Local

Spring is in the air in Charlotte: Here are The Observer’s best photos in May

By The Pham
Large storm clouds blanket Rock Hill as BMX racers practice Friday at the Rock Hill BMX Supercross Track.
Large storm clouds blanket Rock Hill as BMX racers practice Friday at the Rock Hill BMX Supercross Track. Tracy Kimball tkimball@heraldonline.com

Every day visual journalists bear witness to the people in our communities and their stories — the energy from high school sports, compelling news events, glimpses into iconic businesses and the arts, or a simple portrait of an individual for a story.

Some images are pleasant while others are painful, and heart-wrenching to produce.

Our mission is to document truthfully, fairly and with compassion.

An attendee prays during Michael T. Martin’s ordination at Saint Mark Catholic Church in Huntersville on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
An attendee prays during Michael T. Martin’s ordination at Saint Mark Catholic Church in Huntersville on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. Isaiah Vazquez Special to The Observer
Bishop-elect Michael T. Martin lays prostrate in front of the altar during the ordination ceremony at Saint Mark Catholic Church in Huntersville on May 29, 2024.
Bishop-elect Michael T. Martin lays prostrate in front of the altar during the ordination ceremony at Saint Mark Catholic Church in Huntersville on May 29, 2024. Isaiah Vazquez Special to The Observer
Former President Donald Trump acknowledges the chanting from supporters as he, and team owner Richard Childress, enter the bay for #3 driver Austin Dillon during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
Former President Donald Trump acknowledges the chanting from supporters as he, and team owner Richard Childress, enter the bay for #3 driver Austin Dillon during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord on Sunday, May 26, 2024. Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez mrodriguez@charlotteobserver.com
Former President Donald Trump, center, waves to fans along pit road at Charlotte Motor Speedway prior to the running of the Coca-Cola 600 in Concord on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
Former President Donald Trump, center, waves to fans along pit road at Charlotte Motor Speedway prior to the running of the Coca-Cola 600 in Concord on Sunday, May 26, 2024. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Charlotte Catholic’s Miles Ziemer, left, watches rain fall on his glasses while Tripp Warnement looks on during the seventh inning against the Cox Mill Chargers at Cox Mill High School in Concord on May 13, 2024.
Charlotte Catholic’s Miles Ziemer, left, watches rain fall on his glasses while Tripp Warnement looks on during the seventh inning against the Cox Mill Chargers at Cox Mill High School in Concord on May 13, 2024. Isaiah Vazquez Special to The Charlotte Observe
Marvin Ridge’s Lucy Chin, facing camera, celebrates her goal with teammate Camryn McKee during first half action of the NCHSAA 4A state final game against Wilmington Ashley at the Matthews Sportsplex in Matthews on Friday, May 31, 2024.
Marvin Ridge’s Lucy Chin, facing camera, celebrates her goal with teammate Camryn McKee during first half action of the NCHSAA 4A state final game against Wilmington Ashley at the Matthews Sportsplex in Matthews on Friday, May 31, 2024. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Marvin Ridge celebrates their 2-1 victory over Wilmington Ashley of the NCHSAA 4A state final game at the Matthews Sportsplex in Matthews on Friday, May 31, 2024.
Marvin Ridge celebrates their 2-1 victory over Wilmington Ashley of the NCHSAA 4A state final game at the Matthews Sportsplex in Matthews on Friday, May 31, 2024. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Severe storms caused a utility pole to fall on the roof of Allen’s Mobile Home and RV Superstore on North Chester Street in Gastonia on Thursday, May 9, 2024. Storms tore through Gastonia Wednesday causing property damage and power outages.
Severe storms caused a utility pole to fall on the roof of Allen’s Mobile Home and RV Superstore on North Chester Street in Gastonia on Thursday, May 9, 2024. Storms tore through Gastonia Wednesday causing property damage and power outages. Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez mrodriguez@charlotteobserver.com
A broken utility pole rests on the top of a vehicle outside of McClure’s Auto Service on North Chester Street in Gastonia on Thursday, May 9, 2024. Severe storms tore through the area causing property damage and power outages.
A broken utility pole rests on the top of a vehicle outside of McClure’s Auto Service on North Chester Street in Gastonia on Thursday, May 9, 2024. Severe storms tore through the area causing property damage and power outages. Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez mrodriguez@charlotteobserver.com
A downed tree on McAllister Drive blocks a school bus from going through in Charlotte Wednesday afternoon, May 8, 2024. Severe storms pummeled the Charlotte region on Wednesday, with a chance of hail “larger than golf balls,” according to the National Weather Service.
A downed tree on McAllister Drive blocks a school bus from going through in Charlotte Wednesday afternoon, May 8, 2024. Severe storms pummeled the Charlotte region on Wednesday, with a chance of hail “larger than golf balls,” according to the National Weather Service. Khadejeh Nikouyeh knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
New Carolina Panthers receiver Xavier Legette arrives at Bank of America Stadium on Friday, April 26, 2024. The Panthers traded up to No. 32 overall, the final pick of the NFL Draft’s first round, to select Legette.
New Carolina Panthers receiver Xavier Legette arrives at Bank of America Stadium on Friday, April 26, 2024. The Panthers traded up to No. 32 overall, the final pick of the NFL Draft’s first round, to select Legette. Khadejeh Nikouyeh knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
Rory McIlroy watches his shot from a sand trap along the third fairway during the final round of the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte on Sunday, May 12, 2024.
Rory McIlroy watches his shot from a sand trap along the third fairway during the final round of the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte on Sunday, May 12, 2024. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
NASCAR Cup Series driver Joey Logano and his team celebrate winning the NASCAR All-Star race at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Wilkesboro on Sunday, May 19, 2024.
NASCAR Cup Series driver Joey Logano and his team celebrate winning the NASCAR All-Star race at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Wilkesboro on Sunday, May 19, 2024. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Justin Thomas tries to help his ball toward the cup on the 15th green during second round action of the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte on Friday, May 10, 2024.
Justin Thomas tries to help his ball toward the cup on the 15th green during second round action of the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte on Friday, May 10, 2024. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
UNC Charlotte students and local activists march through campus during a rally for solidarity with Gaza and to protest student oppression at UNC Charlotte in Charlotte on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
UNC Charlotte students and local activists march through campus during a rally for solidarity with Gaza and to protest student oppression at UNC Charlotte in Charlotte on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Khadejeh Nikouyeh Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
UNC Charlotte students and local activists march through campus during a rally for solidarity with Gaza and to protest student oppression at UNC Charlotte in Charlotte on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
UNC Charlotte students and local activists march through campus during a rally for solidarity with Gaza and to protest student oppression at UNC Charlotte in Charlotte on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Khadejeh Nikouyeh Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
8-year-old Irelyn McGinley races in the BMX World Championships Monday in Rock Hill.
8-year-old Irelyn McGinley races in the BMX World Championships Monday in Rock Hill. Tracy Kimball tkimball@heraldonline.com
Large storm clouds blanket Rock Hill as BMX racers practice Friday at the Rock Hill BMX Supercross Track.
Large storm clouds blanket Rock Hill as BMX racers practice Friday at the Rock Hill BMX Supercross Track. Tracy Kimball tkimball@heraldonline.com
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