James Farrell
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WFAE
Elon University announced Tuesday it applied to the American Bar Association for approval to launch a full-time, 2.5-year juris doctor law school in Charlotte.
CHARLOTTE TALKS WITH MIKE COLLINS
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PixabayCongress is back in session for 2026, but as has been the case since January of last year, much of the action has been in the executive branch. Donald Trump announced the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro without notifying Congress in advance of the military extraction. Still, some in Congress are working on the release of the Epstein files, and another shutdown is looming at the end of the month. Here’s a look at what’s happening on Capitol Hill. -
After a 137-year struggle, North Carolina’s Lumbee Tribe has received full federal recognition. It fulfills one of President Donald Trump’s campaign promises and opens new opportunities for the tribe. The Lumbee are now eligible to receive federal funding from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which could support education, health care and housing. We look at why the process took so long and what comes next.
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LOCAL NEWS
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The projects were among those highlighted Monday at the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s Year Ahead event. -
Mecklenburg County health officials say there are signs the ongoing measles outbreak in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, may have spread into Mecklenburg County. -
Stokes County commissioners voted 3–2 to make way for a massive data center in Walnut Cove, despite loud opposition from residents. -
The new Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority was created after Mecklenburg voters in November approved an increase to the sales tax. -
The Noquisiyi Mound in Franklin could soon be returned to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Conversations about transferring ownership of the mound began in 2012 after a town employee sprayed herbicide on the sacred site, causing the grass to die. -
North Carolina could remain without a new budget until at least April. Lawmakers had scheduled their first session of 2026 this week but aren't planning to hold any votes.
NATION & WORLD
DAILY NEWS ROUNDUP
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Charlotte City Council approves $4.3 million to help get the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority up and running. S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster is calls for his state to offer free breakfast at public schools. Mecklenburg County health officials say the measles virus has been detected in area wastewater. Charlotte's Durag Festival has been suspended this year.
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