NewsWorthy for May 18, 2026

Mecklenburg County Commissioner Yvette Townsend-Ingram announces she's in need of a heart transplant. CMS says technical difficulties scuttle some end-of-year exams. A marker is unveiled in Charlotte honoring the first public hospital to treat African Americans during segregation. NewsWorthy takes a summer hiatus.

Federal officers and CMPD arrest 10 and move to seize the Garden Inn near the Sugar Creek/I-85 interchange, describing it as a crime hotspot. Vi Lyles could remain Charlotte's mayor past her June 30th retirement date. Charlotte City Council and York County are both considering data center moratoriums.

The South Carolina Senate abandons a last-minute redistricting plan. Charlotte City Council approves a timeline for replacing Mayor Vi Lyles. The CMS Board takes another step toward the creation of an educator community of affordable housing units. Concord Police identify a suspect in a nearly 18-year old murder case.

Charlotte City Council member James Mitchell makes a bid to be named interim mayor. A no-swim advisory is issued for Island Cove on lake Wylie. Concord and Kannapolis ease some water restrictions. S.C. GOP candidates square off tonight for a third debate.

NASCAR driver Kyle Busch has died at 41. NCDOT says Charlotte stands to lose $700 million in state funding now that the I-77 project has been scrapped. Area bus drivers compete in the annual School Bus Rodeo.

The I-77 toll lane project is dead after the transportation planning board votes to rescind support. After approving a new congressional map, the S.C. Senate Judiciary Committee sends a districting bill to the floor. N.C. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey is accused of sending inappropriate texts to a former staffer. Campers arrive for this weekend's Coca-Cola 600.

Mallard Creek High School appeals after a runner was disqualified in the state championship race. The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office will reopen its second detention center due to overcrowding. Mooresville Mayor Chris Carney says he may step down. Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick among those selected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame

NCDOT Secretary Daniel Johnson warns Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles of consequences if local leaders pull support for I-77 toll lanes. New designs for the I-77 project were unveiled Monday. Charlotte City Council is pushing for a 10% raise for firefighters. This year's Blumey Awards have been handed out to the area's top high school musical theatre students.

South Carolina lawmakers race to redraw congressional maps before a May 26th deadline. CMS Superintendent Crystal Hill says she's not going anywhere, despite rampant speculation about her job. Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden responds to reports of overcrowding inside the county jail.

S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster calls lawmakers back to Columbia today to address redrawing the state's congressional map. Mecklenburg County Manager Michael Bryant unveils his $2.6 billion budget recommendation. Goodyear announces plans to shutter its Fayetteville tire plant by the end of next year. Water restrictions begin today in Charlotte.