WFAE Local Content

Queens and Elon universities announce plans to merge, Mecklenburg County Commissioners approve agreements to create a new MTC if voters approve a transit tax, Congress plans to hold a hearing on crime here in Charlotte following the murder of a Ukrainian refugee on the Blue Line, and Charlotte FC aims to make history this weekend.

If voters approve a higher sales tax in November, 20% of the money would go toward buses. The goals are to improve frequency, stops, safety — and expand microtransit after years of declining ridership.

A capuchin monkey is on the loose in Iredell County after escaping from its enclosure at Zootastic Park in Troutman, county officials said Wednesday.

Charlotte City Council member Marjorie Molina conceded her loss in the District 5 Democratic primary to challenger J.D. Mazuera Arias, after a recount this week confirmed he beat her by 34 votes. In a video posted Thursday, she thanked her supporters and said the outcome is clear.

The Charlotte Area Transit System said its private security firm, PSS, is now fully staffed.

Hispanic Heritage Month kicked off Monday, and the Latin American Coalition will host its 35th annual Latin American Festival on Saturday to celebrate.

Safety on Charlotte's transit system takes center stage at the Metropolitan Transit Commission meeting. Charlotte-based rapper DaBaby's new video reenacts last month's deadly stabbing on the Lynx Blue Line. Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden accuses former employees of betrayal, disloyalty, and character assassination.

There’s big higher education news in Charlotte this week. Queens University of Charlotte on Tuesday announced it’s merging with Elon University. To look at the business trends driving this merger and talk about other business news of the week, Tony Mecia of the Charlotte Ledger Business Newsletter joined WFAE’s Marshall Terry for our segment BizWorthy.

If you plan to pass by or stop in the Historic West End this weekend, you can expect it to be more lively than usual as the festival ‘A Vibe Called Fresh’ returns to the area. The festival aims to provide a platform for artists to showcase their work and spotlight Black culture that includes music.

The Terminal Lobby Expansion began nearly six years ago as Charlotte Douglas International Airport's largest-ever passenger-facing construction project. The airport says the project is set to be completed in October.

Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden, who has been accused by multiple former employees of fostering a hostile work environment, released a lengthy video statement on Wednesday, accusing ex-employees of betrayal, disloyalty and assassination of his character.