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More body scanners for CMS + Nursing homes win temporary reprieve

Charlotte Observer - 7/8/2022

Happy Friday!KJ here. In a couple weeks, Shawn Mendes will be performing at the Spectrum Center, so naturally CharlotteFive’s Lorenza Medley scored an interview with the 23-year-old popstar.

Mendes tells C5 about his return to touring, what you can expect from his show in Charlotte and ... being a crocodile? It’s definitely an interesting read.

Another busy Friday for Charlotte news. We’ll have it all below.

1. Body scanners to screen for weapons will be installed in Charlotte’s middle schools

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will install body scanning equipment in 49 middle schools, Interim Superintendent Hugh Hattabaugh told The Charlotte Observer on Friday.

The equipment, which already is in 21 of the district’s high schools, screens students for guns and weapons. It’s the same equipment used at Bank of America Stadium.

“It may seem (like) an inconvenience, but I see it as a positive for our students,” Hattabaugh said. “This is another one of those important steps to keep our schools safe and orderly.”

Anna Maria Della Costahas the exclusive.

2. Short-staffed NC nursing homes win a temporary reprieve, but no long-term solutions

North Carolina’s new budget extended Medicaid rate increases that were set to expire on June 30, which some legislators think could prevent nursing homes from suffering a financial crisis.

Is that enough?

“It buys more time,” said Bill Lamb, a board member of Friends of Residents in Long Term Care, a group that advocates for nursing home residents. “But it’s not a long-term fix.”

You can find more from Ames Alexander.

ICYMI: Our recent investigation Left Alone documented how a shortage of caregivers has put thousands of nursing home residents at risk of neglect.

3. ‘A great loss’: Former CMS leader remembered for her advocacy, passion for education

Nora Carr, who worked for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and most recently for Guilford County Schools, is remembered by friends and colleagues as an advocate for children. She died last Thursday at the age of 63.

In addition to her work in public education, Carr also worked in crisis communications. During the aftermath of the Columbine High School massacre in 1999, she was one of four national expertsasked to provide on-site assistance to Jefferson County Public Schools in Golden, Colorado.

“She was so amazing — it’s hard to boil it down to just one thing,” said Maurice “Mo” Green, who worked with Carr. “Nora was just always present. Always there when you needed her. It’s a great loss for the entire state.”

Anna Maria Della Costa has more on Carr’s life.

4. Charlotte started early voting this week. Here’s where to cast ballots for mayor, City Council.

Are you registered to vote for Charlotte’s general election for mayor and City Council? If not, it’s not too late.

Yesterday was the start of early voting and around 1,100 Charlotteans went to the polls. Thirteen early voting sites are scattered through the city. People who are not registered can still cast a ballot if they register at an early voting site and vote on the same day.

Will Wright has more, including which polling locations are closest to you.

5. Some stories to read heading into the weekend

Thousands in Charlotte without power after fierce storms. Dangerous heat on the way.

Next move in Tepper company’s bankruptcy: Where will the cases be heard?

Only 2 places in the US offer this new chicken sandwich. Rock Hill is one

Free monkeypox vaccine is available in NC. Where to get it in Mecklenburg County

What do Mecklenburg County employees make? Check out our public salary database

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