Incumbent Justice Allison Riggs, is facing Republican Jefferson Griffin, a North Carolina appeals judge in the race.

The seat up for election is one of the Democratic positions currently held by Riggs. North Carolina is one of eight states that conduct partisan elections for the Supreme Court, a practice this year’s candidates debate.

Riggs explained that she runs with a party affiliation out of necessity. 

“One of the critiques of the judiciary is that our judicial races have become partisan,” she said. “But I tell folks I'm not a policymaker. The Republican legislature decided to make these races partisan. Those are the rules of the game under which I am forced to operate.”

She noted that many Supreme Court candidates receive donations from lawyers and law firms during their campaigns but emphasized her commitment to impartiality. 

“I'm going to do my best to ensure that voters understand who I am and what my values are," Riggs said. "I care about the integrity and perception of the bench."

Griffin contended that partisanship in this race reflects an ideological divide between conservative and liberal jurists. 

“I think North Carolinians would probably like seven conservative jurists in the state," Griffin said. "It's not necessarily political; it's ideological. I believe North Carolinians want judges who apply the law as it’s written.”

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/north-carolina-supreme-court-election-2024-candidates-different-ideologies-highest-court/275-24922bcf-6e91-461d-9780-bb88ac113328

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.  

While Altman describes herself as "encouraged" by a tentative agreement announced between CATS and Norfolk Southern to start the Red Line commuter rail between Uptown and Iredell County, she's disappointed at what it could mean for the Silver Line, traveling to east Charlotte and Matthews.

At UNC Charlotte, school officials accused some protesters of vandalism and disruption of classes and final exams.

On WCNC's Flashpoint, two sides disagreed with each other.

"I would say our judicial system definitely needs to change," CEO Lindsay LiCausi said on WCNC Charlotte's Flashpoint.

LiCausi said violent offenders are being let out of jail too often, posing a threat to neighborhoods and police officers. 

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster is among those saying unions could lead to layoffs and fewer investments. 

"The reason why the latest effort is happening is largely because of the success that the UAW had with its strike last year against General Motors, Ford and Stellantis," Steven Sylvia, professor at American University, said on WCNC's Flashpoint.

The line, which has been discussed for more than 20 years, would stretch from Uptown to Mooresville.  

"Here we are decades later talking about this, so I am enthusiastic about the concept that we can make this happen this time," Vi Lyles, Mayor Charlotte, said on WCNC's Flashpoint.

"It's going to take strong leadership, people would backbone, willing to do what's right," State. Rep. Wendell Gilliard said on WCNC's Flashpoint.  

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who is also running for governor, suggested at a campaign event in Cary this month that transgender women should be arrested if they use women's restrooms. At an event in Greenville, Robinson they should "find a corner outside somewhere to go" to the bathroom.

City and state leaders have occasionally made news by weighing in on the plan but, so far, the plan's promise of transit, trail and road expansion has made little public progress.

"It's not that nothing has happened. I think we underestimated all the work that was going to be needed," Councilman Ed Driggs, who chairs the city's transportation, planning and development, said on WCNC Charlotte's Flashpoint.

Read more here: Leaders working to find common ground on NC transit plan | wcnc.com

"In 2023, you had over 200,000 Black registrants in Mecklenburg County and only 71,000 Black voters cast their ballot," Colette Forrest, the group's founder, said on WCNC's Flashpoint.  

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"I'm sick and tired of losing," Graham said on WCNC's Flashpoint.  

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.

Graham is facing Robinson for the Republican nomination in the governor's race. Graham doesn't think his opponent could win against Democrats in the general election.

"Those folks know, the statements that he's made and more," Graham said, referring to a variety of statements Robinson has made about the Holocaust, abortion, the LGBT community, and Martin Luther King, Jr.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/nc-gop-candidate-republicans-risk-losing-governors-race/275-30f86f59-d437-4473-b56d-78e344465539

The 25-year-old said a "sense of urgency" drove him to run now.

Vice President Kamala Harris was at Charlotte's Eastway Middle School on Thursday to promote the Biden administration's plan to reduce gun violence and announce a $285 million federal government investment in mental health for students nationwide.

North Carolina is set to receive $12 million of this federal funding to hire 332 mental health counselors in schools statewide.

"Be searching for those ways to support nonprofits all year long," Melissa Hovey, managing director of Share Charlotte, said. "Think about a January start. It's never too late and there's always a need."

Share Charlotte offers a technology platform that allows people to search its database of 650 local nonprofits. 

Hovey calls it "the Google of nonprofits." 

"The demand for services is way up on our nonprofit partners," Hovey said.

According to the North Carolina Secretary of State's office, charitable giving increased 18% over the last year, totaling $58 million.

"North Carolinians are very generous," NC Secretary of State Elaine Marshall said.  

Marshall urges people to donate to local, reputable organizations so you have a better idea of how that money will be used. 

You can look up charities registered with the state on www.sosnc.gov.  

The Salvation Army, WCNC Charlotte's partner for The Magical Toy Drive, also encourages people to revisit donating in 2024.

"Need knows no season," Salvation Army Area Commander Jason Burns said. "You know, it's not just a Christmas season. It's an all-year thing. When people come to us in crisis, it doesn't matter what time of the year."

Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly. 

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All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere. 

"I think one of the best days I've had as governor is being in an Enrollment Center in Charlotte. And seeing everyday working people finally being able to get health care," Gov. Cooper said in a one-on-one with WCNC Charlotte's Ben Thompson on Flashpoint. 

"This would fill any sense of ambition that I have, because it is probably the best job in public service," Jackson said, appearing on WCNC's Flashpoint.

Current Attorney General Josh Stein is running to be Governor. And Jackson, a former prosecutor, was essentially drawn out of his current U.S. House district by North Carolina's new congressional maps.

Earlier this fall, the Charlotte democrat announced a run for Attorney General.

Newcomer Tiawana Brown will be representing Charlotte's District 3. Brown is replacing Victoria Watlington, who will now serve in an at-large position on the council.

Watlington and Councilman Tariq Bokhari appeared on WCNC's Flashpoint, outlining their priorities for the new council.  

Just before the vote, Sustain Charlotte's Meg Fencil appeared on WCNC's Flashpoint and argued why the $25 fine wasn't enough to change motorist behavior.

"The broader retail market is healthier than it's really ever been. We've seen record low vacancy rates. The big exception is the mall space," said Chuck McShane, director of market analytics at Costar.

Carolina Place Mall recently joined a growing list of properties across Charlotte including the EpiCentre, Northlake Mall and uptown's "One Wells Fargo" building that are defaulting on their loans. 

McShane said interest rate hikes and a shift away from certain commercial spaces are to blame. 

Read more.

Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly. 

SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora  || Google Podcasts || iHeart 

All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere. 

Then we turn our attention to North Carolina's political scene where new election laws and redistricting have put the Tar Heel State back in the national spotlight. State lawmakers will return to the General Assembly soon to draw new district lines for the U.S. House, Senate and state House districts. Dr. Michael Bitzer, a political science professor at Catawba College, says Republicans have the power to do whatever they want due to the balance of power in the General Assembly. During this interview, Bitzer explains the history of North Carolina's redistricting and why Republicans view North Carolina as a critical state for keeping their slim lead in the U.S. House.

And finally, WCNC Charlotte's Tradesha Woodard has an update on the Eastland Yards development. The property, which has sat vacant for years despite numerous grand ideas, could soon start moving in the right direction. after developers agreed to work together on a shared project that will benefit the east Charlotte community. FULL STORY: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/charlotte-leaders-approve-proposal-eastland-mall-site/275-0aec878d-16fb-418b-8218-6d28912e6eb4

Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly. 

SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora  || Google Podcasts || iHeart 

All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere. 

This fall, the Uptown development group is collecting ideas from architecture, design and building firms on ways to repurpose some of Uptown's underutilized office space.

"We still have economic development momentum," Charlotte Center City Partners Senior Vice President James LaBar said on WCNC Charlotte's Flashpoint.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/uptown-charlotte-development-group-converting-old-office-buildings/275-f5670d46-0970-4e40-a39f-e9f18aacf7b3

Also on this week's episode, Ben Thompson interviews Shane Fox, the county manager in Alexander County. And Kia Murray takes a look at the growing pains longtime Charlotte residents of color are facing as the Queen City's growth prices many people out of their communities.

FULL STORY: https://www.wcnc.com/article/money/markets/real-estate/affordable-housing-crisis/gentrification-charlotte-vulnerable-neighborhoods/275-7c11e2cd-fd51-45c1-a800-9710ba5c0a26

"We need a pay raise that acknowledges the hard work that our educators do on a daily basis, but also allows them to live with dignity in order to pay their bills, and not have to work a second job or not have to leave the profession entirely," Tamika Walker Kelly, President of the North Carolina Association of Educators, said.

According to the teacher's advocacy organization, North Carolina ranks 46th in the country for starting pay. The State Superintendent for Public Instruction says she's confident the state's new budget, when passed, will include generous pay raises. 

"I am hoping along with all of our other teachers and parents, I'm sure, that this year's budget is going to make a big dent in that beginning teacher pay ranking," Superintendent Catherine Truitt said.

"We've come a long way. But the battle is not over, Liz Schob, communication manager of Charlotte Pride, said. "The journey is not over. We have a long way to go. And frankly, we can't do this alone. We need folks who are allies to step up and walk beside us and help us keep doing this work."

On Wednesday, a GOP supermajority in the General Assembly overrode Governor Cooper's vetoes and passed a host of new laws impacting the LGBTQ+ community. They include a ban on trans women from participating in women's sports, a ban on doctors from providing gender-affirming care to minors and a ban on elementary schools having any materials dealing with gender and sexuality. Teachers would also be legally required to "out" any of their transgender students to the child's parents.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/charlotte-pride-festival-laws-targeting-lgbtq-youth-north-carolina/275-c2e8c98d-8ec3-430d-a1fb-1ebc05c6c412

Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.

Sossamon said Raleigh lawmakers have assured him the casino "will be" in the budget that is still being hashed out in the General Assembly.

With the promise of approximately 1,750 jobs, the project could be transformative for Anson County, a place that's come across economic hard times as factories closed over the years. He said the western part of Anson County is being eyed for the project due to its proximity to Charlotte.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/anson-county-casino-will-be-in-ncs-new-budget/275-3b9b6fda-a121-4ce5-91c1-2a4cf8bc3aa4

"They post something on social media, then they post a meet up," he said.

Later, Ben talks to Stephanie Hand – Democratic candidate for District 6, Charlotte City Council. Hand narrowly lost the race for the district six seat on Charlotte City Council.

"We missed the mark by 357 votes the last time," Hand said.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/anti-violence-group-says-social-media-driving-charlotte-crime/275-2c5e0b96-fb1d-45c5-b558-609554578104

"Transgender youth have a much higher rate of suicide or suicide attempts. However, when they are affirmed in their life by their families, at school, that kind of thing, their rate of suicide goes down to the national average," Katie Jenifer, mother of two, said.

The bills are focused on banning gender-affirming care and transgender athletes.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/worry-about-possible-new-north-carolina-restrictions/275-50be9c06-7152-4540-b3ff-1e8d0be2cce3

"We're not seeing what we saw last year and the year before," Tiffany Johannes, president of Canopy Realtor Association said. "But this year, we're seeing more of a normalized market out there." 

Johannes appeared on WCNC's Flashpoint this week. Despite the slight slowdown, she said Charlotte's still one of the hottest markets in the country.

"We are in the top eight markets in the country right now, if you look at where people are moving and where they want to be," she said. 

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/charlotte-housing-market-flashpoint/275-3ffa8b79-e202-4791-9d56-1922770c2b3e

At issue in Moore v. Harper, a fringe legal argument called Independent State Legislature theory. 

"I think the court felt that they were going to have to decide this question sooner or later. It had been raised in a number of cases during the 2020 election, and the majority of the court never directly addressed it. There are cases from other states where it's percolating," said Professor Richard Briffault.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/legal-scholar-litigation-nc-supreme-court-case/275-b4ab5630-9344-4219-9392-d304a0a921d4

McCrory recently joined the No Labels campaign as the group's national co-chair. No Labels promotes bipartisanship and compromise, and organizers say the group is considering a third-option unity ticket in the 2024 presidential election. 

"Sixty percent of people in America do not like or do not want to select from the current frontrunners of the Democratic or Republican Party," McCrory said. 

No Labels is still waiting until Super Tuesday next spring to make any decisions about its 2024 plans. If President Joe Biden and Donald Trump win their respective parties' nominations, McCrory said the group will put forward a ticket with a Democrat and Republican. 

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/pat-mccrory-issues-warning-to-democrats-north-carolina-republicans-general-assembly-roy-cooper-thom-tillis/275-4f6ced17-100c-4c2e-a5cb-be469f905266

All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere. 

"This bill is not medically sound. I think there's a lot of misinformation,' Dr. Beverly Gray, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Duke University, said on WCNC's Flashpoint.

Gray said her colleagues tried to convince lawmakers to keep the state's current 20-week restriction, without success.

Despite the broad opposition in the medical community, some doctors support the new abortion restrictions.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/doctors-debate-north-carolinas-abortion-restrictions/275-f41fa42e-f16c-4c20-9958-84a75f47bd71

"I think that people need to understand the consequences of their local races," Drew Kromer, Chair of the Mecklenburg County Democratic Party, said.

While Charlotte is heavily democratic, Kromer said democrats underperformed in recent elections.

"Wake County in 2020, their turnout was 56%. And the statewide was 51%. And in Mecklenburg, we were down at 45%," Kromer said.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/democrats-abortion-restrictions-2024/275-271f2754-4511-49f9-a981-a7dec2602890

"When your choices have a negative impact on the education that others are receiving, it's not just about your own personal choice. And so I think this approach is depleting resources that we really need in our traditional public schools," Parmenter said on WCNC's Flashpoint. 

On Wednesday, North Carolina Republicans celebrated what would be the largest expansion of the state's private school voucher program since it was created, saying all families should qualify for at least some money regardless of income.

Senate Bill 406 would remove the program's current income caps, replacing them with a sliding scale that would let any family get a voucher, called an Opportunity Scholarship, of up to $3,246.

READ MORE:   https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/teachers-new-voucher-bill-public-education/275-811942be-5a6e-4a37-9572-8b1bd1f6737d

"When our city council adopted those goals, they knew that it was incredibly ambitious," Sarah Hazel, Charlotte's Chief Sustainability Officer, said on WCNC's Flashpoint.  

Later, Ben talks to Kathie Dello, state climate office of North Carolina, who says we can see the impacts of climate change all around us.

"We can break it down into just three easy things: hotter, wetter and more humid," Dello said.  

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/earth-day-charlotte-city-carbon-free-2030/275-5a742d42-09f3-4c16-9258-c6dfc637346b

"I believe that we are heading in the right direction,' Vi Lyles said on WCNC's Flashpoint.

The transit agency has been beleaguered with problems recently, including changes in leadership, several minor derailments on the LYNX Blue Line, and staffing problems. 

"In the past 130 days, we have invested so much talent in that organization that we're beginning to see the fruits of that investment," she said.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/charlotte-mayor-lyles-promises-progress-at-cats/275-55c75da8-8b6f-43c0-b4a0-39899ed1cad5

"I think probably the number that we land on is somewhere around 12 weeks," Saine said on WCNC's Flashpoint.

It's not clear what if any, exceptions for rape, incest or the life of the mother would be included in the bill. 

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/nc-republicans-abortion-ban-flashpoint/275-cf3d1b03-c24a-4b3e-878e-3f8a37500a8a

"You've just given people peace of mind," Becerra said. "To all those people who today know that if their child all of a sudden becomes deathly ill and needs to go to a hospital, you don't have to worry anymore." 

Later, Ben talks with North Carolina Treasurer Dale Folwell, the latest candidate to announce his run for NC governor in 2024. The Republican announced his gubernatorial campaign last week, making him the first republican to declare.

"The governor of North Carolina is the CEO of the largest business in the state, in charge of employing the most people," he said. 

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/nc-treasurer-dale-folwell-campaign-governors-race/275-15afe859-8e33-43ee-bf29-a6dea2c80ce5

"If we don't find a way to ensure that CATS is a high-functioning, high-quality organization and go forward with these plans, we will lose billions of dollars in federal money," Altman said.

Last week, the interim CATS C.E.O. outlined three derailments in the last year that were previously not disclosed to local leaders. Additionally, at Wednesday night's meeting, MTC members learned that CATS bridge inspections didn't happen in 2021, meaning inspections are two years past due. The last time they were inspected was in 2019. 

Later, Ben talks with Gaston County State Rep. Donnie Loftis on a bill he sponsored in the NC House that would give NC schools more flexibility over their calendar.

Loftis cosponsored a bill filed in the North Carolina House on Feb. 9 that would allow school districts to choose a start date as early as Aug. 10. It also forces districts to end the school year no later than the Friday closest to June 11. 

"If education is a priority for the future of this state, and we need those bright and best young people to remain here in this state, I'm willing to give them any opportunity that would set them up for success," Loftis said.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/gaston-co-lawmaker-sponsors-bill-nc-schools-flexibility-calendar/275-f12bf53c-a94e-4486-b6a3-040e81cf7c17

"We haven't done a real good job across the state, Republicans or Democrats, of growing our bench," Former North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue said.

Later, Ben talks with State Rep. Zack Hawkins about sports betting, Medicaid expansion and more. A bill filed last week in Raleigh legalizing online sports betting looks to have bipartisan support in General Assembly.

"There's no reason for North Carolina to be sitting on the sidelines, especially in such a sports-rich state and a growing state," said bill sponsor Zach Hawkins, state representative from Durham.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/north-carolina-sports-betting-bill-looks-poised-for-passage/275-c21b3d8d-ca0d-45ff-abf1-7473e2140750

"Our goal is not to return to 2019. It's to become better. It's to become what we're supposed to be next," Smith said.

Later, Ben talks with Charlotte City Councilman Malcolm Graham, who said he's excited about the new changes coming to Uptown.

"Over the next ten years, Uptown will look significantly different than it looks today. And I'm really excited about that," Charlotte City Councilman Malcolm Graham, said.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/post-pandemic-leaders-look-to-make-uptown-charlotte-a-more-complete-neighborhood/275-3a924baf-0f1d-4ed0-bc88-8ea987137475

"So it's time to modernize. We didn't even have smartphones in 1998. So you can imagine that it looks more like Atari than it does any kind of modern technology," Bell said.

The North Carolina Board of Elections is also undergoing significant turnover at county election offices.

"We are growing at a rate of registered voters anywhere from 5-8%. We are over 136,000 registered voters. And so our greatest need right now is we are having difficulty finding polling locations within our precincts," Jordan said.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/we-need-to-modernize-north-carolina-elections-director-calls-for-new-funding-resources/275-9272a5c1-9f41-43d6-b725-8cba25cb75e2

"Our party is ready for change. I think that we are ready to have a generational shift, honestly," Clayton said, on WCNC's Flashpoint.

Clayton, a former chair of the Person County Democratic Party, believes the party has neglected rural voters.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/new-north-carolina-democratic-chair-anderson-clayton-makes-a-play-for-rural-voters/275-f586a9d3-0d6f-47f3-9580-e9f0ec025862

BWP & Associates, the consulting firm hired by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, will officially begin its search for the district's next superintendent on Monday. 

"We've gotten a lot of interest already," Percy Mack of BWP & Associates, said.

The firm will spend the next two months searching for qualified applicants. Ultimately, Mack said the group's goal is to cull the search down to a select few candidates. 

FULL STORY: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/flashpoint-politics-charlotte-mecklenburg-schools-superintendent-search-consulting-firm-update/275-77046ba2-8537-498b-b6df-fa73f9278145

Next, Julia Kauffman has an update on a proposal to add even more tolls lanes to Interstate 77. These tolls would extend from Uptown Charlotte to the South Carolina state line as transportation leaders consider plans to improve traffic flow through Uptown.

Finally, Jane Monreal shares the story of a Gaston County woman who wrote a check to her mechanic only for it to get get cashed a second time, months later.

"I started in a place of skepticism about the timeline for their decision-making and ended in a place of confidence that they handle this in the best possible way," Jackson said on WCNC's Flashpoint.  

Later, Ben talks to Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Braxton Winston and his push for Charlotte's stalled $13.5B transportation plan.

"I have high confidence that we will get there because at the at the end of the day, the Charlotte region is the economic lungs of this state," Braxton Winston said on WCNC's Flashpoint.  

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/charlotte-mayor-pro-tem-pushes-compromise-on-transit/275-2cf8cf79-b7dc-49ad-bdee-073e27511df1

"I think we have work to do to modify the plan in order to bring in the partners we need regionally and also to cooperate with the General Assembly on the referendum authorization that we need," Ed Driggs, city councilman, said.

The city's $13.5 billion transportation plan relies on a one-cent sales tax referendum, which first requires approval of the Republican-led General Assembly in Raleigh. Driggs said he's "skeptical" a referendum could be put before voters by this November, the goal of many city leaders.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/charlotte-city-council-transportation-chair-skeptical-transit-plan-will-get-approved-this-year/275-285edd19-de6b-44da-8144-6a9fe72a2a9f

FULL STORY: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/thom-tillis-documents-white-house-biden-pence-trump-flaspoint-politics/275-1b895d5b-fdb6-431f-8b03-6a0f9bf28339

Next, Julia Kauffman has details on crime data from Charlotte-Mecklenburg police. Stopping violent crime remains a major point of emphasis for CMPD as law enforcement officials updated Charlotte city leaders on recruitment efforts to fill hundreds of positions on the force.

FULL STORY: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/charlotte-city-council-year-end-report-cmpd/275-6de5ca08-1b21-45f2-9e8d-1f4b1232f46c

Finally, Ben takes a look at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools legislative agenda as the search for a new superintendent continues for the district.

Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly. 

SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || Google Podcasts 

All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere. 

"It's very helpful to gain this information so we can really identify and allocate resources from the county and nonprofits in the city as well," Cotham said.

Later, Ben talks with Charlotte city councilman Malcolm Graham, who highlights the importance of affordable housing in a continuously-growing city.

"We're really, really growing. 121 individuals every day moved to the city of Charlotte, all looking for affordable housing," Malcolm Graham, city councilman, said. 

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/mecklenburg-county-prepares-for-annual-homeless-count/275-88130d59-3df4-4548-9848-35263aee4a27

"The Republicans are just barely in the majority, and we're barely in the minority," Adams said on WCNC Charlotte's Flashpoint. "That gives us an opportunity to come together and focus on those things that not only the citizens care about."

Adams expects some bipartisan agreement on issues surrounding the environment, housing, and transportation.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/rep-alma-adams-charlotte-congresswoman-sees-agreement-divided-house/275-2a57151c-7ed0-4c36-92a7-a345ea523e2e

"Those are the basics. And they are absolutely essential. If we don't make sure that our bus service is fast, frequent, reliable and walkable, it's going to be really hard for people just to get to and from jobs and other daily destinations," Fencil said.

Later, Ben talks with economist and UNC Charlotte professor John Connaughton, about what next year's economy could bring. He warned economic progress won't be quick.

"It's going to play out, as I say, very, very slowly over the year, and we probably won't know very much about how the year went until about this time next year," he said.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/2023-recession-charlotte-economist-predicts-slow-growth-next-year/275-b4e41210-9eb3-4749-9cd4-d3e65e5e2fa7

Chief among their priorities, selecting a new superintendent.  A former teacher, Kline said she worked with several committed superintendents earlier in her career. She cited Peter Gorman, who served CMS between 2006 to 2011, as one she respected.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/charlotte-mecklenburg-schools-board-members-look-to-new-term/275-fefce6ee-3438-4c96-9bbc-dadad8e71157

"It just fundamentally misunderstands the way American governments worked for centuries. And it's threatening to upend all of it," Tom Wolf, deputy director at the Brennan Center for Justice, said.

Later, Ben talks with J. Christian Adams, president of the public interest legal foundation. The org filed a brief in support of Moore.  

"This theory is about destroying our system of checks and balances. For over 200 years, state legislators have shared power for making the rules for federal elections with any number of people, including state courts, governors, election officials, and even the people themselves through direct democracy, ballot initiatives, referenda," Wolf said.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/us-supreme-court-to-hear-nc-case-that-could-have-catastrophic-results/275-7c864cee-bdea-4597-84a9-1878ff5bc6b5

Later, Ben talks with Gastonia Mayor Pro Tem Dave Kirlin about how the city is actively investing in infrastructure, business development, and affordable housing.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/concord-gastonia-mayors-look-toward-explosive-growth-in-2023/275-b02642e3-f8eb-418b-9dac-824cab533abb

Later, Ben talks with Catawba College politics Professor Michael Bitzer about North Carolina's mixed election results. Despite disappointing results nationwide, the GOP celebrated some solid victories in North Carolina this week. This, even though voter registration numbers in the state favor democrats and unaffiliated voters.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/we-are-indeed-a-purple-state-an-expert-explains-north-carolinas-mixed-election-results/275-3d200edf-d7b2-42d1-905c-a71b5476b619

"I think we are in a pendulum swing right now. I think it may get worse before it gets better. But there's always the hope that the pendulum will swing back," Huffmon said.

In recent years, US politics have turned to vitriolic, partisan, and even violent rhetoric. Experts say there's a lack of trust in our basic institutions.

"I think there's been a steady decline in trust in government," Roberts said.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/may-get-worse-before-it-gets-better-experts-warn-political-polarization-will-deepen-after-election/275-8f4625ac-96dc-4094-815d-7293de91a6e1

Harrigan says his reasons for going into politics stem from having a family.

The former Green Beret said, "My wife and I have two little girls. And we're very concerned about what kind of America they're going to get to grow up with, and what kind of opportunity they're going to have in their lives."

A state legislator for eight years, Jackson said work needs to be done at both the national and state levels but started his campaign locally.

"I said I'm going to knock on one thousand doors personally over summer. It was Republican. Independent," Jackson said. "It was just a wonderful education about what folks actually want and are talking about. Housing comes up a lot. Water and sewer come up a lot. So the idea is, independent of how people feel about national politics, also have a real local agenda."

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/elections/candidates-for-new-nc-14th-congressional-district-discuss-why-they-believe-they-deserve-to-win/275-d983ba28-562e-4051-93d3-554c385a6291

In the interview with Budd, Thompson asked the senate candidate what his ideal abortion law would look like in light of Budd's co-sponsorship of a bill that would ban abortions after 15 weeks. Budd hinted that he does not support abortion in cases of rape or incest. Budd called the Democrats' proposed Women's Health Protection Act "the most radical abortion bill in history," before saying he felt abortion rights should be a state's issue. 

In Beasley's interview, Beasley called codifying Roe v. Wade "reasonable."

"The question is: Who makes the decision? Is it a woman and her physician or is it politicians up in Washington?" Beasley asked rhetorically. "Congressman [Ted] Budd has to understand that, in an exam room with a woman and her doctor, there is no place for him for that decision to be made."

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/ted-budd-abortion-exceptions-for-the-life-of-the-mother/275-10a98ec1-f567-44c0-829a-237836bf4774

"Women are making up substantial majorities of these early ballots," Bitzer said.

Overall, absentee voting is outpacing the 2018 midterms, but behind the 2020 general election, which happened amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/north-carolina-women-outpacing-men-in-voting-by-mail/275-dc16555b-8bb7-4051-87f3-6f6474c64bda

"We've been going to places where the community frequents, like supermarkets, the Hispanic festivals, churches, universities, places like that, to tell people about the elections to register them to vote," Lariza Garzon, director of North Carolina operations, said.

Later, Ben sits down with Stefanía Arteaga, co-executive director of the Carolina Migrant Network. The organization aims to provide legal representation to immigrants. Arteaga co-founded the Network because she saw a growing immigrant and migrant population in Charlotte, but with very few free or affordable legal services.

"We have not had any sort of nonprofit that provides resources for individuals who are in deportation proceedings," Arteaga said.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/north-carolina-grassroots-group-providing-legal-representation-to-immigrants/275-bf530377-4d04-4213-8227-fd0bf0484045

In 2019, CMPD launched a Community Policing Crisis Response Team. The team was created to respond to 911 calls that involve mental health issues, that aren't necessarily criminal matters.

"Police services include any host of things, not just answering a call that is regarding a crime. We're the helpers," CMPD Lt Joan Gallant said. "That crisis can be anything. It can be mental health, substance abuse, homelessness, situational."

Later, Ben talks to Anne Geissinger, program coordinator for North Carolina's suicide prevention program. Recently, the NC Department of Health and Human Services released a new action plan to address suicide. The action plan includes coordination among state agencies, increasing community awareness, and identifying at-risk communities.  

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/north-carolina-rolls-out-suicide-prevention-action-plan/275-c515d600-167d-416d-9413-08bcbae1c930

It comes as Charlotte is emerging as a post-pandemic destination for leisure travel, after years of being a city famous for business travel.

"The leisure side of the recovery happened first and quite frankly, happened stronger than we even expected," Murray said.

Murray said business travel is rebounding but hasn't returned to pre-pandemic levels. Charlotte has a long history of attracting convention travel as well. 

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/presidents-cup-charlotte-north-carolina-is-attracting-more-leisure-travelers/275-993ba2e5-1f5f-4b88-858a-1379f4637d75

Amid the recent problems, Charlotte leaders are looking to expand transit and transportation options. In 2020, the Charlotte Moves task force, whose members were appointed by the mayor, released a sweeping $13.5B transit and transportation plan. It included plans for an east-west silver light rail line, commuter rail to north Mecklenburg County, greenways and more.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/cats-ceo-addresses-challenges-long-term-transit-plan-charlotte-flashpoint/275-2927ee79-a79d-404e-9741-ad6386ed58c4

In Charlotte, a town hall is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept 13th, at 6:30 p.m. at UNC Charlotte's McKnight Hall. In Belmont, a town hall is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept 14th, at 6:30 p.m. at Gaston College, Kimbrell Auditorium. And in Albemarle, a town hall is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 15th, at the Albemarle Neighborhood Theatre. Each meeting will feature key speakers with backgrounds in election security, election law, and election administration. 

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/nc-trusted-elections-tour-to-charlotte-promising-secure-elections/275-035c8557-d3f0-4869-ab03-a4d906e27c2a

Charlotte City Council is also slated to welcome a new city council on Tuesday, September 6 during a swearing-in ceremony. The new council includes mostly familiar faces with a few new names. In recent years, council tackled a number of controversial issues including the Unified Development Ordinance, the Charlotte 2040 comprehensive plan, pandemic response, and transit. 

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/charlotte-city-council-swears-in-new-members-on-tuesday-september-6-flashpoint/275-96188c90-5a54-4785-8bd8-765ecdd0275f

"A lot of our veteran teachers are still struggling because their pay raise is smaller. The pay raise is heavily weighted at the earlier entry points for teachers and the newer teachers," Cheek said.

Longtime teachers like Justin Parmenter have watched colleagues leave for more lucrative positions outside of teaching.

"We've got people who are seeing, you know, greener grass on the other side of the fence and leaving," Parmenter said.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/charlotte-cms-teachers-start-school-year-amid-staffing-and-salary-challenges/275-289d313d-030d-4675-a570-e685a2e04258

Charlotte Pride returned this weekend after a two-year hiatus, and organizers say its message of diversity and acceptance for the LGBTQ community has never resonated more. Recent rulings from the US Supreme Court, including the reversal of federal abortion rights, have led some in the LGBTQ+ community to worry about federal protections.

"I think it's more important than ever to reaffirm the majority of Americans' opinions that gay marriage should be legal, it is legal," Simon said. 

All of this and more on a new episode of Flashpoint, only on WCNC Charlotte.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/more-important-than-ever-charlotte-pride-festival-kicks-off-20th-anniversary/275-9b5d0be9-63de-49f6-b4f0-32c39c0b53e1

Later, Ben talks to North Carolina Secretary of State, Elaine Marshall about the growth of new businesses in NC over the second quarter.

All of this and more on Flashpoint, only on WCNC Charlotte.

But there's good news. Washington said he expects his department will be receiving routine shipments of the vaccine going forward.  

Ben and Dr. Washington later address the latest with COVID in Mecklenburg County.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/monkeypox-vaccination-waitlist-mecklenburg-county/275-0a65b8c3-be2f-43e9-83d8-cb475884c8fa

Before a new city council is sworn in in September, Charlotte's current council has one remaining heavy lift on their agenda: a vote on the city's Unified Development Ordinance.

In Charlotte's recent municipal elections, republicans ran heavily against the UDO, a sweeping set of regulations designed to guide the city's future development.  With the exception of district six councilman Tariq Bokhari, every republican in a contested race lost. And Bokhari won by the slimmest of margins.

"I'm going to view that as the community's voices spoken here. And I'm gonna vote no, but move on," Bokhari said.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/elections-charlotte-city-councilmembers-look-to-vote-on-controversial-zoning-law/275-664f814c-8f85-4010-9d98-5364fd1e9d72

Voting data from the second week of early voting showed democrats were over-performing when it came to voting, republicans were right on track, and unaffiliated voters were lacking when it came to getting to the polls.

Charlotte is increasingly dominated by democrats and unaffiliated voters, and Bitzer said that can create voter apathy.

"When you don't have a competitive two-party system, that often affects turnout," he said.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/abysmal-turnout-fewer-than-10-percent-of-voters-expected-to-cast-ballots-in-charlotte-election/275-f364ccfe-9394-4b42-9845-eba0260b7e44

Egleston lost a primary election race in May for an at-large seat on council and finishes his term in September. He said council made progress on transit, affordable housing, and public safety, but admitted there was plenty of work to do for the next council.

"Those aren't issues you ever really solve. You just keep making progress. And I think we've done that on all the fronts," he said.

In addition, Tariq Bokhari and Larken Egleston discuss CATS issues, the silver line, and the UDO vote.

READ MORE: https://bit.ly/3OQREbc

"Black and brown women, those will be impacted the hardest I believe. Those who live in rural areas, those who have lower incomes and can't afford to cross state lines for care. Young people. LGBTQ people and women in abusive relationships," she said.

Later, Ben talks to Davidson political science professor, Susan Roberts about the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade

Experts say the real impacts will be seen in the weeks and months to come. In the meantime, women across the country will be left with a confusing patchwork of laws.

READ MORE: https://bit.ly/3uj77Zp

See the full episode Sunday at 11 a.m. on Flashpoint, only on WCNC Charlotte.

Sunday marks Juneteenth, a federal holiday that marks the true end of slavery in the United States. On Jan. 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation freed the slaves of the Confederate states. But it took two-and-a-half years for Lincoln's proclamation to reach Texas and its quarter of a million slaves. 

"It reminds us of the long-standing struggle for black freedom in the United States," Dr. Crystal Eddins, Assistant Professor in the Department of Africana Studies at UNC Charlotte, said.

Congress created the federal holiday in June 2021, following a year of civil unrest across the country.

"I think that it's hard to make an argument that it would have been a holiday without a lot of unrest," Dr. Aman Nadhiri, Associate Professor of English and Arabic at Johnson C. Smith University, said.

SEE THE FULL INTERVIEW SUNDAY AT 11 A.M. ON FLASHPOINT, ONLY ON WCNC CHARLOTTE.

Restaurants, bars, and shops are reliant on the business brought by weekday workers, still not at 2019 levels.

"I don't think that you'd see it today. But will we see it at some point in the 2022-23 timeframe? I do believe that there's the opportunity to see it then," Lyles said.

Lyles doesn't see an active role for the city to play in forcing the return of workers. Instead, she believes the free market will force the issue.  

See the full interview on Flashpoint, only on WCNC Charlotte.

Read more here: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/charlotte-mayor-vi-lyles-predicts-full-uptown-rebound-by-2023/275-7a585fa1-a8a5-47e2-a906-6f5d1f44d37c

"The president's party always loses seats, typically in midterm elections. Joe Biden's approval rating is low on economic issues, particularly inflation is at the forefront," he said.

Later on, Ben talks to Starmed CEO, Michael Estramonte about the provider’s baby formula giveaway, how they are responding to COVID, and their business model in general.

"We're always looking for ways to see where we can add value or where there's a challenge in the community,' Estramonte said.

All of this and more on Flashpoint, only on WCNC Charlotte.

In our second segment, Ben Thompson has a conversation with Stephen Billy, executive director of Charlotte Lozier Institute, which focuses on science and statistics related to anti-abortion issues. Charlotte Lozier Institute's data was cited by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito in the leaked draft opinion that indicted the court would overturn Roe v. Wade.

WCNC Charlotte's Lexi Wilson has a report on this week's Flashpoint focusing on two women who both had abortions but now have different feelings about their decisions. One woman explains why she regrets having an abortion, while the other explains how the experience allowed her to answer her calling in life. FULL STORY: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/north-carolina-women-abortion-stories-roe-v-wade-supreme-court-stories/275-7d66f732-efa8-47b0-a13e-b88d52c50daf

Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.

"We're experiencing sort of a spring bump here, and COVID activity is increasing in our community," Dr. Raynard Washington, Mecklenburg County Health Director, said.

Later, Ben interviews James “Smuggie” Mitchell about why he’s running for city council again.

All of this and more on Flashpoint, only on WCNC Charlotte.

"We have really taken that hands-off approach. And I think that's been fatal in this process," Winston, councilman at-large, said.

Winston co-chairs the city's intergovernmental committee and is running for re-election. He said the city has lost substantial time in engaging in regional, state, and business stakeholders.

Next, Ben talks with Republican Charlotte City Council at-large candidate, Carrie Olinski about why she’s running. Olinksi said public safety is her number one priority, but said all the issues facing city leaders are connected.

"We have transportation and housing and jobs, all of them are intertwined," Olinski said.

All of this and more on Sunday at 11 a.m. on Flashpoint, only on WCNC Charlotte.

Later. Ben sits down with Charlotte city councilwoman, Dimple Ajmera about running again for an at-large seat and Republican Charlotte City Council at-large candidate, David Merrill about why he’s running.

All of this and more on Flashpoint, only on WCNC Charlotte.

"Let me just commend the multiple nonprofit groups, thank the NGOs that have gone there in earnest to help these people. The coordination has been outstanding. The government has done a remarkable job in Romania," he said.

Later, Ben speaks with Republican Charlotte City Council at-large candidate, Charlie Mulligan and Larken Egleston about why he’s running at-large as opposed to trying to keep his D1 seat.

All of this and more on this week's episode of Flashpoint, only on WCNC Charlotte.

Next, Ben spoke with Sam Spencer, the former chair of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg planning commission. They chat about the 2040 policy map being passed this week and why that’s important.

All of this and more only on Flashpoint, on WCNC Charlotte. Join the conversation on social media by following Flashpoint host Ben Thompson on Twitter at @BentNews!

Cotham previously served in the North Carolina General Assembly between 2009 and 2015. Cotham said she's battled COVID-19 on and off for the last two years.

"January and February were the absolute worst," she explained. "March has been a little bit better. But it's also just very unpredictable."

Next up, Ben talks to former Union County GOP Chair, Dan Barry about the latest on the GOP side of the Senate race.

While democrats coalesce behind former NC Supreme Court Justice Cheri Beasley, the republican field remains contentious and competitive. U.S. Rep. Ted Budd, former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker, former Gov. Pat McCrory, and veteran Marjorie K. Eastman are running on the republican side.

Barry cites polling that shows McCrory with an edge.

"All indications are that McCrory is outside the margin of error as we approach the primary day," Barry said.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/gop-official-sizes-up-ncs-senate-race/275-121e09d3-d16e-4d34-820b-b6bfe591c279

Last week, unaffiliated voters in North Carolina finally outnumbered registered Republicans and Democrats in the state. 

"This has been the trend that has been happening for several decades now," Dr. Michael Bitzer, political professor at Catawba College, said.

As of March 13th, state records show nearly 2.5 million registered unaffiliated voters in North Carolina, just a few hundred more than democrats. 2.18 million voters are registered as Republicans.  

Watch the full interview on Flashpoint, only on WCNC Charlotte.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/nc-unaffiliated-voters-outnumber-republicans-democrats-but-their-candidates-face-hurdles/275-86aaf5c6-8ead-4657-b30f-e803b5a32c1c

"It's still the hope," Julie Eiselt, Charlotte's Mayor Pro Tem, said.

Eiselt chairs the city council's Transportation & Planning Committee. The sweeping plan requires the involvement of surrounding cities and counties, as well as the approval of the North Carolina General Assembly. 

"There's an incredible level of conversation going on between our mayor and the town mayors and our city manager and the town managers," Eiselt said.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/looming-deadline-charlottes-transit-plan/275-e3dce53a-68c9-4807-91e5-f1e0600d508a

In a new release, the school system said the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services StrongSchools Toolkit was updated to coincide with the CDC guidance that states masks are no longer required on buses or vans operated by public or private schools. CMS Board Member Rhonda Cheek speaks about the mask mandate being dropped starting Monday and her thinking it should have been dropped sooner. Later we hear from teacher Justin Parmenter, who expressed that some teachers aren't happy about the mandate being dropped.

All of this and more on Flashpoint, on WCNC Charlotte.

Then, Ben talks with Catawba College Professor Michael Bitzer after Mecklenburg County received extra representation in Washington, D.C. It stems from new congressional maps approved by the state supreme court. In previous mapping attempts, much of Charlotte was concentrated in one congressional district, and the new 14th district was sprawling west in rural counties. Now, two districts will be centered mainly along the borders of Mecklenburg County, with sections including Gaston and Cabarrus Counties. "That district has shifted so much now. And is much more democratic I think right now. Mecklenburg could be represented by two Democratic members of Congress," Bitzer said.

READ MORE: https://bit.ly/3sp6AEJ

Washington said health officials will focus their response on those most vulnerable to a severe illness from COVID-19. But just as we saw with the delta variant, there's no guarantee county officials won't implement another mask requirement. 

"I'm certain it will have some surges in the future, but I don't know what they'll look like because I don't know what mutations and what the consequences of those mutations will be," Washington said. "So I can't say definitively that there won't be a time where we as a community may need to implement measures, but I do believe that we have to transition our drive, our decision making about those measures."

READ MORE: https://bit.ly/3H1Rx7W

Then, we hear from the Rental Housing Alliance, who says cutting costly regulation addresses affordable housing. "What we're advocating for is keeping construction and regulatory costs down," Lisa Taylor, Rental Housing Alliance PAC Board Chair, said. Taylor said building code requirements and regulations account for nearly a third of the costs covered in someone's monthly rent. Right now in Mecklenburg County, only 1% of apartments are priced under one-thousand dollars.

Read more in these stories:

https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/rental-housing-poltical-action-committee-local-races-decrease-regulation/275-146f7d55-221c-4c55-80c7-e7ab6bd040c4

https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/advice-for-charlotte-home-buyers-2022/275-55d35f91-7865-45eb-91ec-77d1f0cbc271

Later, Ben talks to a Catawba College professor who maps out the future of North Carolina's redistricting case. After a three-judge panel ruled to allow Republican-drawn legislative and congressional maps, political campaigns, lawyers, and scholars are watching the Supreme Court of North Carolina. "I would expect that they would push this as an expedited review and potential decision," Dr. Michael Bitzer, professor of politics at Catawba College, said.

All of this and more on this episode of Flashpoint, only on WCNC Charlotte.

Next, Ben Thompson talks with two local historians on the long-term impact of the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol. "The history books are going to see it as an attack on democracy," Dr. Scott Huffmon, a professor at Winthrop University, said. "These people were domestic terrorists. They attempted insurrection to overthrow the government." As historians, the professors are looking forward to upcoming testimony in front of the House committee investigating the attacks. They're hoping it will give future historians a firm, factual account of what happened that day.

All of this and more on this episode of Flashpoint, only on WCNC Charlotte.

Later, Ben with state senate candidate, Brad Overcash about why he’s running and the latest trends within the Republican party. Overcash defended the legislative and congressional maps at issue. "We've never seen a more fair process, not by either side, in the history of North Carolina," he said.

All of this and more on Flashpoint, only on WCNC Charlotte and wcnc.com.

Later, Ben talks with Charlotte city councilmembers, Julie Eiselt and Ed Driggs about a variety of topics including transportation and their opinions on the primaries being delayed again.

All of this and more on Flashpoint, only on WCNC Charlotte.

Later, Log Cabin Republicans of North Carolina, a conservative LGBTQ group, is condemning recent remarks by North Carolina Lt. Governor republican Mark Robinson. Several video clips have surfaced in recent months showing Robinson speaking to church groups and conservative gatherings, and insulting LGBTQ people. In one recent clip, he suggested homosexuals are inferior to heterosexuals, saying they serve no purpose.

All of this and more on Flashpoint, only on WCNC Charlotte and WCNC.com.

Later, Sarah sits down with Coach Lamonte Odums, known for his inspirational YouDay segments on WCNC Charlotte, about his own struggles with mental health.

The TMN includes having 110 miles of rapid transit corridors like the light rail, 140 miles of bussing, 115 miles of a greenway system, 75 miles of a bicycle network, and more.  

"It has the potential to be the largest economic development initiative in the history of the state of North Carolina," O'Brien said.

Then, Briana Harper has a report on redistricting in the Charlotte area, and why some communities in north Charlotte say redistricting is not what they need in their neighborhoods. 

Finally, Ben has a conversation with Kendrick Cunningham, a candidate running for a seat on Charlotte City Council. 

Next, a former Union County GOP chair speaks on the redistricting process in North Carolina. Dan Barry echoed the demand for a big-picture approach to transit issues, that involves all stakeholders. "We need a serious conversation with the General Assembly, in the urban core, in the feeder areas, about how to get employees to employers, or labor to manufacturing, in an efficient way," Barry said.

All of this and more on Flashpoint, only on WCNC Charlotte!

Then, Ben talks to Catawba College political science professor, Dr. Michael Bitzer about what Anson County can show us, and then transitions into the state’s progress on redistricting for the second half of the interview.

All of this and more on an all-new Flashpoint, on WCNC Charlotte.

 
Women 18 to 24 are most likely to face abuse and only 34% of victims receive medical care. Domestic violence hotlines receive an average of 20,000 phone calls per day.

 
This and more only on Flashpoint on WCNC Charlotte!

All three departments have shown substantial increases in vaccination rates since September 1, but the numbers still rank low in comparison to other city departments.  

On Thursday, the City of Charlotte announced it will require the COVID-19 vaccine for new workers after officials said 70% of the city's workforce was vaccinated, falling just short of their goal of 75%.  

This and more only on Flashpoint on WCNC Charlotte!

Later, fresh off a blazing-hot housing market this summer, and just before the market slows down for the holidays, realtors say October might prove to be an opportune time for buyers who've stayed on the sidelines. One expert anticipates a seasonal slow down this winter which means fewer homes will be coming on the market.  Already, the inventory of homes for sale in the Charlotte metro area is down nearly 42%, comparing August 2020 to August 2021.

All of this and more on WCNC Charlotte's Flashpoint!

Later, as Charlotte City Council considers new district boundaries lines, current and former councilmen say leaders should add a council seat. Lawana Mayfield, a Democrat, said Council should be politically representative of the city's voters. She is currently running for an at-large council seat.  

All of this and more on Flashpoint on WCNC Charlotte!

Driggs accused Graham of holding a vote on the criteria involved in redistricting without Driggs, the lone Republican on the committee, present.

The issue echoes a similar decades-long debate at a statewide level about redistricting and gerrymandering, but with the opposite power dynamic: democrats complain republicans strategically limit democratic strongholds in drawing new districts.

Matt Hoh spoke out against the war in Afghanistan long before recent critics. In 2009, the Marine combat veteran resigned in protest from his post with the US State Department in Afghanistan.

"This last month in Afghanistan is what losing looks like, this is what defeat looks like," he said. "That's the consequence of choosing military victory as a sole outcome as opposed to negotiations."

The City of Charlotte has had a mask mandate for a few weeks now, but this week Mecklenburg County's went into effect county-wide. The mandate is for inside public buildings in Mecklenburg County, regardless of vaccination status.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department plans to handle enforcement of the mandate the same as it did before, with voluntary compliance and education. In most cases, officers will remind people who are not wearing masks inside public spaces that it's now required. 

Next, Ben sits down with Republican National Convention spokesman Paris Dennard on how the committee wants to appeal to voters of color ahead of the 2022 election. This week, Dennard spoke to a group of Black conservatives in Charlotte.  Dennard said the RNC is putting down roots in key battleground states, hoping to make inroads with black voters. "When you look at the things people are concerned about; safety and security, making sure they have jobs and the economy. Those are things that are applicable to all walks of life," Dennard explained. 

All of this and more on FLASHPOINT!

Rep. Wesley Harris, a Democrat from Mecklenburg County, and Rep. Dean Arp, a Republican from Union County, join Ben Thompson on Flashpoint to discuss why they think a state budget is in the works.

Next up, WCNC Charlotte's Indira Eskieva discusses the effects of the war in Afghanistan on local veterans.

Next up, Michelle Boudin joins the program to recap some of the outrageous things realtors and buyers are doing to secure bids on houses in Charlotte. We're talking European vacations, new cars and even paying over $100,000 above asking price! 

A WCNC Charlotte investigation uncovered hundreds of hours of bodycam footage that's reviewed by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police. Nate Morabito spoke with a CMPD captain, who says despite hundreds of recorded "concerns," officer behavior is actually improving. 

Harris also discusses how Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is working with the county health department to form its COVID-19 protocols for the upcoming year, including testing and masking. 

Watch Flashpoint on Sundays at 11 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte. For the latest political news in the Carolinas, follow Ben Thompson on Twitter @Bentnews, and @FlashpointWCNC. 

PREVIOUS COVERAGE

Weeks after surgery to remove prostate cancer, Sen. Thom Tillis is already back at work in Washington.

"I feel great. Came out of surgery with the typical post-operative challenges. But that lasted for about a week," Tillis said, in a recent interview with Wake Up Charlotte anchor Ben Thompson.

Tillis and Thompson both share family histories of prostate cancer, which is a leading risk factor.

Tillis says his high-profile job has helped keep him focused.  He chose surgery over other, less aggressive treatment options like radiation or hormone therapy.

"Quite honestly, part of it had to do with my official duties. I had to find one I was willing to accept the risk of the side effects, but also be able to do it within the contours of a tough schedule."

Tillis said his wife Susan and other family members were still processing the news when he started making an action plan.

"I was already in project mode to figure out how we'll beat this. But it took my wife and some of the family members a bit more time," Tillis said.

Keep reading: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/health/thom-tillis-prostate-cancer-health-diagnosis-update/275-895c0845-27cc-4e6d-9731-6003f557b905

This episode features an interview with David Kennedy, president of Canopy Realtor Association, who says "there's not a quick fix to this." 

So far in 2021, new listings are down nearly 7%, while home sales and listing prices are up. Nearly all homes are being sold for the original list price or higher.

"You will get a great offer on a property you list," Kennedy said.

Later, Hunter details Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools officials and Mecklenburg County leader's agreement on the CMS budget after the county restricted $56 million from the district's budget earlier this year. When asked about the decision,  Chairman George Dunlap said, "It's a win for the county because it's a win for the community."

Keep reading: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/gibbie-harris-talks-retirement-future-of-health-department-charlotte-mecklenburg-director/275-c400e22d-0412-4c44-be53-5c66b250035a

In our third segment, Michelle Boudin joins the program to discuss her report this week on the rise of co-working spaces in Charlotte. Even after the pandemic, people are returning to these spaces but businesses are finding a new way to be profitable and give remote workers a new space that isn't their home. STORY: https://www.wcnc.com/article/money/coworking-spaces-comeback-covid-19-pandemic/275-a05d5e87-56e6-4843-89e3-7a10aa5d804e

In segment two, Ben interviews WCNC Charlotte's Hunter Saenz about Charlotte City Council's vote on the controversial Future 2040 plan. Plus, we discuss the city's new budget and the upcoming decision about local elections and how it could cost a lot should they be held. 

Next, Nate Morabito joins Ben to discuss a controversial program that puts tablets in the hands of Mecklenburg County inmates. Not only do the inmate connect with their family, they're able to listen to music and watch movies. FULL STORY: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/investigations/mecklenburg-county-inmates-tablets-message-family-listen-to-music-and-watch-movies/275-14ccf9a6-74b0-4d17-9178-1a16c8c3aea7

In our last segment, Ben discusses Las Vegas Raiders player Carl Nassib, who came out as gay this past week. Ben shares his point of view and why Nassib's coming out could lead to more role models and influencers for young people struggling with their identity and sexuality. 

In our second segment, Ben is joined by Charlotte City Councilman Tariq Bokhari and Kyle Luebke, a local gay Republican, to discuss a non-discrimination ordinance that's being drafted by Charlotte Republicans. This conversation carries over into our third segment, with Ben asking Bokhari if Republicans should have been on board sooner and if this could become another "House Bill 2" controversy. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/nc-republicans-support-on-citys-non-discrimination-ordinance/275-eef1316d-c3bb-4b7d-bcba-40d191ba7536

For the latest political news from the Carolinas and all things Wake Up Charlotte, follow Ben Thompson on Twitter @Bentnews. Contact Ben Thompson at bthompson@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The city's current plan calls on a $4 to $6-billion investment from the federal government.

"We're in a position to capitalize on that enthusiasm I think, and we've done a lot of the groundwork to make sure we are ready," Egleston said.

But some question if the city, and region, are ready to compete against other states for those federal dollars. A delay in 2020 census data is likely forcing the postponement of a 1-cent sales tax referendum originally scheduled for the November ballot.  Another obstacle, consensus among the state and neighboring towns about the costs of a regional transit system.   

We're also joined by Charlotte City Councilmen Tariq Bokhari and Larken Egleston to get their point of view on Charlotte's transportation plan and whether the Silver Line rail system will become reality. That plan also includes streetcar, bike lanes and greenway. 

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/flashpoint-politics-charlotte-transit/275-f31da8b9-e7db-48a0-8603-622f0808ff6d

First, we're joined by City Council members Tariq Bokhari and Larken Egleston to discuss if the city will ever pass another non-discrimination ordinance after the fiasco that was House Bill 2 following Charlotte's first non-discrimination bill several years ago. The council members also discuss their upcoming votes on the controversial 2040 plan that has all of the city talking. 

Then in our second segment, Ben chats with Matt Comer, communications director for Charlotte Pride, about why LGBTQ citizens are calling on city leaders to implement a new non-discrimination order and why those protections are necessary. 

And then in our third segment, there's another issue dividing the county. Mecklenburg County leaders voted to withhold $56 million from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools until they provide a measurable plan that addresses inequities facing minority students. 

Watch FlashPoint every Sunday on WCNC Charlotte, immediately following Meet the Press! And for the latest Charlotte news and politics from North Carolina, follow Ben Thompson on social media, @Bentnews. 

Burr has a rock-solid reputation as a conservative leader in Washington and his accomplished career speaks for itself. Still, that vote was enough for the North Carolina Republican Party to censure him. Some county headquarters went as far as to ban him from their offices for going against the president. 

Ben Thompson interviews Michael Whatley, head of the NCGOP, to get his thoughts on Burr's vote and why he felt it was important to get the party in line. We also chat with Dan Berry, a Republican who has been in North Carolina's political game for years. Berry describes the situation as "a mess" and explains that even though he was a Trump elector, Sen. Burr has a right to vote in line with his beliefs. 

This is an interesting discussion for Republicans and Democrats, and says a lot about where American politics are today. For the latest political news from across the Carolinas, follow Ben Thompson on Twitter @Bentnews!

STORY: NCGOP votes to censure Burr after guilty vote in impeachment trial: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/richard-burr-north-carolina-republicans-censure-trump-impeachment/275-f32b597b-ec01-4665-a330-4e5c645f2c8f

Then, Ben Thompson talks with strategists from both sides of the political spectrum to get their perspective on the inauguration and what each party must do to convince voters they should take power in the 2022 midterm elections. 

Follow Ben Thompson on Twitter for the latest North Carolina and South Carolina political news, as well as regular updates and conversations from Wake Up Charlotte, WCNC Charlotte's weekly morning newscast. Find Ben on Twitter @Bentnews! 

"I'm talking about issues," McCrory said on this week's WCNC FlashPoint. 

The former Charlotte mayor and North Carolina governor weighed in on the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack and the subsequent panic-buying that followed in cities like Charlotte.  

McCrory was mayor in 2008 when the city saw its last big gas supply issue. At the time, a hurricane had stopped the output from oil refineries in the Gulf of Mexico.

McCrory also spoke about enhanced federal unemployment benefits and immigration during his interview. He said he'd prefer to focus on the issues and not the in-fighting between Republicans after top GOP leadership ousted Liz Cheney from her position over criticism of former President Donald Trump. 

KEEP READING: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/pat-mccrory-republican-shakeup-washington-us-senate-race-2022/275-7b8c6671-55c1-4ca0-9834-9f2ec0891da9

Dr. Michael Bitzer joins Ben Thompson for this week's episode. Bitzer is a professor of politics at Catawba College, and he says senatorial races in North Carolina draw a lot of national attention already, but a member of the Trump family possibly throwing her name in could shake things up.

Bitzer is also taking the temperature of the GOP, particularly involving anything with Liz Cheney. Cheney was one of only a handful of Republican legislators to vote in favor of impeaching former President Trump following the storming of Capitol Hill earlier in the year, and since then she's faced vitriol from the largely pro-Trump wing of the party at both the federal and state levels.

PLUS: WCNC Charlotte's Hunter Saenz paid attention to the latest information on COVID-19 in Mecklenburg County, and this week health leaders revealed they're planning for the long run in dealing with the virus. He breaks down the county's plans for staffing and making use of government funds as they plan for three years of virus response.

Get the latest Flashpoint episodes each week by subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts, and check out more about this story and more online: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/2022-north-carolina-senate-campaign-battleground-state-preview-michael-bitzer/275-d5d931af-9da3-44ce-a80e-7937ed5119c3

PLUS: We pivot back to the Queen City, where a question that continues to be asked has new answers popping up: what is Charlotte doing to expand access to affordable housing? Hunter Sáenz dives into a new development approved by the city council that could offer a solution, one housing advocates say is desperately needed.

Want the latest news from the Carolinas? Need to keep up with the major power players in business and politics? Download the WCNC Charlotte app for your device today, and check out wcnc.com for the latest news, weather, sports, and political updates you want.

Up first: Ben Thompson chats with David Kennedy about the housing boom Charlotte is seeing right now. Kennedy is the president of the Canopy Realtor Association, and he says that there's a lot to like about an active market, but notes there still needs to be work done to ensure housing discrimination is tackled properly.

Next: Ben chats with Colette Forrest,  a community activist here in Charlotte. She has concerns about how the active housing market is affecting historically Black neighborhoods. A key issue she says Black homeowners have to deal with are rising property taxes, which is especially an issue for newer homeowners who may have inherited a home from a relative who may look to sell along with elderly homeowners who could fall behind on those taxes.

Speaking of older homeowners, WCNC Charlotte is highlighting For The Struggle, a local nonprofit that's aiming to help those elderly homeowners in historically Black neighborhoods, specifically with a variety of programs for them. Bill McGinty details the work they're doing and how you can help.

All of that and more, this week on Flashpoint and online: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/charlotte-north-carolina-housing-market-boom/275-0d39178a-cf1e-488f-b212-007a2817c3b1

Up first: U.S. Representative Alma Adams, a North Carolina Democrat, has proposed a "Momnibus" bill, which has multiple bills rolled into it. The goal: to get Congress to address the inequities Black women face in healthcare, especially pregnant Black women. She relates to this personally; years ago, her daughter had a scare during pregnancy, and it felt like her family was up against a wall with doctors. We dive into the legislation package and what all it includes.

Next: Transgender rights are again being fought over in the North Carolina political arena, years after H.B. 2 brought with it national ire and major financial consequences to the state. But are companies who share pro-LGBTQ messages playing both sides of the fight with their donations? Judd Legum, a journalist in Washington, says they are, and shares his reporting on Flashpoint.

Speaking of H.B. 2: Ashley Daley catches up with Pat McCrory, former Charlotte mayor and former North Carolina governor. He's officially tossed his hat in to the Senate race for Richard Burr's soon-to-be-open seat. We discuss his hopes for politics, reflect on the so-called "bathroom bill", and more.

All of that is discussed on today's episode of Flashpoint with Ben Thompson. Find more online from WCNC Charlotte: https://www.wcnc.com/politics

Despite a long list of proposals in state capitols promising to secure our elections, the U.S. doesn't have a problem with election fraud, according to Dr. Scott Huffmon.

"This is a solution that can't quite find the real problem," said Huffmon, professor of politics at Winthrop University.

Huffmon also serves as the director of the Center for Public Opinion & Policy Research and the Winthrop Poll initiative.

"Our elections are secure," he said.
 

All of this and more online: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/flashpoint-elections-voting-rights-north-carolina-south-carolina-wcnc-politics-elections/275-0d5ebf43-c9aa-4a2e-ad64-44ee8fe8413b

PLUS: Charlotte city leaders discuss the city's plans for transit and what could come.

These stories and more, online: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/flashpoint-politics-charlotte-transit/275-f31da8b9-e7db-48a0-8603-622f0808ff6d

Dr. Raynard Washington, the deputy director of the Mecklenburg County Health Department, said his office continues to closely watch the numbers.  There's been a recent plateau in downward progress.

In the meantime, the county is getting more vaccines than expected from the state, and it's moving through prioritization groups at a quicker pace.  At this rate, the vaccine will available to all adults in Mecklenburg County by the end of April, Washington estimates. 

The full story, and much more, is online: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/flashpoint-covid-optimism-charlotte-public-health/275-c3a399ca-07fa-4988-a257-e9a221428e07

Policy 2.1, under the Neighborhood Diversity & Inclusion section, calls for allowing "duplex and triplex housing units on all lots where single-family housing is allowed." Currently, 84% of Charlotte is zoned for single-family housing. 

"We have an equity issue," said Democrat Sam Spencer, who is chair of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission.

Spencer says the 2040 plan strengthens struggling neighborhoods. 

"This doesn't eliminate single-family zoning," Spencer said. "If you're a small-time developer, or a homeowner, or a landowner, you get the choice of what kind of housing types you want to build in your neighborhood."

MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/charlotte-city-leaders-future-2040-growth-plan-affordable-housing-crisis-solution/275-7384c557-8c4e-4cd0-850e-e06dabb46629

Our third guest this week is the new chairwoman of the North Carolina Democratic Party, Dr. Bobby Richardson. She's the first African-American woman to hold the position, and talks about where the Democratic party is headed the next two years as they try to gain more representation in the 2022 elections. 

Plus, we discuss efforts to make Charlotte more inclusive for LGBTQ citizens and protections local leaders are considering as the state's ban on local ordinances has expired. 

Then we're joined by Charlotte City Councilmen Larken Egleston and Tariq Bokhari for a roundtable discussion about WCNC's report on Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police still arresting low-level drug offenders despite the district attorney's decision to not pursue the cases. We also discuss how Charlotte's economy is faring one year after the state's first COVID-19 case. 

In case you hadn't heard, Charlotte received over 100 inquiries for the at-large city council seat. Egleston and Bokhari break down the process of getting a new councilmember and their plans for the future in the Queen City. 

Topics on this week's program include Charlotte's biggest obstacles entering 2021, as well as renaming streets that are named after Confederate generals and white supremacists. Is the matter of renaming streets worth considering during the pandemic? 

In 2017, Charlotte and North Carolina became the epicenter of American politics with the controversial House Bill 2. When the bill was repealed, a section in the law barred local governments from enacting or amending non-discrimination ordinances regulating private businesses until Dec. 1, 2020. Now that the ban has expired, will Charlotte look to pass another non-discrimination ordinance? If so, how can they keep the city's desires from becoming another disaster that leads to state intervention? 

The Silver Line light rail extension has been the talk of Charlotte transportation plans for years. The proposal would create a new rail line from Charlotte Douglas International Airport to Matthews on the southeast end of Independence Boulevard. But how would it be paid for? Larken and Tariq discuss the city's options and where they could go to find the money for the huge project. 

Charlotte City Council members Larken Egleston and Tariq Bokhari discuss how Charlotte can avoid another House Bill 2 disaster now that the bill's ban on local ordinances has expired. 

Plus, we take a look at the new transportation plan Charlotte leaders are hoping to approve and how it would be paid for. And speaking of getting around Charlotte, city leaders are considering changing the names of streets that are named after Confederate generals and white supremacists. Is this issue big enough to tackle in 2021? 

On this week's show, Ben Thompson is joined by Michael Dickerson, director of the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections, who explains the absentee ballot counting process and what poll workers have to do in order to accurately count every vote. We also discuss how provisional ballots cast by those who requested an absentee ballot could impact the total count. 

Then we're joined by Davidson College political science professor Susan Roberts, who pulls out her crystal ball to predict where Democrats and Republicans go from here, what lessons can be learned from the 2020 election and how Democrats can pick up voters in Republican strongholds. Winthrop University political science professor Scott Huffmon then breaks down what we can learn from 2020 polling and if claims about inaccurate polls have a leg to stand on. 

Finally, Ben shares new information from the Department of Health and Human Services that shows us why COVID-19 won't "magically disappear" despite claims from President Donald Trump that we were turning a corner. 

Ben Thompson is joined by Catawba College political science professor, Dr. Michael Bitzer, who breaks down voter turnout, record early voting and what we can expect after the election and why we won't have the "official" results for several days or weeks. 

Then we're joined by Winthrop University's Dr. Scott Huffmon, who has the inside track on the South Carolina Senate race between Lindsey Graham and Jaime Harrison. Dr. Huffmon also tells us what we can expect in South Carolina during the overall election. 

Dr. Susan Roberts, a political science professor at Davidson College, also joins the show to discuss the tight Senate race between Republican Thom Tillis and Democratic challenger Cal Cunningham. Dr. Roberts also analyzes the race for North Carolina governor and a general outlook on North Carolina politics heading into the contentious election.

All this, plus Ben has some Election Day tips before you head to the polls and cast a ballot. 

Ben Thompson examines why North Carolina is so important to both candidates. And we get an idea of why so many campaign ads are featured on our TVs. 

Ashley Daley joins the show to recap Cal Cunningham's extramarital affair and questions about his credibility in North Carolina's Senate race. Then we head south of the state line where Jaime Harrison and Lindsey Graham are in an extremely tight Senate race. 

Plus, we explain the electoral college, why it exists and answer your questions about absentee ballots, mail-in voting and early voting in the Carolinas. 

Plus, we hear from three election experts who tell us how to protect your vote and keep your ballot legitimate if you plan to vote absentee. Then, Dr. Michael Bitzer, a political science professor at Catawba College, joins the FlashPoint to break down just how competitive North Carolina is and he explains why the Tar Heel State is a microcosm of what we're seeing across the country when it comes to partisan alignment. Finally, an election attorney joins Ben to tell us why it could be mid-December before the presidential election results are finalized and we have a winner. And based on his experience with the infamous Florida recount of 2000, what we see in 2020 could make that a walk in the park. 

Join the conversation on social media! Follow Flashpoint on Twitter @FlashpointWCNC and tell us who you'd like to see on the show! Flashpoint airs every Sunday morning at 11 a.m. ET on WCNC Charlotte. 

In our third segment, Catawba College political science professor Michael Bitzer analyzes the DNC, breaks down what it's like to teach during a pandemic and updates the influx of absentee ballot requests in North Carolina. Bitzer's analysis really drives home the point on how the Postal Service controversy could help swing the election in many states. 

Ben is also joined by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police spokesman Rob Tufano to discuss how Charlotte's law enforcement division will fight violent crime in the future. Tufano also pleads for the community to join officers in helping stop violent crime in their neighborhoods as Charlotte is on pace for more homicides than 2019's tragic mark. 

FlashPoint airs every Sunday at 11 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte.