No Fourth of July fireworks at Whitewater Center + Female CMS students feel unsafe, study shows

Hey, everyone! Drew here.

Hope you enjoyed (or are enjoying) the holiday weekend!

Let’s get right to the news.

**Programming Note: There will be no edition of The Afternoon Observer tomorrow, July 4. Happy Fourth!**

1. UNC Charlotte study shows girls don’t feel safe at school. What’s CMS doing to address it?

A study conducted by a research organization based at UNC Charlotte found that school bus safety is among concerns from female Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students. Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez/mrodriguez@charlotteobserver.com
A study conducted by a research organization based at UNC Charlotte found that school bus safety is among concerns from female Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students. Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez/mrodriguez@charlotteobserver.com

Female students at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools harbor fears about two realities of modern-day public education, according to a study at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Those two fears: shootings and issues on school buses. So what’s CMS planning on doing to address those fears?

Anna Maria Della Costa reports.

2. Safety concerns cancel Fourth of July fireworks at Whitewater Center

Safety concerns cited by police and the Mecklenburg County fire marshal have canceled the annual July 3-4 fireworks shows at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte. Courtesy of the U.S. National Whitewater Center
Safety concerns cited by police and the Mecklenburg County fire marshal have canceled the annual July 3-4 fireworks shows at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte. Courtesy of the U.S. National Whitewater Center

In case you missed it: there won’t be any Fourth of July fireworks at the U.S. National Whitewater Center this year.

Safety concerns cited by police and the Mecklenburg County fire marshal led to the cancellation of fireworks shows that were to be held at the Whitewater Center tonight and tomorrow.

Joe Marusak has more information on the fireworks (or lack thereof).

3. Lawsuit accusing Tim Moore of tryst with state employee has been ‘resolved’

The attorney for a man suing House Speaker Tim Moore said on July 3, 2023, that the lawsuit accusing Moore of trading sex for political influence “has been resolved.” Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
The attorney for a man suing House Speaker Tim Moore said on July 3, 2023, that the lawsuit accusing Moore of trading sex for political influence “has been resolved.” Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com

The attorney for a man suing House Speaker Time Moore said this morning that the lawsuit “has been resolved.”

Just two weeks ago, Scott Lassiter filed a lawsuit against Moore accusing him of breaking up his marriage by sleeping with his wife, Jamie Liles Lassiter, a state employee, and exchanging political favors for sexual ones.

Danielle Battaglia shares more on the suit’s resolution.

4. Hangouts over hangovers: Inside Counterculture Club’s alcohol-free social experience

Counterculture Club held a Wellbeing Bar at Not Just Coffee in December 2022. Counterculture Club
Counterculture Club held a Wellbeing Bar at Not Just Coffee in December 2022. Counterculture Club

Molly Ruggere’s decision to not drink led to a first in Charlotte: a non-alcoholic space that became a fun and supportive community.

Counterculture Club, founded by Ruggere, is a place for people who want to do fun activities without the headaches or weary effects that alcohol has to offer.

“I can’t be the only person that feels this way,” she said.

Denise Casalez takes you inside Counterculture Club.

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.