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North Carolina’s outdoor industry continues to grow and contributed nearly $18 billion to the state’s economy in 2024. We explore what’s behind this boom, how to increase accessibility and participation, and practical tips for staying safe outdoors — including how to avoid interfering with wildlife and what to do if you do.

On the next Charlotte Talks, a story of the courage and tenacity it sometimes takes to open doors. It’s a story set in 1950, before Martin Luther King, Jr. was a household name, before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus. It is the story of a man taking a stand against discrimination who ended up on the front lines of the famous Montgomery Bus Boycott, and it is a story told by his daughter, an award-winning journalist.

The Civil War was the deadliest conflict in American history. Yet more than 160 years later, its legacy is still being written, and one historian argues a key part of that legacy involves free people of color. At the beginning of the war, nearly half a million people of color were free, and he says their stories ultimately helped lay the groundwork for a more expansive vision of American freedom.

Over 12% of North Carolinians were living in poverty in 2024. However, a new report finds a much larger group in North Carolina still struggles to make ends meet. An additional 28% of the state’s households earn above the federal poverty threshold but not enough to afford basic expenses. We discuss the study and the affordability crisis impacting families.

CMS Superintendent Crystal Hill is placed on leave, facing an investigation into how the district is run. Monroe City Council votes to reverse course and renew support for the I-77 toll lanes. Charlotte City Council has narrowed down mayoral candidates list. Plus, the Carolina Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup and more.

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.

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.

Classes are out at CMS for the summer, but tensions over education policy and administration linger. Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill was put on paid leave while the board investigates administrative oversight matters. We’ll discuss the latest from CMS, look back at some of the significant events of the last school year, and examine the growing pushback against classroom technology.

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.

Newcomers often wonder where old Charlotte is in our glowing New South city. Much of it is in the minds and memories of those who have lived here for generations. Jack Claiborne and his brother, Slug, fall into that category — and their story is the story of Charlotte.

Both Charlotte City Council and Mecklenburg County Commission members react to tax increases in their respective budgets this week. The parents of the missing Cornelius girl Madalina Cojocari are in court. A Mecklenburg County Commissioner-elect has been arrested and charged with a DWI. Trump is expected to attend the Coca-Cola 600 and the ACC Baseball Tournament is in town.

COVID-19 continues to "FLiRT" with us. In fact, that is the name of the new variant making its way through the population.

A closer look at a new poll on artificial intelligence and the role AI may play in the 2024 election.

This country faces threats from the outside and from within and the domestic threat may be the greatest of all. Perhaps it’s time for a lesson in citizenship. We'll get one from the Council on Foreign Relations' Richard Haass.

The city of Charlotte has an agreement in principle with Norfolk Southern to use its tracks, which may pave the way for commuter rail to Iredell County. The Silver Line to Matthews may be dead. Street Takeovers are once again a problem in Uptown. We’ll talk about the latest on CMPD’s efforts to curb the issue. Those stories and more.

On the next Charlotte Talks, broadcast pioneer Barbara Walters paved the way for women in TV, and now her story is told in Susan Page’s new book, "Rulebreaker." Page joins us for the hour to discuss Walters' life, work and legacy.

The housing market is making it very difficult for first-time buyers to find a home they can afford. Some are taking a different approach: rent-to-own. Is this a good idea? Are there pitfalls to be aware of?

Charlotte business leaders say Bank of America Stadium needs upgrades for Charlotte to be a “big league city.” Mecklenburg County Commissioners approved a one-cent tax increase to help cover the $2.5 billion budget voted on this week. And a new ad about the North Carolina governor's race gets national attention.

On the next Charlotte Talks, how to find the joy in life even when you’re down, even when things aren’t going your way, even when the news makes you want to scream.

As NPR founding mother Susan Stamberg prepares to retire, we revisit a special conversation with Mike Collins. Stamberg came to Charlotte in 2017 and joined us for a conversation about her early years in public radio, working in a male-dominated field, and her thoughts on the future of radio.