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In 1944, Hickory became the epicenter of a polio outbreak. First one case, then dozens more until hospitals in Charlotte and Gastonia were overwhelmed. Hickory didn’t have its own hospital, but a decision was made to build one. That’s the Miracle of Hickory, but there’s a lot more to it.

Backlash is growing against Charlotte's Sycamore Brewery after its co-founder was arrested and charged with three felonies. A church in Optimist Park is getting mixed reaction for its nativity scene. Ahead of March's primary, Rep. Carla Cunningham is walking back some of her controversial comments about immigration.

The FBI stops a planned ISIS-inspired New Year's Eve attack in Mint Hill. The Carolina Panthers are back in the NFL playoffs for the first time in seven years. N.C. now has more registered Republicans than Democrats. The State of N.C. now recognizes only two sexes. Author and former Charlotte Observer reporter Jerry Bledsoe has died at age 84.

North Carolina has its second measles case. The Mint Museum celebrates Epiphany this weekend. Queen Transportation in Hickory shuts down after nearly 20 years in business. Rockingham Speedway has a new owner. BizWorthy reflects on the crisis at Charlotte's Sycamore Brewing.

CBD, hemp and other marijuana products legally sold in North Carolina are facing a nationwide ban in November 2026 — one that could tank the multi-billion-dollar industry. North Carolina ranks sixth nationally in the production of hemp-derived products. What does this mean for businesses and consumers?

For years, Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer Merriweather has lobbied for more staffing in his office, which has not had a significant increase in nearly 15 years. With Iryna’s Law now on the books, he should be able to hire 10 more prosecutors. Will that be enough? We will ask about that and about his impression of how the law might affect public safety, as well as other issues facing the DA’s office.

NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps is stepping down. New I-485 express lanes are on track to open in February. Mecklenburg County records a record year for air quality. A little-known state law is behind a petition this week to have Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden removed from office.

A statewide effort to elect teachers to the N.C. General Assembly has all eyes on the Republican primaries. Friends and family of former N.C. Gov. Jim Hunt paid their final respects. The City of Charlotte will begin collecting Christmas trees on Jan. 5. The Panthers can win the NFC South with a victory over Tampa Bay on Saturday.

A conversation with Seth Harp, author of "The Fort Bragg Cartel," about his new book. It covers drug trafficking, murder, and a cover up involving members of the U.S. military.

Last year, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children logged more than a half million reports of online enticement, manipulation and sextortion of children. This school year, districts are helping students spot this dangerous trend. We hear from a survivor of online grooming and those working to prevent it.

Hundreds of teachers across N.C. protested Wednesday for better pay. Avelo Airlines designates Concord Padgett Regional Airport as its main N.C. base. CNBC names Charlotte "King of the Stock Market in 2025"

Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer Merriweather has asked the State Bureau of Investigation to examine allegations made against Mecklenburg Sheriff Garry McFadden. Sycamore Brewing shelves plans for a new taproom in Cotswold Village. Gov. Josh Stein endorses Rodney Sadler over incumbent Carla Cunningham for a state House seat in Mecklenburg County.

When Donald Trump returned to office, he took aim at scientific research and discontinued or disrupted funding, at one point cutting it to the lowest levels in decades. Our state has felt the impact and stands to lose billions of dollars. As the Trump administration refocuses its research priorities, we hear more about how North Carolina is navigating these shifts.

Charlotte officials say Operation Charlotte's Web is ending. The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security says more than 370 have been arrested since the crackdown began Saturday. N.C. Attorney General Jeff Jackson is warning people to beware of immigration scams. The treasurer of a parent teacher organization in Union County has been charged with embezzlement.

Border Patrol agents arrest more than 130 in Charlotte, but have not released names or announced where they've been taken. Nearly 21,000 CMS students were absent from school Monday, almost double the historical average absence rate. Charlotte City Council approves multiple members of the new Metropolitan Public Transit Authority.

Concord police arrest three in connection to Friday night's shooting at the city's annual tree lighting ceremony. A three judge panel rules N.C.'s congressional and state senate voting districts don't discriminate against Black voters. NCDOT's renderings of an expanded Interstate 77 from uptown to the S.C. line draw ire from local residents.

N.C. Attorney General Jeff Jackson and 35 other attorneys general have reached a settlement with Hyundai and Kia for selling vehicles without proper anti-theft technology. The S.C. measles outbreak expands to 138 confirmed cases. Charlotte's airport says goodbye to its Sycamore Brewing retail location.

Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family were killed Thursday in a Statesville plane crash. The new Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority selects David Howard as its chair. Republican Michelle Morrow enters the race for U.S. Senate. A local artist has turned a school bus into a mobile art studio.

Cabarrus County welcomes new commission members. A telecommunications developer has proposed a data center near Reedy Creek Park. The latest batch of N.C. Supreme Court rulings once against didn't include a ruling in the Leandro case over school funding. Airport officials expect a busy holiday travel season.

As 2025 comes to a close, we take a look at the public health developments shaping life in Mecklenburg County and what residents should know heading into 2026. Later in the show, we turn to mental health during the holidays, including exploring the impact of financial stress and practical coping tools.