Transit advocates pick up a big win, Democrats run the table in local elections, CMPD announces a new chief, and it’s nail-biting time as Charlotte F.C. comes home to take on New York City in the final playoff game of a three-game series.

The General Assembly provided $500 million to the program this summer. DHHS says it needs $319 million more.

The FEMA money is crucial for many states, including North Carolina, in funding emergency equipment. It also supports the salaries of personnel who step in to assist with natural disasters and other emergencies, including terrorism and threats to public safety.

Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden announced Thursday that he is running for reelection in 2026.

Cabarrus County Commissioner Lynn Shue has died after lengthy health challenges. The former Cabarrus School Board chairman has served as a county commissioner since 2014. He had received two life-saving organ transplants and was undergoing treatment when some county commissioners tried to appoint Lamarie Austin-Stripling to a vacant seat on the board in April, but a court blocked the move.

Charlotte Douglas International is among the 40 airports across the country that will face 10% reductions in air traffic starting Friday. Multiple media outlets are reporting Charlotte is on that list, but the Federal Aviation Administration has not officially released it yet. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Tuesday the move comes amid shortages of air traffic controllers who are working without pay during the federal government shutdown. In a press release early Thursday, CLT says they have not been notified of any reductions at CLT at this time and that airline partners, including American, will determine and communicate any schedule changes directly to customers.

Former Mayor Jennifer Roberts says the 52-48% result is "not a mandate," and city and county leaders still have work to do to build trust in their multibillion-dollar transit plan.

Mecklenburg County voters on Tuesday said yes to raising the sales tax to 8.25% to pay for a nearly $20 billion transportation plan.

More than 2,500 children have lost their Head Start programs in the state amid the shutdown so far.

Former town commissioner Denis Bilodeau defeated longtime incumbent Woody Washam in Tuesday’s mayoral election in Cornelius. Bilodeau campaigned on concerns over traffic, growth and infrastructure delays.