Staff Writer
Staff writer for Mercury Local covering government, elections, public safety, and development across multiple publications. Beckett has filed more than 600 stories on local policy, crime, zoning, and civic accountability in Connecticut and the Carolinas.
Kon Knueppel made his 261st three-pointer to break Kemba Walker's Charlotte Hornets franchise record in a 127-107 rout of the Phoenix Suns. Miles Bridges led with 25 points as Charlotte improved to 41
Apr 3, 2026
Charlotte FC are 2-1-2 through five matches with eight points and third in the Eastern Conference. Pep Biel has four goals from midfield, the 6-1 Red Bulls rout set a club record, and Wilfried Zaha's
Apr 1, 2026
The Panthers committed $165 million to edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd before the free agency negotiating period was 24 hours old. With Derrick Brown, Nic Scourton, and Jaycee H
Apr 1, 2026
Brandon Miller scored 25 points on 7-of-13 shooting as the Hornets routed the Nets 117-86 at Barclays Center, snapping a two-game losing streak. Charlotte moves to 40-36, tied with Miami in the play-i
Apr 1, 2026
The Checkers are 39-21-5, locked into third in the Atlantic with home ice secured, and closing the regular season with seven consecutive home games at Bojangles Coliseum. The defending Eastern Confere
Apr 1, 2026
The Family and Community Engagement Ad Hoc Committee is drafting the district's first standalone family engagement policy — and discovered there are no written rules for how board members use district
Mar 31, 2026
Charlotte went 12-for-43 from three against a Boston team missing Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. Jayson Tatum scored a season-high 32 as the Celtics won 114-99. The Hornets drop to 39-36 with seven g
Mar 30, 2026
Charlotte swept Durham with a 19-2 blowout, an extra-innings walk-off, and a ninth-inning walk-off. The pitching staff allowed six runs in 29 innings behind top prospects Hagen Smith and Noah Schultz.
Mar 30, 2026
Charlotte blows a 13-point second-half lead as Joel Embiid scores 29 and blocks Brandon Miller's potential game-tying three. The 76ers walk out of Spectrum Center with a 118-114 win that snaps the Hor
Mar 29, 2026
Mecklenburg County voters approved a one-cent sales tax increase in November 2025. The PAVE Act splits the revenue 40/40/20 between roads, rail, and bus service — generating roughly $490 million annua
Mar 28, 2026
Charlotte Gateway Station has $80 million in completed rail infrastructure and no station building. Phase 1 is done. Phase 2 has no start date. Here is why the project stalled — and how the MPTA may f
Mar 28, 2026
Charlotte City Council approved $25 million for Bojangles Coliseum HVAC repairs. Two days later, the Checkers clinched their eighth consecutive Calder Cup Playoffs berth. The 70-year-old building and
Mar 28, 2026
The Charlotte Knights opened the 2026 International League season with a 19-2 demolition of the Durham Bulls at Truist Field. Six home runs, 11 runs in the fourth inning, and dominant pitching from Wh
Mar 28, 2026
The Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA) is Charlotte's new regional transit authority, created after voters approved a half-cent sales tax in November 2025. It assumes control of CATS
Mar 28, 2026
Ricky Robbins, the CMPD sergeant who came within 2,717 votes of unseating Garry McFadden in the March primary, starts as Mecklenburg County's chief deputy on April 1. The last two people who held the
Mar 27, 2026
Kon Knueppel scores 26 with six threes as Charlotte snaps New York's seven-game winning streak, pulling into a tie for eighth in the Eastern Conference with five straight wins.
Mar 27, 2026
Elaine Powell, District 1 commissioner on the Mecklenburg BOCC, will not seek a fifth term after more than 30 years of public service. She chairs the Environmental Stewardship Committee. Her seat open
Mar 27, 2026
George Dunlap, who has represented District 3 on the Mecklenburg BOCC for 17 consecutive years, was elected NACo First Vice President in July 2025 and is ascending to the presidency. The large urban c
Mar 27, 2026
Joel Embiid returned from a 13-game absence and dropped 35 on the Bulls. Saturday he brings the 76ers to Spectrum Center with the play-in on the line. One game separates Charlotte from the seventh see
Mar 26, 2026
Commission Chair Mark Jerrell delivered his 2026 State of the County address, covering $390 million in new economic development projects, $334.6 million in housing investments since 2018, a record MEC
Mar 26, 2026
The Charlotte Hornets routed the Sacramento Kings 134-90, tying a franchise record with 26 three-pointers and extending their winning streak to four games. LaMelo Ball passed Dell Curry for second on
Mar 26, 2026
Mecklenburg County's $64.5 million Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center drew fewer than 150 visitors per day in its first eight months. Three commissioners now want to rethink the half-billio
Mar 25, 2026
Mecklenburg County's CFO recommended shifting one cent of the property tax rate — roughly $30 million per year — from the capital improvement plan to operating, triggering a full pause on the five-yea
Mar 25, 2026
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is asking Mecklenburg County for $698.6 million to fund a $1.97 billion operating budget — including a fourth consecutive 5% teacher supplement increase — while North Car
Mar 25, 2026
The Charlotte Knights open their 2026 season Friday at Truist Field against the Durham Bulls. First pitch is 7:04 p.m. Here is what to know before you go.
Mar 25, 2026
Charlotte enters Tuesday at 37-34, one game out of the 8th seed, with Philadelphia and Boston both on the schedule before March ends. The math is workable. The question is whether the Hornets can hold
Mar 24, 2026
Charlotte City Council approved the Crosland Southeast affordable housing project 6-4 at the March 23 zoning meeting. The four no votes came from council members who champion equity — arguing East Cha
Mar 24, 2026
City staff proposed cutting Charlotte's affordable housing bond from $100 million to $50 million in the FY2027 budget. Council members from across the dais rejected the number, with Mayfield requestin
Mar 23, 2026
At Monday's FY2027 budget workshop, Council Members Anderson and Graham pushed for a Gateway Station progress update and connected it to the stalled CTC redevelopment and the former EpiCentre. With PA
Mar 23, 2026
The Checkers swept Lehigh Valley twice at Bojangles Coliseum. Charlotte FC set a franchise record with six goals against the Red Bulls. The Hornets blew out Memphis. Here is where Charlotte's teams st
Mar 23, 2026
Hendrick Motorsports wants to rezone 22 acres near Charlotte Motor Speedway for manufacturing and fabrication. The expansion would grow the largest NASCAR campus in America. Here is what is being prop
Mar 20, 2026
Dan Morgan spent $165 million on defense and filled the center hole with Luke Fortner. Every Panthers signing, trade, and departure this offseason — tracked and analyzed. Updated March 22.
Mar 20, 2026
Charlotte FC returns Wilfried Zaha and permanently signs Pep Biel after a record-setting 2025 season. Three straight playoff appearances and the best roster in club history. Here is everything you nee
Mar 20, 2026
Opening Day is March 27 at Truist Field. The Charlotte Knights open against Durham with one of the most prospect-loaded rosters in years — Noah Schultz, Hagen Smith, Tanner McDougal, and more White So
Mar 20, 2026
Charlotte is home to an AHL hockey team and most people don't know it. The Charlotte Checkers — affiliate of the Florida Panthers — play at Bojangles Coliseum, won the Calder Cup in 2019, and are one
Mar 20, 2026
The Charlotte Hornets are 37-34 and fighting for a play-in spot — their first postseason appearance since 2016. Updated after the March 21 blowout win over Memphis. Here is where they stand, what has
Mar 20, 2026
The state ranks first for business and last in school funding. On Tuesday night, Mecklenburg's board said both things out loud.
Mar 19, 2026
A CMS teacher brought documented facts and a specific ask to the Mecklenburg County Board. The board did not respond. Three hours later, four commissioners said the same things he'd said — to each oth
Mar 19, 2026
The state is ranked first for business. Four commissioners spent the end of a long meeting sitting with what that means for public schools.
Mar 19, 2026
A 23-vote margin in the NC Senate District 26 Republican primary has triggered a recount that could reshape leadership in Raleigh and ripple into Charlotte policy.
Mar 18, 2026
Charlotte City Council spent Q1 2026 juggling a razor-thin budget, a toll lane revolt, affordable housing policy, and a transit authority handoff with a July deadline.
Mar 15, 2026
A quiet UDO change lets farmers markets operate by right in Charlotte's industrial zones — and at least one council member says that's the whole point.
Feb 18, 2026
New CMPD Chief Stella Patterson told state legislators violent crime is down 29% in Charlotte, but residents still feel unsafe. Bridging that gap defines her first 90 days on the job.
Feb 10, 2026
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools voted unanimously to convert two early release days into full school days after winter storms disrupted eight consecutive days of instruction.
Feb 7, 2026
CMS leaders outlined 3–5 reading progress targets, named new school leaders, and launched a community survey for two 2027–28 calendar options after a virtual Board meeting.
Jan 28, 2026
Governor endorses challenger to 7-term Charlotte incumbent who votes with GOP 84% of time. March 3 primary will decide whether Democrats can restore veto power.
Jan 27, 2026
Tariq Bokhari and Larken Egleston will lead The Southern Group's new Charlotte office, arguing the city's business community needs steadier influence in Raleigh.
Jan 23, 2026
Council approved $4.3M for a new transit authority start-up and major infrastructure contracts, while deferring a Gateway Station parking lease and a Norland Road path item.
Jan 17, 2026
A holiday meeting turns serious fast: homelessness strategy shifts, Atrium's housing claims, board appointments, and a divided vote on a SoFi incentive package.
Dec 17, 2025
Charlotte's last zoning meeting mixed holiday cheer with hard votes on displacement, traffic, TOD, and school crowding. Here is what passed, what failed, and why it matters.
Dec 16, 2025
Charlotte should slow down. We can condemn alleged crimes without destroying innocent people or local businesses. Due process, context, and fairness still matter.
Dec 12, 2025
When the city is facing a real crisis of confidence in its transit system, a $3.4 million marketing contract for an out-of-state agency isn't just tone-deaf. It's the civic equivalent of leaving your
Dec 9, 2025
On swearing-in night, a failed motion for one Mayor Pro Tem and a 9–3 vote for another gave Charlotte its first look at how this new City Council may sort itself into factions.
Dec 9, 2025
Scout Motors picked Charlotte's Plaza Midwood for its U.S. hub, promising 1,200 high-wage jobs and $200 million in investment in exchange for performance-based public incentives.
Dec 3, 2025
North Carolina's 2026 election cycle officially began at noon on Dec. 1 as candidate filing opened statewide. Here's what Charlotte residents should know before the Dec. 19 deadline.
Dec 3, 2025
Charlotte's new Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority will control nearly twenty billion dollars in transit and road spending. Here is who appoints its 27 members, who is already in the seats,
Nov 20, 2025
In a night soaked in fear, anger, and public distrust, Mecklenburg's commissioners confronted Border Patrol tactics, Atrium's broken promises, and the unraveling of public patience.
Nov 20, 2025
Charlotte City Council confirmed four new members to the long-anticipated Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority board after a multi-day interview marathon.
Nov 18, 2025
Mecklenburg County voters approved a landmark transit tax, re‑elected Mayor Vi Lyles, and delivered a clean sweep for Democrats on the council and school board in Charlotte's 2025 municipal election.
Nov 6, 2025
A sharp, slow-journalism review of SNL's Nov. 1 episode: an inventive cold open and witty Weekend Update carry a lackluster night. We break it down for Charlotte—with a wink toward our "Poll Dance 202
Nov 3, 2025
Federal shutdown hits day 34 as Charlotte votes on $19B transit tax. How Washington chaos, Raleigh redistricting, and local politics collide three weeks before Election Day.
Nov 2, 2025
WFAE and the League of Women Voters hosted a CMS board forum. Candidates for Districts 1–6 outlined views on achievement, funding, communications, immigration policy, teacher retention, and district n
Oct 28, 2025
Wells Fargo's last fake‑accounts case ends with a $0 fine for a former executive, drawing outrage from a Charlotte writer duped by the bank. Is this justice for millions affected?
Oct 24, 2025
Dozens of America's most powerful companies and billionaires are bankrolling President Trump's $300 million White House ballroom — a project built on influence as much as marble.
Oct 23, 2025
NC lawmakers end session with no budget deal — leaving Medicaid cuts, teacher raises, and tax plans in limbo as House and Senate trade blame and head home.
Oct 22, 2025
North Carolina's House finally found bipartisan harmony — in calling for one of its own to resign. A rare moment of agreement in a chamber better known for food fights.
Oct 21, 2025
SNL's Oct. 18 episode put pop over politics: a "Domingo" cold open, tight staging, a brief mic glitch, and "Nobody's Son" with an uncensored lyric on many feeds.
Oct 20, 2025
Early voting is open in Mecklenburg. What is on the ballot, how same-day registration works, what the transit tax funds, and how NC secures your vote, plus links to our 2025 race guides.
Oct 20, 2025
CMPD says crime fell through September, yet Uptown's high-profile incidents keep fear high. We examine the numbers, the nightlife strategy, and the gap between data and trust in Charlotte.
Oct 16, 2025
Council advanced stadium financing steps, leased a lay-down yard, and cleared a 4,400-seat, privately funded performance venue. No money moves until contracts are finalized and approvals are received.
Oct 14, 2025
Charlotte considers a 62-room non-congregate shelter with on-site care and a faith-based transitional campus. The council seeks guaranteed access to outreach, clear metrics, and contract guardrails.
Oct 14, 2025
A $3 million federal safety plan sparked a bigger question at City Council: should Charlotte keep paying consultants, or rebuild in-house capacity to deliver projects and keep the know-how.
Oct 14, 2025
SNL's 50th-birthday show was fine. Amy Poehler was better. One killer fake-ad and a buzzy Update reunion kept a wobbly night upright.
Oct 13, 2025
Federal shutdown hits Day 12, Charlotte debates National Guard deployment, and November elections loom. Here's what voters need to know—and do—right now.
Oct 12, 2025
Permits for Parcel E and below I-277 nudge Iron District into site work, with 278 apartments, new retail, structured parking, and a set-aside for a future light-rail station.
Oct 9, 2025
Charlotte's police union asks leaders to request National Guard troops after a string of homicides and staffing shortages; officials push back, citing crime reductions and new transit patrols.
Oct 8, 2025
Charlotte's FOP requested National Guard help while cutting teacher positions. A homicide, missing teen, and billionaire-funded venues reveal what the city values—and what it doesn't.
Oct 7, 2025
At the Tuesday Forum, Vi Lyles and Rob Yates split on transit tax, converged on community policing, and faced Charlotte's hardest fact: thousands of CMS students are without stable housing.
Oct 5, 2025
Panthers take a 42–13 bruise in Foxborough as Chuba Hubbard sits and Rico Dowdle steps up, Charlotte FC banks a 1–0 road win after two D.C. reds, the Hornets preach leadership, and the ROVAL goes gree
Oct 5, 2025
Charlotte's next 10 days decide zoning, preservation, transit, and ballot logistics. Here's what to watch, how to attend, and why it matters.
Oct 3, 2025
Council aligned the MPTA appointment timeline with partner schedules and swapped a hard category rule for "encouraged," after recusing one member. Here is what changes on Nov. 6, 12‑15, 17, and 24.
Oct 2, 2025
CATS cut armed security to 39 posts while spending exceeded $49M. We trace the contracts, staffing gaps, and what that means for riders and 2025 voters.
Oct 1, 2025
A plain-English guide to field hearings: how they work, why Charlotte was chosen, and what happens to the testimony after the cameras leave.
Sep 29, 2025
A House field hearing in uptown Charlotte put grief, policy, and statistics on the record as witnesses and lawmakers sparred over bail, court delays, and what the numbers mean.
Sep 29, 2025
A House Judiciary field hearing on violent crime brought national lawmakers to Charlotte. We unpack what happened, why it matters for Iryna's Law, and how local families shaped the narrative.
Sep 29, 2025
Your week in Charlotte civics: BOA variances, ADA training, JCPC, BOCC intergov, CRTPO, ballots begin mailing, a civic summit, and a school board forum. Show up, speak up, vote smart.
Sep 28, 2025
A tiny unincorporated wedge south of Pineville is holding up rezonings. The county's new policy map keeps most of it single-family and unlocks a clear path: draft Oct 21, hearing Nov 5.
Sep 26, 2025
Charlotte Council will consider adopting the Charlotte Future 2040 Community Area Plans and a Revised Policy Map, capping a multi-year process with broad engagement and a 7–0 recommendation.
Sep 22, 2025
The state auditor urges Charlotte to enter the $305,000 CMPD settlement into public minutes and to consider using the Risk Management Fund instead of the General Fund.
Sep 12, 2025
SNL's Season 51 premiere cut the noise and let the lines breathe, with clean endings, character heat, and two sharp Doja Cat performances that punctuated rather than paused.
Sep 12, 2025
Joi Mayo ousts Tiawana Brown in District 3, District 5 heads toward a recount, and safety on Charlotte Blue Line becomes a central test for November.
Sep 10, 2025
District 5 is a cliffhanger. With 26 of 30 precincts in, J.D. Mazuera Arias leads Marjorie Molina 2,712 to 2,679. Four precincts remain. Margin 33 votes, about 0.61 percent. Unofficial.
Sep 10, 2025
A respectful, unblinking look at Iryna Zarutska's killing on the Blue Line—what happened, what changed, and what Charlotte must fix if riders are going to trust transit again.
Sep 9, 2025
