On the next Charlotte Talks, cell phones in classrooms. Designed to be addictive, they’re also distracting students and teachers. Should they be in classrooms? You decide, Thursday morning at 9.Von Jesse Steinmetz

On the next Charlotte Talks, it was just over three months ago that Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on the North Carolina mountains. It devastated entire communities, wiped homes and businesses off the map, took too many lives and destroyed others. Where are these communities — these people — in their recovery efforts?…

Last year, 110 people were killed in Charlotte. It's the highest number since 2020 and goes against a national trend. This comes as the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, and departments across the country, labor to recruit and retain officers. We hear some theories on why this is happening and about efforts to turn the situation around.…

On the next Charlotte Talks, we discuss viruses circulating in our area that are making people sick — and the science behind the vaccines that can help.Von Sarah Delia

For the first time in years, Charlotte may get snow. We detail the forecast. In the election that will not end, the NC Supreme Court has ruled the State Board of Elections should not yet certify a victory for a Democrat. Gov. Josh Stein continues to issue executive orders related to Helene relief. Plus, baby steps in improvement for Charlotte sport…

On the next Charlotte Talks, a look at the challenges, opportunities and issues facing Charlotte City Council this year.Von Sarah Delia

On this episode of Charlotte Talks, a look at what the promise of the largest deportation in American history may mean for those singled out by the incoming Trump administration.Von Sarah Delia

A year after a shooting marred New Year's celebrations Uptown, how did the event fare this year? Meanwhile, the Queen City remembers Jimmy Carter and his impact on the Charlotte area. Plus, Josh Stein takes the oath of office. That and more on the first local news roundup of 2025.Von Gabe Altieri

In 2024, North Carolina witnessed political scandals around Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. The state chose Democrat Josh Stein to be the next governor and Republican Donald Trump for president. Meanwhile, Democrats narrowly broke the GOP supermajority in the General Assembly, but a recent bill strips some high-ranking Democrats of power. A look back at 20…

For decades, most Americans got local news from newspapers, but the digital revolution destroyed a business model that paid for that coverage. Daily newspaper circulation has declined from 60 million in the 1990s to about 20 million today. Newspapers continue to downsize and shutter nationwide. We examine the alarming trend and look at startups att…

Construction in Charlotte broke records in 2024 with 16,000 apartment units completed. That doubles the number from a couple of years ago. Meanwhile, for homebuyers, inventory is also increasing, but affordability is still a challenge. Then there's the murky future of commercial property.Von Jeanne Davis

A figure in conservative politics in North Carolina, he helped Ronald Reagan win the Republican presidential primary here in 1976, and worked closely with U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms. But Helms’ legacy is tied to his support for racial segregation, and his “White Hands” TV ad is infamous in political history. In a new book, Wrenn gives an inside perspect…

UNC-Chapel Hill professor and author Melissa Jacoby on how the bankruptcy system can take advantage of the poor and be used as a tool for those who have done wrong to skirt responsibility.Von Gabe Altieri

On the next Charlotte Talks, the efforts Charlotte has put into improving economic opportunity may be paying off. The bar was set by Raj Chetty’s study on economic mobility, and he explains the latest metrics.Von Sarah Delia

Congress squabbles over a stopgap bill as Helene aid hangs in the balance, Gov. Cooper makes his farewell address and Charlotte hires an interim attorney. Those stories and more on the Charlotte Talks local news roundup.Von Gabe Altieri

Outgoing state Sen. Natasha Marcus represented Mecklenburg District 41 for three terms and shares her thoughts on that time and her concerns for the future.Von Chris Jones

Doing the right thing can often be costly for those calling out a wrong others would like concealed. We hear from a whistleblower about that cost and what makes it worth it.Von Sarah Delia