Family of scaffolding collapse victim files lawsuit + Michael Jordan sells majority stake in Hornets

Andrew Nantais
·3 min read
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Hey, everyone! Drew here.

It’s Taco Tuesday, er, I mean Taco Thursday!

Yesterday, CharlotteFive launched their latest Readers’ Choice poll to determine the best tacos in all of the Queen City.

You submitted 56 of the best taco places in Charlotte and now, it’s your turn to vote.

This round of voting will close at noon tomorrow.

On to your news.

1. Police search for suspect after woman was followed, raped outside Charlotte hotel

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is looking for a man who raped a woman in south Charlotte Wednesday, August 2, 2023. He is a 5’10” Hispanic male in his mid-20’s, who has short black hair and was last seen wearing a baseball cap, light colored shirt, a floral-patterned neck gaiter and camouflage shorts. He may have scratches — left from his victim — on his face and neck, police said. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department

Police are asking for help finding a man who sexually assaulted a woman outside a Charlotte hotel just after midnight yesterday.

The woman was walking back in the 200 block of West Woodlawn Road near several hotels off of Interstate 77 when she heard footsteps behind her and realized she was being followed.

Julia Coin continues to update this story.

2. Family of Charlotte scaffolding collapse victim sues contractors over ‘gross negligence’

Jesus Olivares was one of three workers who died when scaffolding collapsed at an uptown Charlotte construction site. His family has sued the construction companies, alleging they should have done more to keep Olivares and his co-workers safe. Family photo
Jesus Olivares was one of three workers who died when scaffolding collapsed at an uptown Charlotte construction site. His family has sued the construction companies, alleging they should have done more to keep Olivares and his co-workers safe. Family photo

A lawsuit filed this week alleges a “catastrophic failure” to protect construction workers led to the scaffolding collapse that sent three men plunging to their death in uptown Charlotte in January.

The brother and sister of Jesus “Chuy” Olivares, one of the victims, filed the suit in Mecklenburg County Superior Court earlier this week.

Ames Alexander details the lawsuit.

3. From injury to activist: Why this NC athlete doesn’t want to compete against trans women

Payton McNabb, 18, was struck by a volleyball spiked by a transgender athlete in September 2022. She said she suffered a concussion, and side effects lasted months. Courtesy of Payton McNabb
Payton McNabb, 18, was struck by a volleyball spiked by a transgender athlete in September 2022. She said she suffered a concussion, and side effects lasted months. Courtesy of Payton McNabb

Payton McNabb suffered an injury during a high school volleyball game in September 2022 she’s spent months recovering from.

McNabb was knocked unconscious after being struck in the head by a spike from a player on the opposing team. The player in question is one of two known transgender female high school athletes in North Carolina.

Jodie Valade spoke with McNabb about why’s she speaking out against transgender athletes in high school sports.

4. Michael Jordan ‘proud’ of Hornets’ accomplishments as sale of NBA team is finalized

Hornets owner Michael Jordan speaks at the dedication of the basketball courts by the Hornets and NBA at Latta Park in Dilworth, Tuesday morning, October 18, 2016. Davie Hinshaw/dhinshaw@charlotteobserver.com
Hornets owner Michael Jordan speaks at the dedication of the basketball courts by the Hornets and NBA at Latta Park in Dilworth, Tuesday morning, October 18, 2016. Davie Hinshaw/dhinshaw@charlotteobserver.com

Michael Jordan’s tenure as majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets officially came to an end today.

The NBA’s board of governors approved Jordan’s sale of a majority stake in the franchise to Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin, which comes a little over a week after word initially broke that the reported $3 billion sale was done.

Rod Boone shares more on the sale.

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.