CATS

The murder of Iryna Zarutska continues to reverberate. In Raleigh, lawmakers pass a crime bill with her name on it and in Charlotte, a vigil is held in her memory. Elsewhere, J.D. Vance visited Concord to focus on the administration’s commitment to state and local law enforcement. Plus, on the first anniversary of Hurricane Helene, the federal government releases millions in relief funding.

The Charlotte City Council voted Monday for Professional Police Services, or PPS, to patrol areas in and around Charlotte Area Transit System property.

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.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools board member Melissa Easley faced criticism over the weekend for a statement on the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. She and the CMS school board have since responded.

North Carolina Rep. Laura Budd spoke Monday about safety on Charlotte’s transit system and political violence nationwide.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles on Tuesday easily won the Democratic primary, getting 71% of the vote against four opponents. That’s a rout. But the results also showed some softening of support compared to her three previous primaries, when she got 85%, 84% and 87%.

After a fatal stabbing on Charlotte’s light rail, Mayor Vi Lyles has ordered more patrols and fare checks. We rode the Blue Line to hear how riders feel about safety now — and what they want from CATS, police and the courts.

The stabbing death of Iryna Zarutska on the Blue Line is getting national attention and a response from the White House. That comes as city elections take place. The results are in, and we’ll catch you up. Last week, CMS announced good news for testing, but this week brings more sobering news: nationwide declines in 12th grade math and reading scores. In short, they are abysmal. Plus, Charlotte FC goes for history.

We examine the results of Charlotte's primary election as the city gains national attention, including from President Trump, over a stabbing death on the Blue Line in South End.

State Auditor Dave Boliek said, “The recent lawlessness and violence that have taken place on Charlotte’s public transportation raise serious questions about the security measures in place.”