Stories

The quiet power of Vi Lyles

The quiet power of Vi Lyles

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles is running for a fifth term. We sat down with her to talk about legacy, criticism, and what keeps her coming back.

Wall to the world: Inside Charlotte’s new LED virtual production studio

Wall to the world: Inside Charlotte’s new LED virtual production studio

Eric Halili has dreamed up a lot of ideas. His newest — a massive LED virtual production studio — could change how Charlotte tells its stories.

‘We’re not going to disappear’: Inside ourBRIDGE’s fight to survive

‘We’re not going to disappear’: Inside ourBRIDGE’s fight to survive

A sudden funding freeze hit ourBRIDGE hard. Now its founder is working to keep the doors open — and the joy inside alive.

Lightning bugs

Lightning bugs

A summer night in Charlotte sparks up memories

How a blue city learned to talk to its red state legislature again

How a blue city learned to talk to its red state legislature again

The behind-the-scenes story of how Charlotte and Raleigh rebuilt trust to get a transportation bill passed.

A flood, a neighbor, and a tuxedoed dog: The wild first week at Frank’s Beer Shop in Charlotte

A flood, a neighbor, and a tuxedoed dog: The wild first week at Frank’s Beer Shop in Charlotte

Frank’s Beer Shop had only been open six days when a flash flood threatened to wash it away. A neighbor came to help.

Riding through Charlotte with Hugh McColl

Riding through Charlotte with Hugh McColl

The Charlotte legend reflects on a lifetime of building things — banks, a city, and even Duke’s Mayo — on the eve of his 90th birthday.

The Pearl opens with a big promise to change Charlotte — and health care throughout the world

The Pearl opens with a big promise to change Charlotte — and health care throughout the world

The Pearl is Charlotte’s new medical school and research campus. But it’s also a place rooted in the pain of the past and shaped by the promise of the future — a development born from both broken trust and persistent hope.

The Soul of a neighborhood: Lesa and Andy Kastanas move on from Plaza Midwood

The Soul of a neighborhood: Lesa and Andy Kastanas move on from Plaza Midwood

The closing of CLTCH marks the end of an era — and the start of a new one — for the couple with the magic touch.

Johnny Jennings’ legacy: CMPD chief announces retirement and reflects on 33 years — including this tumultuous final lap

Johnny Jennings’ legacy: CMPD chief announces retirement and reflects on 33 years — including this tumultuous final lap

His controversial settlement package with the city includes a surprising detail: his retirement date of Jan. 1, 2026.

Black golfers aim to redefine Charlotte’s “vanilla” image

Black golfers aim to redefine Charlotte’s “vanilla” image

Golf influencer Erick Lottary, who’s gained a loyal following on Instagram, is one of several Charlotte golfers helping to bring new faces into the game

PGA Championship 2025: Adding to Quail Hollow’s ‘woodpile’

PGA Championship 2025: Adding to Quail Hollow’s ‘woodpile’

Johnny and Johno Harris reflect on Charlotte, golf, Rory McIlroy — and the future

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