Local News Roundup: I-77 project's environmental impact, former EpiCentre set to hit Market, Queens University is going dancing

Behind in the vote totals, North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger files four election protests, CMS doesn’t plan to use makeup days for this year’s weather events so far, and Queens University prepares to take on Purdue in the NCAA Tournament.

Across North Carolina’s public universities and some private campuses, diversity, equity and inclusion programs are undergoing a major overhaul. We shed light on how these policy changes are playing out in North Carolina, how students and faculty are responding, and what this dismantling of DEI efforts may mean for the future of higher education in the state.

With the North Carolina primary over and done, get ready for the campaign leading to November. Get ready for a blizzard of advertising, particularly in the race for U.S. Senate. It is likely to be the most expensive Senate race in the country, with about half a billion dollars expected to be spent. In a world where people are entrenched in their ideologies, how do you convincingly use that money?

On the next Charlotte Talks, we look at Waymo’s self-driving cars, which will soon be operating on Charlotte’s streets. Because this technology is so new — and to some, a bit “spooky” — we’ll talk about how the cars operate, how to use them and how safe they are. Some say autonomous vehicles are actually safer than human-driven cars, but there have been issues. We’ll examine the technology, Waymo’s track record and more.

Dell Curry is widely considered the figure most synonymous with the Charlotte Hornets’ history. His legacy is cemented by his 10-year playing career, franchise-leading statistics and more than a decade as a team broadcaster. He sits down with us.

A study reveals several parks and greenways would be impacted by the proposed I-77 toll lanes, the former EpiCentre uptown is set to go up for sale, Sam Page widens his lead over North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger, and Queens University Men’s basketball is going to the Big Dance.

On this Charlotte Talks, we discuss the successful fight for women’s suffrage — the right to vote. We look at the history of the movement and the Broadway musical that celebrates it.

More than a year into his term, North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek says he’s working to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse in state government. New laws have expanded the auditor’s investigative powers and even given the office a role in shaping election oversight. Boliek joins to discuss his approach to accountability, his growing authority and what it could mean for transparency and governance in North Carolina.

We’ve assembled a panel of gardening experts to tackle all your spring gardening questions. Write us throughout the show at [email protected] with “gardening” in the subject line.

The I-77 toll project has been the center of a contentious debate. We hear from officials and stakeholders about where the project stands and what comes next.