Chris Jones

The Southern accent — one of the most recognizable in the country — appears to be fading. The shifting of the population seems to be causing us to lose our drawl and with it some of our identity. We explore the evolution of the various Southern accents, how they shape the way we talk today and how accents are a powerful symbol of belonging.

The NAACP’s 116th annual convention opened in Charlotte over the weekend. The theme is “the fierce urgency of now,” a phrase borrowed from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that organizers say speaks even more strongly to what’s happening in our country today. We hear from key members of the organization about that theme, the convention so far and more.

Larry Sprinkle has been a fixture in Charlotte broadcasting for decades, most recently as the morning weatherman on WCNC. He is entering a new chapter in his long career, and we sit down with him to look back and ahead.

Candidate filing for Charlotte City Council begins Monday. All 11 council seats, the Charlotte mayor’s seat, and six Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board seats will be on the ballot. The mayor has not yet announced whether she will seek reelection, and one council member is under federal indictment but says she plans to run. We look at what to expect during the short campaign filing window.

It's been three years since the Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade, unleashing a wave of Southern states to enact restrictive bans against abortion. North Carolina enacted its own 12-week ban, but that hasn't stopped the state from emerging as a Southern hub for out-of-state abortion seekers. We discuss the state of abortion access and care in North Carolina.

Much of the central and eastern U.S. is sweltering under dangerously hot and humid conditions, with temperatures near 100 degrees. The heat index in Charlotte is as high as 108 during the first heat wave of the summer. We examine the impact of excessive heat on health, how to stay safe, and why Mecklenburg is one of North Carolina's hardest-hit counties.

From a buttery Bojangles biscuit to a classic cold bottle of Cheerwine — these brands do not just sell a product, they sell the “South.” Through commercials, slogans and stories, we’re diving into the world of Southern brands and how they shape identity, nostalgia, and market the region to itself and all around the world.

As both chambers of the General Assembly negotiate a budget to send to Gov. Josh Stein, we examine the major sticking points in the House and Senate versions. Last Friday, Stein signed six bills into law, but did not take action on a concealed carry bill or two immigration bills. Since taking office, he has yet to issue a veto.

Last month, the House passed President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” which includes tax cuts, Medicaid and food stamp restrictions, border security funding and more. As the bill moves to the Senate, we take a closer look at it and at how Trump’s policies are affecting North Carolina and its lawmakers.

Tourism has long been seen as mutually beneficial — allowing travelers to experience new communities and cultures, while also boosting local economies. However, in recent years, the volume of global travel has sparked growing backlash in destinations big and small.