Mother of missing Madalina Cojocari pleads not guilty + Charlotte woman’s family lost everything in Maui wildfires

Hey, everyone! Drew here. It’s Friday Jr.!

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On to the news.

1. Mom pleads not guilty in disappearance of Madalina Cojocari

12-year-old Madalina Cojocari was last seen Nov. 23, police have said, but wasn’t reported missing by her parents until Dec. 15.

Today in court, Madalina’s mother pleaded not guilty for failing to reporter her daughter as missing. The case is expected to proceed to trial.

Kallie Cox has the latest on this story.

2. Family lost everything in Maui wildfires, Charlotte woman says. Here’s how to help.

The the fallout of the wildfires in Maui have been felt all over, even here in Charlotte.

Jessie Haynes, a Charlotte area resident, has family in Maui. Her cousin Fred Seemann’s condo was fortunately spared from the fires, but his fiancé and her family’s home in Lahaina wasn’t.

Joe Marusak shares more on Haynes’ family and how you can help.

3. Health officials say COVID is surging right as North Carolina school year starts

It’s back to school for many students in North Carolina and COVID-19 is on the rise.

Heath officials are encouraging parents to prepare for fall respiratory viruses, particularly COVID. Mecklenburg County Public Health says there’s an ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases since early July.

Anna Maria Della Costa with what you need to know.

4. McDonald’s franchise owner paved way for others. Now he’s giving back at Charlotte Pride.

Jason Saylor has experienced two very difficult moments in his life.

The first was telling his parents he is gay; the second was telling his boss he wanted to become a franchisee at McDonald’s. Now, Saylor is giving back to the community at Charlotte Pride.

Audrey Elsberry reports.

5. Some more stories to read

• Social workers tip off police to baby overdosing on fentanyl. Parents jailed in NC.

• Which CMS employees make the most? Check out our education salary database

• NC rejects Cintra plan but still eyes more I-77 toll lanes through Charlotte

• NC Republicans pass charter school expansion over Cooper’s vetoes. Here’s what’s changing.

• We asked and you voted. Here is the Readers’ Choice pick for best tacos in the Charlotte area.

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