Sarah Delia

"Science Under Siege": That is both a fact and the name of a new book by two scientists who dissect the current attack on science. From a pandemic to climate change, to vaccine skepticism, to the ascendance of unproven theories, these researchers say we’re on an unsustainable path buffeted by political and ideological challenges. We hear Dr. Michael Mann’s theories as to why and what to do about it.

When the longest government shutdown in history ended, food assistance for 42 million Americans was restored. But the temporary and unnecessary suspension of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program may have long-lasting impacts — and there are new restrictions to those benefits. We look at SNAP, how it started, why it’s needed, who it serves and more.

Comedian, actress and Belmont native Fortune Feimster has made a name for herself on stages across the country and screens big and small - from "The Mindy Project" to her hit Netflix specials "Sweet & Salty" and "Good Fortune."

It’s impossible to review a year’s worth of news in just one hour, especially after the year we just had. But the Charlotte Talks team wanted to highlight the significant news we brought you over the last 365 days. It seemed like there was never a dull moment.

As we approach the end of another school year, a conversation with CMS Superintendent Crystal Hill. She recently recommended a $2.1 billion budget, meaning they might soon ask the county commission for nearly $699 million — about $31.1 million more than last year — despite a frozen state budget and federal cuts. How is she navigating it all?

On the next Charlotte Talks, we look at a newly released Mecklenburg County Health Department report on infant mortality. The findings are a mix of good and bad news. Overall birth outcomes have improved, but disparities remain, especially for non-Hispanic Black infants compared with non-Hispanic white infants. We’ll hear about the progress and what’s being done to address those disparities.

On the next Charlotte Talks, educators are facing a tough time. North Carolina dropped three spots to 46th in the nation for teacher pay this year, and teachers from across the state marched in Raleigh last week for higher pay. Also, last week, the CMS board rejected the superintendent’s budget, then met for three hours on Saturday before closing the meeting to discuss personnel matters.

On the next Charlotte Talks, everyone is talking about data centers — and so are we. We look at the latest: what impact they might have on our city and surrounding areas, why this region makes for a desirable location, and the community objections. Politicians at all levels have also been weighing in, with some calling for a moratorium on data centers. We’ll hear about all of this — and how their spread could impact your power bill.

Henry David Thoreau lived in a time of rapid technological and economic change, political division and a pandemic. He reassessed his priorities and decided to pare down to trade up. Local author Jen McGivney talks about her book "Finding Your Walden."

On the next Charlotte Talks, North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson joins us. Since taking office, he has worked on opioid crisis litigation, consumer scams and housing-cost reforms. He also recently won a case breaking up the Ticketmaster–Live Nation monopoly that could save ticket buyers money. Then we'll talk with Michael Graff, founder of the Charlotte Optimist, which just celebrated its first anniversary.