office on June 30 to spend time with family.
The news shocked many as she was elected to her fifth term as mayor in November.
Here are some reactions from prominent political leaders:
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Mayor Lyles for many years. Her steady leadership has guided Charlotte to an even better place. The city is stronger for her leadership, and I wish her well in her next chapter. Thank you, Vi. – Gov. Josh Stein via X
“I want thank Mayor Vi Lyles for her public service. As mayor, she always represented our city with incredible maturity, professionalism and dignity at a time when those attributes were so critical from our city leadership. As a friend, I wish her nothing but the best!” – Former Gov. and Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory via X
“While we had many a battle over the years, I always had love for Mayor Vi Lyles, and I wish her nothing but the best as she transitions out of this role. This forces a big question out into the open much earlier than many were expecting to have to deal with it - who is going to be the next mayor. It also offers an opportunity for the several contenders with interest to commit to not running in ‘27 in exchange for being appointed to finish this term. There’s essentially 7 weeks for a council working to pass a budget (with a big tax increase) and address 77 tolls to also now decide who the next mayor will be. Grab your popcorn.” – Former Charlotte City Council Member Tariq Scott Bokhari via X
“Mayor Vi Lyles is a true public servant and I thank her for her tireless work for the City of Charlotte and every resident. She leaves a legacy of which we are all proud, and I wish her the very best in her retirement. Thank you Madam Mayor. You will be missed.” – Mecklenburg
Commissioner Laura Meier via Facebook
“Thank you mayor for years of leadership. Our road has not always been aligned yet I respect all you have guided our city through.” –Charlotte City Council Member LaWana Mayfield via Facebook
“On behalf of the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners, I want to express our deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to Mayor Vi Lyles as she announces her resignation after years of extraordinary leadership and service to this community.
“Charlotte is better because of her. Mecklenburg County is better because of her and countless lives have been impacted because she chose to lead with compassion, humility, strength and vision.
“Mayor Lyles is more than a public servant. She is a history maker, a barrier breaker and a steady voice during some of the most pivotal moments in our city’s history. As Charlotte’s first Black woman mayor, she carried the weight of that responsibility with grace and dignity while never losing sight of the people she served.
“Her leadership helped transform Charlotte into a stronger, more connected and more forward-looking community. Whether navigating moments of challenge, championing opportunity or bringing people together around a common purpose, Mayor Lyles always led with heart. She believed in this city, and this city believed in her.
“I have personally appreciated not only her partnership, but also her authenticity, wisdom and unwavering commitment to doing what she believed was right for the people of Charlotte.
She has represented this community with distinction on every stage, and her impact will be felt for generations to come.
“Her legacy is firmly woven into the story of Charlotte, and her example will continue to inspire leaders long into the future.
“We are better individually and
collectively because of leaders like Vi Lyles. And for that, we are forever grateful.” – Mecklenburg
Commissioner Mark Jerrell via Facebook
“Today is a significant moment for our city as Mayor Vi Lyles announces her resignation after decades of extraordinary public service to Charlotte.
“For more than 30 years, I have had the privilege of calling Vi not only a colleague, but a dear friend. I have witnessed firsthand her unwavering commitment to this city, her steady leadership through both triumph and challenge, and her deep love for the people of Charlotte.
“From neighborhood advocacy to becoming the first Black woman elected mayor of Charlotte, she has helped shape the direction and spirit of our community in profound ways. Her leadership has always been grounded in compassion, integrity and a genuine desire to move Charlotte forward.
“On behalf of a grateful city, I thank Mayor Lyles for her service, her friendship and her countless contributions to
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making Charlotte stronger and more inclusive for generations to come.
“Charlotte is better because of Vi Lyles.” – Charlotte City Council Member Malcolm Graham via Facebook
“Mayor Vi Lyles’ announcement today marks a major moment for our city.
“Public service at this level requires tremendous sacrifice, not just from the person serving, but from their family as well. I want to thank Mayor Lyles for her years of service to Charlotte and wish her and her family the very best in this next chapter.
“I’m keeping Mayor Vi Lyles and her loved ones in my prayers during this transition.” –Charlotte City Council Member Dimple Ajmera via Facebook
“Mayor Vi Lyles has dedicated years of service to the City of Charlotte, and I want to thank her for her leadership and commitment
to our community. I respect her deep care for this city and the time, energy and sacrifice that public service requires.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside her and wish her and her family the very best in this next chapter.” – Charlotte City Council Member JD Arias via Facebook
“Thank you for your leadership Mayor Vi Lyles!” – Charlotte City Council Member Reneé Perkins Johnson via Facebook
“Thank you, Mayor Lyles, for your decades of service to Charlotte. Your leadership transformed our city. It’s been an honor to serve and learn alongside you as we worked with CATS to bring our transformative transit goals to fruition. Your legacy will bless our community for generations to come.” –Mecklenburg Commissioner Leigh Altman via Facebook
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles joined David Katz, president and chief operating officer of Coca-Cola Consolidated for a meal packing event in March at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Photo courtesy of Coca Cola Consolidated
Stein
Graham
Mayfield
Ajmera
Arias Johnson
Competency hearing sought for suspect in Zarutska’s death
by Alan Wooten Contributor
(The Center Square) – Public defenders for DeCarlos Brown, charged in the death of Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail, on May 7 sought a competency hearing for him in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina.
Megan Hoffman, first assistant for the Appellate Unit in the office of the Federal Public Defender, in a release said Brown’s “debilitating mental illness and impairment, including severe delusions” has gone on for years. Hoffman said Brown repeatedly requested help and was denied. Zarutska, 23, died Aug. 22 by stabbing. Chilling video released by the CharlotteMecklenburg Police Department of the Charlotte Area Transit System video shows Brown and Zarutska in the last moments of her life.
He faces a first-degree murder charge from the state, and a federal charge of committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system. He had been arrested 14 times previously including for assault, armed robbery and felony larceny.
“Our mental health and criminal justice systems failed him,” Hoffman said. “And
in doing so, they failed to protect the public.”
“Official mental health examiners for both the state of North Carolina and for the United States Government (Department of Justice-Bureau of Prisons) have evaluated Mr. Brown separately,” Hoffman wrote in a statement. “Those separate evaluations by the state and federal government – done by different mental health examiners over a period of weeks and months – have come to the same conclusion: due to his mental illness Mr. Brown currently is incompetent to proceed in his state and federal criminal cases. Today, in separate filings Mr. Brown’s defense team and the United States Attorney’s Office acknowledged the federal examiners’ findings.”
The next steps will be determined in a federal court.
“A federal judge will decide the next steps in Mr. Brown’s criminal case,” Hoffman said. “If the court declares him incompetent, that does not mean Mr. Brown will be released or that the case is over. Instead, it means that due process requires that he be confined in a secure, locked down psychiatric prison facility until he is able to proceed with his federal criminal case.”
Property revaluation proposal easily passes in N.C. Senate
by Alan Wooten Contributor
(The Center Square) – Halting implementation of new property revaluations in fiscal year 2026-27 drew support from seven Democrats in a landslide approval by senators in North Carolina.
The measure is merely a pause, says leaders and bill authors in the upper chamber, with more work to be done. Agreement from the House of Representatives – the chamber received it May 7 – is needed to get the legislation to first-term Democratic Gov. Josh Stein for signature.
Property Tax Reappraisal Moratorium, known also as Senate Bill 889, would mandate counties with newly updated property values for fiscal year 2027 to push implementation back one year. In fiscal year 2028, the 2026 reappraisal values would begin.
A fiscal note says local revenues would incur a $10 million loss. Passage was 35-8.
Negotiation of the chambers is forecast on the horizon. Each wants change. The House of Representatives, however, seeks a constitutional amendment for voters creating a levy limit.
Democratic Sens. Gale Adcock, Sydney Batch and Dan Blue of Wake County, Paul Lowe of Forsyth County, Mujtaba Mohammed of Mecklenburg County, Natalie Murdock of Durham County and Kandie Smith of Pitt County were with the Republican majority on the vote. Two Republicans were excused and none voted against the measure. Four Democrats were also excused.
Batch is the chamber’s minority party leader; Blue held that position before this two-year session began in 2025. Wake’s last revaluation in 2024 put the rate at 51.7 cents per $100 valuation.
Home prices, on average, have increased in 71 of 71 counties implementing property revaluations in the last three years, says the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners.
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Matthews Summerfest returns to Stumptown Park this weekend
MATTHEWS – Families can enjoy carnival rides, interactive games, shopping, street food, commercial exhibits and several genres of music at Matthews Summerfest.
The festival will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 8, and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 9, in Stumptown Park. Admission is free.
Scheduled to perform during the twoday event are Hard 2 Handle (Black Crowes tribute), Jim Quick & Coastline (beach), Save Tonight (1990s and 2000s), Remington Cartee (country), Motown Revue and Rock the 90s.
The carnival portion of Summerfest will open early at 4 p.m. May 8, allowing guests to enjoy the rides before the main event begins. Wristbands and tickets will be available for purchase.
Seaboard, Southern Range and Edge City breweries are returning in 2026, offering craft beer for purchase for festival-goers 21 and older. Beer patrons can enjoy their drinks within the designated festival area, which includes Stumptown Park and the closed portion of South Trade Street.
Novant Health Matthews Medical Center serves as the presenting sponsor of the festival.
Trade Street will close between John Street and McDowell Street starting at 9 a.m. May 8 to accommodate pedestrians and vendors. The closure will expand to Main Street at 4 p.m. and remain in effect until the festival concludes.
On the web: matthewsnc.gov/ specialevents
Two arrested for exploiting elderly
MONROE – Two women face charges of exploiting elderly people in Union County.
Deputies with the Union County Sheriff’s Office responded to a trespassing call involving two women. Detectives learned the women had been extorting an elderly man.
The sheriff’s office said Sylvia Marks approached the victim at a grocery store, convinced him that he knew her and eventually convinced him to let her move into his home with Brittany Nicholas.
The victim told the sheriff’s office that he spent $25,000 on them. The victim also reported some belongings were taken and that Nicholas assaulted him.
The sheriff’s office learned of another victim a few miles away.
Marks and Nicholas were both charged with two counts of exploitation of an elder and two counts of conspiracy to commit a felony.
Marks was also charged with misdemeanor larceny. obtaining property by false pretenses, and resisting, delaying or obstructing. Nicholas was also charged with assault, as well as resisting, delaying, or obstructing during the initial investigation.
Waxhaw Police Department investigates fatal crash
WAXHAW – The Waxhaw Police Department is investigating a vehicle crash that killed a person at about 7:30 p.m. May 5 at McCain Street and Arbor Drive.
The preliminary investigation indicates a single vehicle was traveling west on McCain Street toward Arbor Drive when the vehicle hit a tree. Police said speed was a factor
Power Summer Adventures with a Spectacular Bagel Brunch Spread
contributing to the crash. The passenger, 60-year-old Ricky Gladden, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was taken to a hospital. The Waxhaw Fire Department and Union EMS also responded to the call. The Monroe Police Department assisted in the investigation.
Resident appears on ‘Jeopardy!’
STALLINGS – Stallings resident Ian Samson appeared on the April 29 broadcast of television quiz show “Jeopardy!” Samson, a firefighter with Matthews Fire & EMS, was in second place with $10,000 heading into Final Jeopardy. He trailed the returning champion by $6,000 and had a $5,800 lead over third place. The Final Jeopardy answer was: The 1848 Seneca Falls Declaration added these 2 words to the Declaration of Independence line beginning, “We hold these truths…” The correct question was: “What is ‘and women?’” Samson did not have the right answer. He wagered everything, fell to $0 and finished in third place. Even if he did get it right, he would have lost by $1 to the returning champion.
ZABS Place merges with Cakable MATTHEWS – ZABS Place and Cakable are merging to provide employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Bentzion Groner, executive director for ZABS Place, will lead the organization. Ken Norton, executive director for Cakable, will serve on the group’s board of directors. The Cakable Cafe in Uptown Charlotte and ZABS Place Thrift Store in downtown Matthews will remain in place. Learn more about the merger and what it means for participants at zabsplace.org/ merger.
CMS recognizes top teachers CHARLOTTE – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools celebrated the best in teaching May 5 at Central Piedmont’s Dale F. Halton Theater. Winners recognized during the 2026 Gem Awards included: • Teacher of the Year: Rebeckah Hauss (Metro School) • Beginning Teacher of the Year: Reese Finnie (Bruns Avenue Elementary) • Teacher Assistant of the Year: Clarice Surles (Berryhill Pre-K-8 School)
Mint Hill Arts names winners MINT HILL – Mint Hill Arts recently announced photography and watercolor winners of its 2026 Mizell Show. Scott Ferreira won first place in the photograph category with “Line Between Good and Evil.” Joseph DaSilva placed second, Cindy Angelelli placed third, and Carlos Pelay and Anjali Boston earned honorable mention. Mary Ellen Pike won first place in the watercolor category with “Mountain View.” Bella McInnes placed second, Carmen Davidson placed third, and Anand Wakankar and Judy Young earned honorable mention. The exhibit can be viewed through June 4 at the Mint Hill Arts Gallery, 11524 Bain School Road. On the web: minthillarts.org
