Charlotte, February 13, 2026
The Charlotte Hornets faced significant challenges after four players were suspended due to a brawl during a game against the Detroit Pistons. Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate of the Hornets received four-game suspensions, while players from the Pistons also faced penalties. This incident concluded a nine-game winning streak for the Hornets, who are now navigating the All-Star Break. In addition, early voting for North Carolina’s primary election has started, and Sheriff Garry McFadden’s recent testimony has put him under scrutiny.
Charlotte – The Charlotte area has seen a flurry of significant developments over the past 48 hours, including disciplinary actions for several Charlotte Hornets players following a recent on-court altercation, the commencement of early voting for North Carolina’s primary election, and heightened scrutiny surrounding Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden’s testimony in Raleigh. Additionally, hopefuls for the Mecklenburg County Commission participated in a candidate forum, outlining their visions for the community.
Charlotte Hornets Players Face Suspensions After On-Court Brawl
Four players, including two from the Charlotte Hornets, have received suspensions from the National Basketball Association (NBA) following a brawl during Monday’s game against the Detroit Pistons. The incident occurred in the third quarter after a foul committed by Charlotte’s Moussa Diabate on Detroit’s Jalen Duren. The confrontation escalated rapidly, involving several players from both teams.
The league announced its disciplinary decisions on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Hornets forwards Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate each received a four-game suspension for their roles in fighting and escalating the altercation. From the Pistons, center Jalen Duren was suspended for two games for initiating the altercation and fighting, while forward Isaiah Stewart received a more substantial seven-game suspension for leaving the bench area, aggressively entering the altercation, and fighting. Stewart’s punishment also considers his history of repeated unsportsmanlike acts.
The game, which the Hornets ultimately lost, ended a nine-game winning streak for Charlotte. The team has since entered the All-Star Break following these events.
Early Voting Underway for North Carolina Primary Election
Voters across North Carolina, including Mecklenburg County, began casting their ballots on Thursday, February 12, 2026, as in-person early voting commenced for the state’s primary election. This crucial period allows residents to select candidates who will advance to the general election later this year.
The early voting period is scheduled to run through Saturday, February 28, 2026, concluding at 3 p.m. On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the official Primary Election Day will take place.
On the ballot are various significant races, including those for U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, North Carolina House of Representatives, North Carolina judges, and local positions such as the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners and Mecklenburg County Sheriff. Voters are required to present a photo identification to cast their ballot. Unaffiliated voters have the flexibility to choose which party’s primary they wish to participate in. Additionally, same-day registration is available for eligible individuals during the early voting period.
For those opting to vote by mail, the deadline to request an absentee ballot is Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Completed absentee ballots must be submitted to county election offices by 7:30 p.m. on Primary Election Day, March 3, 2026, to be counted.
Mecklenburg County Sheriff Faces Scrutiny After Raleigh Testimony
Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden recently drew significant attention following his testimony before the North Carolina House Select Committee on Oversight and Reform in Raleigh on Monday, February 9, 2026. During the hearing, Sheriff McFadden faced questions regarding the branch of government his position operates under. He responded by stating Mecklenburg County and subsequently could not identify the three branches of government. He later indicated he believed his office was part of the judicial branch, despite sheriffs being part of the executive branch.
The exchange quickly circulated, prompting calls for his resignation from some Charlotte Republicans. The hearing, which aimed to address crime in the state’s largest city, saw Republican lawmakers grill the Democratic sheriff on various issues including deaths in county jails, immigration policies, and allegations concerning his treatment of staff. Sheriff McFadden is currently facing an investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation. He is also campaigning for re-election.
Mecklenburg County Commission Hopefuls Participate in Forum
On Monday, February 9, 2026, candidates vying for seats on the Mecklenburg County Commission participated in a forum held in uptown Charlotte. The event provided an opportunity for the Democratic candidates across Districts 1, 2, and 3, as well as those seeking at-large positions, to present their platforms and engage with community members.
Ten Democratic candidates are competing for the three at-large slots on the commission. Among them are current incumbents Arthur Griffin, Leigh Altman, and Yvette Townsend Ingram. Other hopefuls include Leslie Allen, Nichel Dunlap, Toni Emehel, Sharif Hannan, Heather Morrow, Olivia Scott, and Felicia Thompkins. Discussions during the forum touched upon key issues relevant to county residents, such as property taxes, ensuring economic benefits for the community, and enhancing public engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What significant event led to suspensions for Charlotte Hornets players?
A1: Four players, including two from the Charlotte Hornets, received suspensions from the National Basketball Association (NBA) following a brawl during the game against the Detroit Pistons on Monday, February 9, 2026.
Q2: When did early voting for North Carolina’s primary election begin?
A2: In-person early voting for North Carolina’s primary election began on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
Q3: What is the deadline to request an absentee ballot for the North Carolina primary?
A3: The deadline to request an absentee ballot for the North Carolina primary election is Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Q4: What was the controversy surrounding Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden’s recent testimony?
A4: During his testimony before the North Carolina House Select Committee on Oversight and Reform on Monday, February 9, 2026, Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden was asked about the branch of government his position falls under. He responded by stating Mecklenburg County and later could not identify the three branches of government, indicating he believed his office was part of the judicial branch, rather than the executive branch.
Q5: Which local races are included in the North Carolina primary election?
A5: The North Carolina primary election includes races for the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners and Mecklenburg County Sheriff, among other federal and state positions.
Key Developments in Charlotte and North Carolina
| Event | Key Details | Scope | Date(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Hornets Brawl & Suspensions | Four players suspended, including Charlotte’s Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate (4 games each), after a physical altercation during the game against the Detroit Pistons. | Local (Charlotte) | Monday, February 9, 2026 (Brawl); Wednesday, February 11, 2026 (Suspensions) |
| North Carolina Primary Early Voting | In-person early voting commenced, requiring photo ID. Voters will choose candidates for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, NC House, NC judges, Mecklenburg County Commission, and Mecklenburg County Sheriff. Same-day registration available. | State-level & Local (Mecklenburg County) | Thursday, February 12, 2026 (Start) – Saturday, February 28, 2026 (End) |
| Mecklenburg Sheriff Garry McFadden’s Testimony | Sheriff McFadden stumbled during testimony in Raleigh, unable to correctly identify his branch of government. Faced scrutiny from Republican lawmakers and is under State Bureau of Investigation. | Local (Mecklenburg County) & State-level (Raleigh hearing) | Monday, February 9, 2026 |
| Mecklenburg County Commission Candidate Forum | Democratic candidates for District 1, 2, 3, and at-large seats participated in a forum to discuss platforms and issues like property taxes and economic development. | Local (Mecklenburg County) | Monday, February 9, 2026 |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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