On a patch of farmland down in South Carolina, a man named Ed Currie grows the hottest peppers on Earth. The Guinness Book of World Records says so – they’ve certified his pepper called the Carolina Reaper as the hottest ever measured. During this episode I try some sauce made from those peppers. It’s called Chocolate Plague. I’m relieved to still be here to tell you about it.

In an 8 to 3 vote, the Charlotte City Council approved changes to the city’s noise ordinance.

One of the most controversial changes involved amplified sound. Now amplified sound will be banned within 150 feet of schools, places of worship, and medical facilities—including A Preferred Women's Health Center of Charlotte, a heavily protested abortion clinic on Latrobe Drive.

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

It's an update on summer politics in North Carolina. First, a decision on Charlotte City Council's noise ordinance vote. Then a look at the North Carolina General Assembly and budget negotiations. Where we stand on North Carolina's gerrymandering case in the Supreme Court, and a preview of this week's Democratic presidential debates.

The Linville Gorge is about a two-and-a-half hour drive from Charlotte, and it’s one of North Carolina’s most breathtaking places. It’s also extremely unforgiving, even for experienced hikers, climbers, and adventurers. As part of our partnership with Our State magazine, Jeremy Markovich brings us the story of one man’s 7-hour rescue — one that shows just how intense it can get when something goes wrong.

Monday, June 24, 2019

Charlotte City Council votes Monday night on controversial changes to the noise ordinance. Members of council talk about the controversy and the concern.

There's a good chance you've heard the voice of Pamela Wideman in stories for Finding Home, our series in which we look at affordable housing in the Charlotte region. Wideman is the director of housing and neighborhood services for Charlotte. She joined WFAE’s Marshall Terry to discuss successes, challenges, and strategies in addressing Charlotte's affordable housing crisis.