Chris Jones

Mecklenburg State Senator Caleb Theodros joins to discuss some of the bills he’s proposed during his first term, including decriminalizing marijuana and helping school athletic coaches recognize and respond to student mental health needs. Then, we dive into how area school systems are coping with tight budgets and uncertainty due to the lack of a state budget.

On the next Charlotte Talks, North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson joins us. Since taking office, he has worked on opioid crisis litigation, consumer scams and housing-cost reforms. He also recently won a case breaking up the Ticketmaster–Live Nation monopoly that could save ticket buyers money. Then we’ll talk with Michael Graff, founder of the Charlotte Optimist, which just celebrated its first anniversary.

Ben Greene, a trans man, speaker and author of "My Child Is Trans, Now What?," is on a mission to bring joy, humor and humanity into the conversation about raising and supporting trans children. Greene will share his philosophy of “joy-centered” storytelling, why he wrote his book, and what he’s learned speaking with families across the country.

Drought is worsening in North Carolina and municipalities across the Charlotte region are asking residents to voluntarily conserve water. As the region grapples with the worst drought since 2008, the state’s agricultural economy is also under stress. We’ll discuss why this drought has progressed the way it has, how it's affecting the region and we look at how an already fractured farming industry is dealing with the conditions.

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.

Charlotte is growing, but the construction industry is facing headwinds as they try to keep up. The industry is staring down a mix of challenges from rising costs, tariffs and workforce shortages. There's also opportunities, like how to implement artificial intelligence. We check in on an industry navigating change in a constantly evolving region.

The North Carolina General Assembly’s short session starts Tuesday, and a proposal to cap property tax increases has Mecklenburg leaders on edge. Meanwhile, CMPD just dropped first-quarter crime stats and separate new data shows nearly half those arrested in last year's Charlotte Border Patrol operation had no criminal record. Also, after an overtime win on Tuesday, the Hornets face the Orlando Magic on Friday night, fighting for a final playoff spot.

We look at what’s in the air right now and how it impacts us. We’ll break down how air quality is measured, what’s improved over time and what challenges remain. We’ll also examine the distinct forces behind the region's intense allergy season and what it means for daily life.

Americans are working longer than ever, but many say the workplace isn’t built to support them. Sixty-four percent of workers over 50 report seeing or experiencing age-discrimination. Twenty-two percent say they are being pushed out of their jobs because of their age. Since those 55 and older are the fastest-growing age group in the labor force, what does this mean for the workforce? How can older workers stay competitive?

After two high-profile stabbings on the Lynx Blue Line train, questions about safety on public transit remain front and center. We sit down with CATS interim CEO Brent Cagle to ask what’s changed, what hasn’t and what riders can expect now.