Does Mecklenburg County want to spend more of its transit sales tax money on rail or build more miles of bus rapid transit sooner? That's the question taxpayers will be asked as local leaders finalize updates to 30-year transit plans.

Carrie Underwood probably had a vision of how her version of “America the Beautiful” would be received after accepting Donald Trump’s invitation to perform at his Jan. 20 inauguration. The majestic views of the Capitol overlooking the crowds and singing a patriotic song were likely what the 41-year-old country singer had in mind — instead, it …