Good morning, Huntersville.

Cornelius Police Chief David Baucom said on July 11 that an internal investigation into a botched animal welfare call on June 7 – where a dog was left in a hot vehicle and a good Samaritan intervened – resulted in an unpaid suspension and removal from active K9 duties for the involved officer with further personnel actions not disclosed due to state law.

A person was seriously hurt in a shooting at Carolina Place Mall parking lot in Pineville on Friday around 6:30 p.m.—the victim was taken to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The LEGO F1 event is set for this weekend at Symphony Park — it will highlight the rising interest in F1 racing and LEGO that is drawing local fans.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools said they face losing over $12M in federal funds amid a nationwide freeze on education grants by the U.S. Department of Education and the Office of Management and Budget.

School officials warned the funding gap may force the district to either cut staff or incur $1M in monthly debt—actions that risk reducing support for over 141,000 students.

Rising senior Emily D’Abreo from Christ the King Catholic High School in Huntersville received the rare Congressional Gold Medal Award on June 11 in Washington, D.C.

The award honored her 800+ hours of volunteer work, piano achievements and earning a black belt in Taekwondo.

Scott deMoulin, CEO of EarthKind, warned that ticks and mosquitoes are surging—spreading diseases like Lyme, West Nile virus, and Zika.

He advised residents to use repellents, wear protective clothing and remove standing water from yards—actions that can lower bite risks.