Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why is Washington’s top transit official riding Charlotte’s Blue Line now?

Spotted on the Charlotte calendar: T.I. (Tip Harris)

Patch AM Team's profile picture
Patch AM Team, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Thursday January 8th Patch AM
Thursday January 8th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Good morning to you Charlotte! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why is Washington’s top transit official riding Charlotte’s Blue Line now?
  • How will Charlotte’s new transit authority spend $19 billion in taxes?
  • How a Charlotte medical practice got pulled into a federal kickback case

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer and 8 more events.

Find out what's happening in Charlottefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: After dinner, my parents asked if I could clear the table. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Charlottefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Warm with increasing clouds, with a high of 68 and low of 54 degrees.
  • Friday: Low clouds, temps: high: 68, low: 61.
  • Saturday: A shower and t-storm; windy, with a high of 70 and low of 47 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Federal transit leader coming to Charlotte after stabbings on light rail (charlotteobserver.com) — Charlotte’s troubled light rail system will get a high-profile visit Jan. 16 from the head of the Federal Transit Administration, who plans to ride the Blue Line and meet with local leaders about safety. The trip follows two 2025 stabbings and comes as federal and state investigations, plus a new state House hearing, intensify scrutiny of Charlotte’s transit security and public safety.
   

2. Charlotte's newly formed Metropolitan Public Transit Authority holds first meeting of 2026 (wbtv.com) — Charlotte’s new Metropolitan Public Transit Authority just held its first 2026 meeting, beginning oversight of a one-cent sales tax that will steer $19 billion into local buses, roads, and light rail. Leaders discussed the long-term Silver Line expansion from Belmont to Matthews, ongoing safety concerns on CATS, and upcoming public input on fare changes before they testify in Raleigh later this month.
   

3. Anderson laboratory agrees to pay millions to settle allegations of kickbacks to doctors (wistv.com) — A South Carolina lab company has admitted to paying illegal kickbacks, including an inflated payment for used lab equipment to a Charlotte medical practice to encourage test referrals. Federal officials say the scheme, which also involved other North Carolina providers, led to millions in False Claims Act liability and a guilty plea to multiple Anti-Kickback Statute violations.
   

4. Measles cases reported in North Carolina (spectrumlocalnews.com) — Charlotte-based state health experts are warning residents about at least five recent measles cases in North Carolina and a reported exposure tied to a traveler passing through Gaston County. Officials urge families, especially those with young children or travel plans, to check measles vaccination status and watch for symptoms like high fever, rash, and red, watery eyes after possible exposure.
   

5. NCDOT enforces route compliance to prevent accidents and delays (wsoctv.com) — Truckers are being urged by NCDOT to stick to approved interstate routes in western North Carolina instead of risky back roads, with violators potentially facing misdemeanor charges. The advisory comes as officials work to prevent accidents and delays, and follows a separate incident where an NCDOT contractor was hurt in a crash on I-85 in Charlotte.
   

📸 Around Charlotte

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Charlotte

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Thursday January 8
  • T.I. (Tip Harris)
    The Comedy Zone, 900 Nc Music Factory Blvd B3, Charlotte
    7:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Charlotte Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Charlotte PatchAM possible:

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Windsor Run Offers Impressive Amenities, Predictable Finances, and Lasting Value —Elizabeth Fabiano Read on Patch
  • Planet Fitness, Inc. posted a job opening for Overnight Custodian - Friday & Saturday Part-Time (10pm-6am) (Part Time) in Charlotte. Apply here.
  • Paradies Lagardere posted a job opening for Warehouse/Replenishment Associate - Charlotte Airport (CLT) - Hiring FT/PT in Charlotte. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Charlotte here.

Ok Charlotte! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I needed a running start, but I made it!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Charlotte