The vast majority of violent crimes aren't committed by people living with mental illness. But when people struggling with mental illness are charged with violent crimes, it poses a dilemma. When a defendant receives treatment and improves while awaiting trial in custody, prosecutors must decide whether they'll ask for a prison sentence or allow defendants to be released to the community with no guarantee they'll continue their care.
NEWS BRIEFS
The mental health care system in North Carolina has been failing for years. Perhaps nowhere is that more evident than those who get caught up in the criminal justice system, out of sight, therefore out of mind for the general public and policymakers. Fractured explores this failing system.
CHARLOTTE TALKS WITH MIKE COLLINS
-
We hear from four artists about the Asian American and Pacific Islander experience in Charlotte, and how they express that experience through their art.
-
A new take on "1776". It's the story of the debate in the Continental Congress over the Declaration of Independence and contains surprises, even if you think you know American history. This version, opening Tuesday at the Belk, turns casting upside down, which shifts the perspective of the arguments and the results.
Learn how WFAE is working to ensure its audience, staff, on-air voices, news sources, vendors and work culture reflect the diversity of our community.
LOCAL NEWS
-
Charlotte was ranked by Stacker as one of the 10 best cities for college graduates to start their careers in 2023. However, finding an apartment as a recent grad can be difficult. Here is a list of questions young renters should ask themselves, their potential landlords and current residents before committing to a lease.
-
Gov. Roy Cooper’s administration wants to prevent gun violence and accidents by promoting safe storage practices.
-
Last year, the City Council overturned a long-standing zoning category that designated most neighborhoods only for single-family homes. It’s meant to ease Charlotte’s tight housing market by making it easier for developers to build more types of housing — especially duplexes and triplexes. Last month, council members narrowly voted to revisit the issue.
-
Does the debt ceiling defeat make Republican Rep. Dan Bishop more likely to run for statewide office, due to his disillusionment over what he calls a “uniparty cartel” that “sells out the American people”? Or is the circus in Washington too much fun to miss?
-
When someone dies unexpectedly in North Carolina, it can take months, or even more than a year, before a required autopsy is completed. An investigation by The Charlotte Observer and The Raleigh News and Observer found that autopsy delays in North Carolina have grown significantly worse over the past decade. We talked to The Charlotte Observer’s Ames Alexander, one of the reporters who wrote the story.
NATION & WORLD
LATEST PODCAST EPISODES
-
This week on the SouthBound podcast, host Tommy Tomlinson welcomes Texas singer/songwriter Robert Earl Keen, known for classics like “The Road Goes On Forever.” Keen recently retired from the road but is still making music; his latest album, called “Western Chill,” comes with a songbook, a live DVD and a graphic novel.
-
This week on SouthBound, host Tommy Tomlinson talks to Mike Collins, host of Charlotte Talks on WFAE. For the 25th anniversary of his show, we put Mike in the guest chair. Tommy learned a lot about Mike’s influences and some of his favorite guests over the years.
Get behind-the-scenes insight and analysis about what’s happening in local and statewide politics from political reporter Steve Harrison.
INSIDE WFAE
- WFAE wins 3 Regional Murrow Awards, including Overall Excellence
- WFAE/Frontline investigation shows Fracture in North Carolina’s mental health system
- 'Today, Explained' debuts on WFAE; co-host Noel King talks about the show and more
- WFAE statement on Twitter use
- David Boraks selected for NPR Climate Summit
EVENTS
View and submit corrections to WFAE.