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šŸŒ± Patch AM: Are you accidentally breaking Charlotteā€™s code without knowing it?

Also, don't miss Taco Bell Grand Opening on the Charlotte Patch calendar

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Wednesday August 19th Patch AM
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Hey there, Charlotte! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Are you accidentally breaking Charlotte's code without knowing it?
  • Can a Charlotte tow company really charge $200 just for calling CMPD?
  • What the NTSB says really caused Charlotte's deadly I-485 pileup

Also on today's calendar: Taco Bell Grand Opening and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do evil hens lay? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny and warm, with a high of 95 and low of 71 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: Very hot with a heavy t-storm, temps: high: 98, low: 73.
  • Friday: Humid with a heavy t-storm, with a high of 89 and low of 71 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Code Enforcement General Info (charlottenc.gov) — If you live in Charlotte city limits, this guide spells out how code enforcement handles tall grass, bulky trash, abandoned vehicles, housing safety, zoning, noise, and more—and how to report problems. It also highlights fines, appeal options, and programs like Keep Charlotte Beautiful and housing repair assistance that can help you or your neighbors stay in compliance.
   

2. NC Attorney General investigates Charlotte tow company over $200 police fee (wsoctv.com) — Charlotte drivers are being warned about a local towing company that adds a $200 fee when police are called to a dispute, a practice now under investigation by the North Carolina Attorney General. CMPD stresses 911 is always free and says it has no agreement allowing such charges, while state lawmakers consider tighter rules on towing practices across North Carolina.
   

3. Report: Teen's inexperience, 'risky driving' played role in deadly I-485 crash in Charlotte (wbtv.com) — Federal investigators have released final findings on the July 2025 I-485 crash in Charlotte that killed six people, including two young children, near Wilkinson Boulevard. The NTSB cites the teen SUV driver's inexperience, risky maneuvering and THC use, plus an illegally parked tractor-trailer on the shoulder, as key factors that worsened the tragedy and limited room for drivers to recover.
   

4. CMS Superintendent back on the job after an investigation (wccbcharlotte.com) — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill is back on the job after a three-month, board-ordered investigation, though officials are still not sharing details about the findings or vote. As CMS prepares to welcome more than 144,000 students back on August 25, the board says leadership and operational issues will be addressed directly with Hill while she continues in her role.
   

5. 'Things are working': East Charlotte sees rare deadly-free month for pedestrians, bicyclists (wbtv.com) — East Charlotte just recorded a rare month with zero pedestrian or bicyclist deaths in high-traffic District 5, a big shift for an area known for dangerous crossings. City leaders credit recent safety investments and are planning a $65 million upgrade at Shamrock and Eastway, aiming to keep Charlotte's fatality numbers trending down for people walking and biking.
   

📸 Around Charlotte

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Charlotte

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★ Featured events ★

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Other local events

📣 Charlotte Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Heat index is rough again this week.
    If there's an older neighbor on your street, it's worth a knock just to make sure their AC is actually keeping up. Takes two minutes and people don't… (Nextdoor Autumnwood)
  • Phone scam alert, pretending to be my son.
    I got a call from someone really crying. Said it was my son sort of sounded like him. Said he was in a car wreck and was in jail. Then I got a call… (Nextdoor Freedom Park)
  • CMC Hotels posted a job opening for Full Time Night Auditor / Night Manager-Embassy Suites Uptown Charlotte in Charlotte. Apply here.
  • Genpak posted a job opening for Machine Operator-Days 6:50am - 7:00pm (GH) in Charlotte. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Charlotte here.

Ok Charlotte! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Deviled eggs (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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