CATS

Mecklenburg voters will decide on a referendum to levy a 1-cent sales tax to fund Charlotte’s transit plan. That tax would generate nearly $20 billion over 30 years for various transit projects. Proponents say the time is now to make this critical decision. Others urge a no vote because of who will be hurt by rising taxes. We look at both sides.

The Charlotte Area Transit System showed off some of its new security initiatives Friday, introducing new patrol vehicles that people will see around transit properties, during a news conference attended by Mayor Vi Lyles and City Manager Marcus Jones.

Supporters call the referendum a once-in-a-generation chance to expand rail and roads — though money doesn’t always stretch as far as envisioned.

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.