Charlotte's police chief asked the city's Democratic-majority council for its blessing to pursue a federal "Make America Safe Again" grant.

• It did not go well.

Why it matters: Although Charlotte has drawn national scrutiny lately following high-profile crimes, including the recent Dilworth attack, council members worry money from the Trump administration will come with strings attached.

The latest: Chief Estella Patterson told council Monday that the Department of Justice's Model Cities Initiative could help pay for new drones, license plate cameras and a range of other safety initiatives, including mental health services.

• Funded with nearly $300 million from the One Big Beautiful Bill, the three-year grants will be awarded to only two to four cities.

The fine print: The award would be a "cooperative agreement" rather than a traditional grant, meaning the federal government would have "substantial involvement" in overseeing the spending, according to CMPD's presentation.

• A clause in the application states that Charlotte could be forced to pay the government back for deploying federal forces if the city experiences a "surge in violence," said Assistant City Attorney Jessica Battle. The potential cost is unknown.

What they're saying: Council member LaWana Mayfield suggested the initiative could become a "federal accelerator for local surveillance infrastructure."

• Some council members also raised concerns about the impact on the immigrant and refugee communities, particularly after Operation Charlotte's Web last November.
• "Charlotte has already experienced what happens when a federal surge enters our community," said council member JD Mazuera Arias.

What's next: Probably nothing. Several members have already made clear they don't want the chief to proceed.

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The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education voted late Tuesday to return Superintendent Crystal Hill to her role following a weeks-long investigation.

Why it matters: All CMS has disclosed is that Hill was under investigation for "matters involving administrative and operational oversight." According to a statement, issues were uncovered. CMS says it will address them directly with Hill.

Context: The district has had five different superintendents over the past 10 years.

What they're saying: "The Board did not take this action lightly," per the CMS statement. "When serious concerns involving district operations and oversight are raised, the Board has an obligation to investigate them thoroughly."

• It added, "We believe this provides the best path forward while maintaining continuity and stability for our students, employees and families."

Catch up quick: Hill has been on paid leave for more than six weeks.

• She said in mid-June that she had not been told what the investigation was about.
• The district hired an independent firm to conduct the review, which cost the district $275 per hour.

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation plans to upgrade the playground at Latta Park.

Why it matters: Shade is a hot commodity at local playgrounds and will be a key feature of the park's improvements.

The latest: The county recently released early design concepts with the Dilworth community. Neighborhood feedback will inform the design process.

What to expect: Early renderings call for swings, slides and exercise equipment. Mountains are not included.

What's next: The Latta Park playground is expected to be replaced by late winter or early spring, a Park and Recreation spokesperson tells Axios.

More renderings

🎬 South End's free Movies in the Park series returns next month at Wilmore Centennial Park (1711 S. Tryon St.). Movies start at sunset. The lineup:

💄 Sept. 5: "Barbie"

🌪️ Sept. 12: "Twisters"

🎶 Sept. 19: "Pitch Perfect"

🐝 Anne Springs Close Greenway will be a host site for the Great Southeast Pollinator Census on Friday, Aug 21. The University of Georgia-led census allows people to observe and document local pollinator activity. Volunteer here.

Mecklenburg prosecutors are seeking death penalty against the aunt and former legal guardian of 6-year-old Dominique Moody, who died in December. (Observer)

🛒 The North Carolina Retail Merchants Association is urging state transportation officials to backtrack on a proposal to build grocery stores in west Charlotte, calling it a "dangerous precedent for government to come in and compete with private businesses." The store is one way NCDOT is trying to rally community support around the I-77 South toll lanes project. (QCNews)

🍅 Freshlist's neighborhood market has expanded its hours. The local food market in the Belmont neighborhood is now open Mondays and Thursdays from 2-5pm, the company tells Axios.

📅 See what's going on around the city.

• Science on the Rocks at Discovery Place Science Fri: Grab a cocktail, see a science show and explore three floors of hands-on exhibits at this adults-only night at the museum. $24+.
• An Evening with Jeff Foxworthy at TD Amp Ballantyne Sat: One of the most respected and successful comedians in the country. He is the best-selling comedy-recording artist in history, a multiple Grammy Award nominee, and the author of over 26 books. $62+.
• LoSo Block Party at Queen Park Social Sat: The LoSo Queen Park Social Block Party is back. Enjoy mechanical bull riding, live music featuring Josh Daniel & Zach Person, local vendors, and more.
• 6th Annual Upcycled Fashion Show, Community Arts Fundraiser at Blume Studios Sept 12: ArtPop's Upcycled Fashion Show & Fundraiser is back. Designers debut runway looks made from billboards, highlighting creative sustainability and supporting local artists. Get tix now. $150.

Want more things to do? Check out our Event Board.

Hosting? Purchase an Event Listing.

Christopher Nolan's new film adaptation of "The Odyssey" hasn't just been good for movie theaters, it's also drumming up interest at local libraries.

Why it matters: Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, like libraries across the country, has a waitlist for University of Pennsylvania professor Emily Wilson's translation of Homer's epic. Nolan credits this version with inspiring his film.

By the numbers: There are 73 holds on 12 print copies of Wilson's book at CML, as of Tuesday morning. For E-books, there are 183 holds on 22 copies.

Zoom out: There are other version's of the classic tale, but many of them also have a waitlist.

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