Good morning! Today is Friday, September 25, 2026. You’re reading The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with local business-y news and insights for Charlotte, N.C.
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Hi Ledger readers, Ashley here. It’s been about a year since Queens University and Elon University disclosed they were merging. So what’s happened since? Ledger contributor Rachel Black digs into that in today’s lead story. We’ve also got a roundup of the latest in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools investigation, some commercial real estate news from across the Charlotte region and a quick prediction about what 7%+ mortgage rates may mean for homebuying across Charlotte. It’s been quite the week, but we’re finally on the doorstep of the weekend. Happy Friday, everyone!
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As Queens and Elon move forward in merger, Queens cuts faculty and staff, including a dean; Elon president says ‘less than 20’ have been laid off
New banners across Queens’ campus promote the merger. Last fall, these lamppost banners were solely Queens-focused, with “Royals Rise” on one side (referring to the university’s athletic teams, the Queens Royals) and a corresponding phrase related to different university departments on the other. (Photo by Rachel Black for The Ledger)
by Rachel Black
Last September, to the surprise of many of its students and faculty, Queens University announced it would be merging with Elon University. One year later, some progress and milestones have been reached on the merger — including a new name for Queens — but many details are still unknown.
A few weeks after the announcement, students told The Ledger they didn’t know what to expect, and that they still had received very few practical details about how the merger could affect their university experience. One said her professors worried about job security.
Since then, Queens has made quiet changes to its faculty and staff, including to one of its highest-paid and most high-profile faculty members. The university also confirmed to The Ledger a small number of layoffs.
CMS investigation notes: Hill emailed county manager before firing, and more, including …
◼️ Board member says most of board out of the loop on key contract
◼️ Report into Hill investigation makes math error
◼️ Satirists gearing up
A few facts and tidbits on the investigation into Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ finances, which seems to center on how the school board or school board members hired law firms and contractors and whether those expenditures were authorized.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education voted 5-4 to fire Superintendent Crystal Hill this week. (File photo by Tony Mecia/The Ledger)
In her final hours as superintendent, Crystal Hill alerted the county that its money is involved
About an hour before it became publicly evident that the Board of Education was going to fire her, Superintendent Crystal Hill sent an email to County Manager Michael Bryant, telling him that the money under investigation came from county funding.
REAL ESTATE WHISPERS
Real Estate Whispers is our weekly look at commercial real estate development, debates and debacles — with plenty of scoops and information you won’t find anywhere else.
🚗 Neighbors gear up to oppose rezoning petition filed by north Mecklenburg developer not unfamiliar with backlash; ‘I get attacked nonstop’
🛒 Potential Wegmans site in Cornelius may need to be rezoned
💰 Area Median Income levels are rising in Charlotte
🏗 Grubb Properties considers change at NoDa site
☕ Tenant shakeup brewing at Elizabeth retail center
🏆 Nominations now open for CREW Charlotte awards
📝 A wrap-up of land deals and real estate news from us and other sources
Mortgage rates are back above 7%; what it means for Charlotte’s housing market
Affordability has been the key hurdle for homebuyers everywhere, but with mortgage rates for a 30-year fixed loan this week ticking past 7% for the first time in two years, that monthly payment calculation gets trickier.
You might be interested in these Charlotte events
Events submitted by readers to The Ledger’s events board:
SEPTEMBER 29: “Regional Transportation Summit 2026,” 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., at TPC Piper Glen, 4300 Piper Glen Dr. Join South Charlotte Partners and top leaders for a pivotal discussion on the future of transportation and mobility in South Charlotte! As the region continues to evolve, South Charlotte Partners is excited to convene an impactful discussion with key state, and local leaders to explore the current landscape and future vision for transportation in the area. $108.55/ticket.
OCTOBER 2: “Cirque Kalabante: ‘Afrique en Cirque,’” 7:30-9 p.m., at Queens University of Charlotte, 1900 Selwyn Ave. The newest show from Cirque Kalabanté, “Afrique en Cirque,” is a dramaturgy inspired by everyday life in Guinea, always grounded in dynamic and collective elements. True to form, the warm and inviting world of Kalabanté Productions will take spectators on an unforgettable journey. $40-$70/ticket.
OCTOBER 6: “Haunts & Hard Hats: Halloween Mixer,” 5-7:30 p.m., at 1500 N. Graham St., Suite C. Join Gortin Group, LLC for a Halloween networking night! Enjoy specialty drinks, light bites, costumes, a costume contest, raffle prizes and plenty of opportunities to connect with professionals across Charlotte’s construction, design, real estate, engineering, legal, nonprofit and business communities. Free.
NOVEMBER 7: “NAMIWalks Charlotte,” 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Rd. Walk with NAMI to raise awareness, break stigma and support free mental health programs, resources and support for our community. Family and pet friendly, live DJ, vendors, food trucks and fun! Free.
In brief
Mecklenburg weighs scaling back climate goals: County leaders are considering delaying their net-zero emissions target from 2035 to 2050 to save nearly $45M as budgets tighten. The proposal would also halt planned solar projects and reduce energy-efficiency upgrades, with emissions instead targeted to fall 35% by 2035. (WFAE)
BofA expands apprenticeships and workforce investment: Bank of America plans to hire 1,000 additional apprentices over the next two years while committing $150M to workforce development organizations over five years. Its expanded programs will focus on skills-based hiring across consumer banking, technology, operations and other areas, including careers that do not require a four-year degree. (Press Release)
Lowe’s launches drone delivery in Charlotte area: Lowe’s is piloting drone delivery from its Matthews store, offering select home improvement and household items through DoorDash in as little as 20 minutes. (Press Release)