Episodes

  • NC teachers have an important job and want better pay and benefits. Why is it such a big ask?

    NC teachers have an important job and want better pay and benefits. Why is it such a big ask?
    Jan 27 2026
    On the next Charlotte Talks, teachers aren’t holding back their frustration over delayed pay raises. Earlier this month, hundreds stayed out of work to hold protests across the state, calling out the General Assembly for not passing a budget. Our state’s teachers regularly rank near the bottom of the country for teacher pay. They say they have an important job and want — need — better pay, so why is this such a big ask? We search for answers.
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    50 mins
  • Eyes in the sky: Police drones and public safety

    Eyes in the sky: Police drones and public safety
    Jan 26 2026
    Drones are being used in new ways across the region. Police departments throughout the state have turned to drones as first responders. Winston-Salem began using them seven years ago, and now Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are considering their use for rapid deployment in emergencies. We look at the capabilities of drones, their increasing use and some of the concerns surrounding that use, like privacy and transparency.
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    51 mins
  • Local News Roundup: Charlotte braces for winter storm; flu deaths spike in NC and SC; person found dead during count to assess homelessness

    Local News Roundup: Charlotte braces for winter storm; flu deaths spike in NC and SC; person found dead during count to assess homelessness
    Jan 23 2026
    Gov. Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency as the region braces for a major winter weather event. Also raising concern, the flu has been more deadly than last year, with 67 deaths so far in South Carolina and 181 deaths in North Carolina. Meanwhile, for the second year in a row, a person was found dead during a count to assess homelessness.
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    51 mins
  • As the U.S. military takes a more aggressive stance internationally, a look at how NC’s military and economy responds

    As the U.S. military takes a more aggressive stance internationally, a look at how NC’s military and economy responds
    Jan 22 2026
    On the next Charlotte Talks, Donald Trump appears to be sharpening his sword. Earlier this month, the United States conducted a large-scale strike against Venezuela, capturing their president. Trump has threatened Iran and Cuba, and he’s said he’ll take Greenland one way or another. Plus, he’s spoken of plans to send our military to an American city — Minneapolis. No matter what you think about this, North Carolina stands to profit, and so does Charlotte.
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    50 mins
  • Charlotte author helps us find our Walden

    Charlotte author helps us find our Walden
    Jan 21 2026
    On the next Charlotte Talks, a hero for our time. You’ll never guess — so I might as well tell you: Henry David Thoreau. Like us, Thoreau lived in a time of rapid technological and economic change, political division and a pandemic. He reassessed his priorities and decided to pare down to trade up. Local author Jen McGivney helps you Find Your Walden.
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    51 mins
  • How North Carolina’s voter rolls — and candidates — are changing

    How North Carolina’s voter rolls — and candidates — are changing
    Jan 20 2026
    For the first time, North Carolina has more registered Republicans than Democrats. The meat continues to be in the middle with unaffiliated voters — the largest group of voters. We’re also witnessing more candidates change their party affiliation. How will all that, plus gerrymandered maps, impact the midterms in our state? We examine this changing landscape.
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    51 mins
  • Local News Roundup: Mecklenburg County braces for measles as health director resigns; CMPD releases 2025 crime statistics; Gov. Stein visits local high school

    Local News Roundup: Mecklenburg County braces for measles as health director resigns; CMPD releases 2025 crime statistics; Gov. Stein visits local high school
    Jan 16 2026
    CMPD released crime statistics for last year. A petition to remove Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden had its first court hearing. Charlotte City Council voted to give the new Metropolitan Transportation Authority $4.3 million in startup funds, as the measles virus was detected in local wastewater.
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    51 mins
  • What we know about ICE as an agency

    What we know about ICE as an agency
    Jan 15 2026
    Since the shooting death of Renee Nicole Good by ICE agents in Minneapolis last week, people in the Twin Cities and across the nation have taken to the streets to protest what they view as unnecessarily violent and un-American tactics by federal agents. Shocked by what they’re witnessing, protestors are calling for accountability. We look at who these ICE agents are, how they are recruited and trained, what they can and cannot do, and hear about your rights as well.
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    51 mins