Margaret Van Bruggen, 14, became the first recipient of a living mitral valve replacement. She received the valve from 11-year-old Journi Kelly, who donated another to 9-year-old Kensley Frizzell. Duke pioneered the partial heart transplant in 2022.
Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez
mrodriguez@charlotteobserver.com
Through the lens of our visual journalists, a moment in time is captured and becomes part of our history.
Each week the Charlotte Observer will present a selection of images that document communities.
Rally demands the release of civil rights and the president of SEIU California David Huerta who was arrested at an ICE raid in Los Angeles Friday. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
Pape S. Ndiaye, the founder of the Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas, poses for a portrait at the House of Africa in Charlotte on June 4, 2025. He established this festival in 1997, which he believes to be the birthplace of all Carolinas Juneteenth celebrations. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
Smelly Cat Coffee in NoDa, a popular spot in Charlotte, is facing potential new restrictions. These restrictions could include higher fees or the requirement for permits. On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, brick-and-mortar business owners in NoDa shared their thoughts on this issue. John D. Simmons For the Observer
Chris Wade, the operations manager at Cabo Fish Taco, highlighted several concerns regarding street vendors in the NoDa neighborhood. The City of Charlotte is contemplating implementing new regulations, such as imposing higher fees or requiring permits, for street vendors in NoDa. On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, brick-and-mortar business owners shared their perspectives on this issue. John D. Simmons For the Observer
Residents of Baxter Village ride through a neighborhood Monday, June 9, 2025 in Fort Mill. New golf cart rules, signed by Gov. Henry McMaster on May 22, require passengers under 12 to wear seat belts on public roads, and drivers must be at least 16 years old to operate the recreational vehicles. TRACY KIMBALL tkimball@heraldonline.com
Nick Rowlett, a faceoff specialist, prepares to execute a shot against the Denver Outlaws on Friday, June 6, 2026 at Bank of America in Charlotte. Matthew Laczko For to the Observer
Fans eagerly anticipate the Carolina Ascent FC’s match against Fort Lauderdale United FC in the first round of the USL Super League Playoffs on Sunday, June 8, 2025. Jonathan Aguallo
The Savannah Bananas celebrate their victory over the Party Animals at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Friday, June 6, 2025. TRACY KIMBALL tkimball@heraldonline.com
The Party Animals perform Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. TRACY KIMBALL
Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton, left, performs a special handshake with wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan before they participate in passing drills during the first day of minicamp in Charlotte on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez mrodriguez@charlotteobserver.com
Margaret Van Bruggen, recovering from a heart valve transplant last November, learned to play solitaire at home in Charlotte. Margaret, 14, became the first recipient of a living mitral valve replacement. She received the valve from 11-year-old Journi Kelly, who donated another to 9-year-old Kensley Frizzell. Duke pioneered the partial heart transplant in 2022. Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez mrodriguez@charlotteobserver.com
This story was originally published June 13, 2025 at 12:00 AM.
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