Charlotte city manager’s role under scrutiny + CMS names 2022-23 Teacher of the Year

Andrew Nantais
·2 min read
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Hey, everyone! Drew here. Happy Friday Jr. and May the 4th be with you!

Did you know Queens University of Charlotte is a year removed from a transition to Division I college athletics?

So how smooth has the move been? Théoden Janes goes inside the Royals’ athletic department to find out.

Here’s your news.

1. CATS troubles put Charlotte manager’s job under scrutiny. Will council rule on his role?

City Manager Marcus Jones
City Manager Marcus Jones

The Charlotte city manager’s role in the city’s transit troubles will be considered during his annual review this summer, some council members say.

Council members are publicly talking about Manager Marcus Jones’ role in and response to a number of recent Charlotte Area Transit System troubles. Those recent troubles include a Blue Line light rail train derailment in May 2022 due to delayed maintenance and missed bridge inspections among others.

Genna Contino shares more on the scrutiny the manager’s under.

2. Charlotte YMCA staffer stopped man reportedly approaching kids outside, police say

FILE PHOTO
FILE PHOTO

A member of a Charlotte YMCA was accused of “juvenile enticement” after approaching two young children in the pickup line yesterday, police said.

The man targeted two 5-year-olds at Charlotte’s Keith Family YMCA, according to police records. A YMCA staff member intervened, a police official confirmed.

Julia Coin has more on the accusations against the man.

3. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools names its 2022-23 Teacher of the Year

Phillip O. Berry, Academy of Technology teacher Ana Cunningham, center, smiles after being announced as Charlotte Mecklenburg School teacher of the year.
Phillip O. Berry, Academy of Technology teacher Ana Cunningham, center, smiles after being announced as Charlotte Mecklenburg School teacher of the year.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools named its 2022-23 Teacher of the Year last night.

Ana Cunningham, an English Honors teacher at Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology, was chosen from among nine finalists for the award.

“I am here because of our students,” Cunningham said. “This is the greatest profession ever.”

Anna Maria Della Costa highlights the memorable night for Cunningham.

4. Mecklenburg politicians pile into NC races — with a lone Republican. (He’s used to it)

Rep. John Bradford represents North Carolina House District 98 in Mecklenburg County and is launching a campaign for treasurer.
Rep. John Bradford represents North Carolina House District 98 in Mecklenburg County and is launching a campaign for treasurer.

Mecklenburg County Democrats have announced bids for lieutenant governor, labor commissioner and state treasurer.

While State Rep. John Bradford finds himself in a familiar position: the only GOP candidate in a field of Mecklenburg politicians.

Bradford — the most well-known Republican in the treasurer race — is launching a campaign focused on maintaining the state’s AAA bond rating and starting an entrepreneurial leadership program for high schoolers.

Josh Bergeron spoke with Bradford to discuss the treasury race, the county and more.

5. Some more stories to read

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Drew Nantais is a Senior Growth & Engagement Producer for the Charlotte Observer.
Drew Nantais is a Senior Growth & Engagement Producer for the Charlotte Observer.