Chris Jones

Nationwide, animal shelters have been overcrowded and overwhelmed. Much of the burden may stem from the rising costs of pet ownership. We look at the issues shelters are facing, the many financial challenges pet owners are dealing with, and how major advances in veterinary medicine also come with a price.

Cases of cyclosporiasis are ticking up in our region as the state cites more than 500 cases across North Carolina. We’ll discuss what you need to know and how to protect yourself. We’ll also discuss why, despite major advances in treatment and prevention, HIV continues to disproportionately affect Black residents in Mecklenburg County.

Pat McCrory is one of the most consequential and polarizing political figures in North Carolina history. From mayor of Charlotte to governor of North Carolina, McCrory spent nearly two decades shaping the city before a turbulent term as governor that transformed his career and public image. Journalist and columnist Andrew Dunn focuses on McCrory’s rise, reckoning and legacy in a new book, “The Change Agent.”

‘Teen takeovers’ have become a nuisance in cities like Charlotte and Raleigh, with large groups of teenagers gathering in public spaces, causing disruption and sometimes engaging in destructive behavior. CMPD now recommends a 9 p.m. curfew for all minors. We look at how that curfew would be enforced, what is contributing to the gatherings, and possible solutions for providing safe spaces for minors.

Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina died Saturday following what his office said was a brief and sudden illness. We’ll discuss Graham’s leadership in the state and what’s next for filling his seat and his reelection bid. We also get an update on where North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race stands and what it could mean for the balance of power in Congress.

We take a political vibe check on North Carolina by examining what the latest Catawba-YouGov poll shows. We’ll separate signal from noise while discussing what these polls really tell us about the state’s electorate as another consequential election season gets underway.

Charlotte now experiences nearly a month of additional dangerous heat days compared to 50 years ago. By the 2060s, state officials expect nearly 40 more days each year when the heat index exceeds 95 degrees. Extreme heat is now considered the top climate-related threat for residents. We explore how that heat is changing daily life for Charlotteans.

This week, the Charlotte City Council appointed Rob Harrington as the next mayor and approved a pilot program to bring red-light cameras back. Meanwhile, the General Assembly overrode four of Gov. Josh Stein’s vetoes. The Hornets also traded away guard LaMelo Ball. We discuss it all on this week’s local news roundup.

Food has always been a means to connect with others, but recent studies show Americans are spending more time dining alone. Social connection is critically important for our health and happiness, and sharing meals is associated with greater wellbeing. We discuss why that is and what we stand to lose when we stop gathering for meals. Plus, attorney Rob Harrington will be Charlotte's next mayor.

Social prescribing is changing how health care is traditionally thought of by linking patients to community-based activities to address stress, loneliness and overall well-being. Through partnerships at hospitals and museums, Charlotte is beginning to explore how creative expression can support mental and physical health. We explore how social prescribing works and the research behind it.