The federal government is poised to give the Charlotte Area Transit System $70 million for its light-rail extension, and a top transit official said today he expects to give Charlotte full approval later this year to build the entire 9.4-mile line.
"We don't expect anything to derail it," said Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff Tuesday. "We are very supportive of this project. We don't see any show-stoppers."

Today is the last day for CMS students to enter the lottery for coveted seats in the district's thirty-seven magnet programs. Most of the magnets will have long waiting lists. But there's one likely exception: Marie G. Davis Military and Global Leadership Academy.

Visions of boot camp and drills may keep many students away. But staff and students at Marie G. Davis say that's the wrong idea.

A morning at Marie G. Davis starts like you'd expect in a military academy. Before class it's formation in the gym for all the school's upper grades.

Steav Bates-Congdon (R) and his partner. Photo: Charlotte Observer

Today is the last day for CMS students to enter the lottery for coveted seats in the district's thirty-seven magnet programs. Most of the magnets will have long waiting lists. But there's one likely exception: Marie G. Davis Military and Global Leadership Academy.

Visions of boot camp and drills may keep many students away. But staff and students at Marie G. Davis say that's the wrong idea.

A morning at Marie G. Davis starts like you'd expect in a military academy. Before class it's formation in the gym for all the school's upper grades.

Steav Bates-Congdon (R) and his partner. Photo: Charlotte Observer