The Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority will take over the Charlotte Area Transit System next year.

The new Charlotte City Council is sworn in, Iryna’s law goes into effect with stricter bail rules for violent offenses, the state auditor plans to investigate the settlement paid by the city of Charlotte to the husband of the new police chief, and Mecklenburg County officials create a new transit authority.

In college basketball, Queens University’s men’s team cruised to a 107-74 win over Gardner-Webb on Wednesday night. The Royals return to action a week from Thursday, when they host South Carolina State.On the women’s side, Davidson defeated Duquesne 72-55. The Wildcats will host Ball State on Sunday afternoon.

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson launched Phase 2 of “Operation Robocall Roundup” on Monday, expanding the state’s crackdown on illegal robocalls to include four of the nation’s largest voice providers.

The murder of Iryna Zarutska on the Blue Line in August led to the passage of Iryna’s Law by the General Assembly. It took effect on Dec. 1 and is designed to overhaul parts of the judicial system. A Republican bill, it passed with some bipartisan support and was signed by a Democratic governor, yet there were still opponents. We discuss the new law and more with caucus leader Rep. Mary Belk.

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson says his office will review Duke Energy’s plan to raise residential electricity rates across the Carolinas. The utility has proposed increasing rates by up to 15% over two years, beginning in 2027.

There will be more changes coming to the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners. WSOC reports that District 1 representative Elaine Powell will not seek a fifth term. Powell, who represents North Mecklenburg, said she will serve out the remainder of her term but will not file for reelection.

Charlotte City Council swore in three new members Monday night and selected a new mayor pro tem as the new term began.

Though Dimple Ajmera received the most votes in last month's election, City Council members picked James Mitchell for a largely ceremonial job.

Filing opens Monday in North Carolina, giving voters their first look at 2026 races.