Stella Mackler

Many low-income homeowners live in older houses that are less energy efficient and more vulnerable to storm damage. When money’s already tight, costly repairs and high energy bills can threaten their health — and even whether they can stay in their homes.

As part of the “battery belt,” North Carolina will soon be home to four lithium-ion battery factories, the power behind electric vehicles. But President Trump’s sweeping federal reconciliation bill eliminated tax credits for purchasing an electric vehicle, raising concerns about the future of the industry.

A typical Charlotte summer day with a high near 90 degrees is not classified as extreme heat, that's reserved for “abnormal” temperatures. Unhoused people, however, experience these temperatures differently since they are often outside all day, unable to cool off.

Lake Norman is looking more colorful these days. Bright green, deep red and milky blue algae is blooming in northern parts of the lake — but these bright colors don’t bring good news.

The Charlotte region is one step closer to its first state trail. The state House passed House Bill 23 earlier this week, which includes the official designation of the South Fork Passage State Trail. Now, hikers and paddlers are awaiting that final signature from Gov. Josh Stein.

People who live outside in unstable housing are vulnerable to any kind of weather — storms, floods, temperature changes. WFAE followed street outreach workers to see how they help people survive outside during the summer.

Charlotte’s always been hot in the summer. In July 1970, the average temperature high was 89 degrees. Now, though, those average highs are at 91 degrees, and extreme heat is officially Charlotte’s number one climate risk.

Heat wave. Heat dome. High pressure system. By any name and measure, the heat this week is a public health threat for everyone, but especially unhoused people, senior citizens and people with disabilities.

Data centers are springing up around the country to power AI and other tech needs. While the economic and environmental impacts of these computing power houses are fiercely debated, a new one may be coming to Charlotte’s backyard.

As the summer months heat up, some Charlotte residents are struggling to stay cool —especially those in homes with broken or no air conditioning. Local housing advocates are pushing the city to mandate AC in rental properties, and provide other relief to residents.