Uncategorized

The beautiful leadership of Laura Vinroot Poole

She built Capitol into one of America’s most celebrated boutiques — and a place of care, community, and beauty. This is the story of her family, her vision, and Charlotte’s enduring style.

Charlotte’s Best-Kept Media Secret

In a city driven by algorithms and polish, Charlotte’s Access 21 remains a haven for unfiltered creativity. Inside the public-access studio, everyday people find a stage, a crew, and the belief that their voices matter.

Where Does Charlotte Go From Here?

In the wake of Iryna Zarutska’s murder, Charlotte faces grief, shame, and scrutiny. What remains is our choice: to splinter, or to grow stronger.

The Millennial Baby Bump

As other big cities lose young families, Mecklenburg County is bucking the trend. Birth rates are climbing, playgrounds are full, and the story of Charlotte’s future is being rewritten by a new generation of parents.

The UNC Charlotte scientist who’s trying to outpace the next pandemic

Dan Janies’ lab predicted Omicron before it spread worldwide. Now they’re tracking bird flu, with AI as both a tool and a risk.

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

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

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

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

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.

Read The Charlotte Optimist

Stories that lead. Every Sunday evening.