Queens University of Charlotte and Elon University announced Tuesday that they plan to merge. At the conclusion of the merger, which is expected to come by August 2026, Elon will operate Queens “in partnership with existing and legacy leaders,” the universities announced in a news release. Queens Acting President Jesse Cureton said the intended departure of former Queens President Daniel Lugo, which was announced in 2024, prompted the school’s board to start looking at growth opportunities. Cure

Hundreds filled the street outside of the East/West Boulevard station to take part in a vigil for Iryna Zarutska who was fatally stabbed on Aug. 22 while riding the Lynx Blue Line. The vigil, promoted by the Mecklenburg County Republican party, was held at the same light rail station where Zarutska was found dead and marked exactly one month since the attack. She was an artist who had aspirations of becoming a veterinary assistant because of her love of animals. She loved the United States, her