Bylines
Overdose & Addiction
Logan McAdams, a well-known tattoo artist in the NoDa area of Charlotte, overdosed on fentanyl in 2022. Months later, the medical examiner’s office mistakenly gave his mother the bag of fentanyl that killed him.
Advocates in North Carolina say the state’s Good Samaritan Law is behind the times and because of this, some who witness overdoses are afraid to call 911.
The waitlist for drug abuse counseling in the Mecklenburg County Jail is so long that some who need treatment may never receive it.
Abortion
A member of the famous Jane Collective recounts how she helped women obtain abortions before Roe V. Wade, and what she plans to do now that the historic ruling was struck down.
Charlotte reacts to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
TextAbby, a free, confidential textline operated by advocates, helps teens to obtain parental notification waivers when they need to obtain an abortion without parental consent in both of the Carolinas.
Criminal Justice
A witness in the Mecklenburg County Jail recounts the last moments Bryon Miller was alive, and says he may have died due to a lack of medical attention.
Deborah Ana Jackson, a single mother to three girls, was killed by her former romantic partner after she tried to kick him out of her home.
The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled mostly in favor of an appeal from the girlfriend of a man who was shot and killed by police in his North Carolina home in 2017. This vacated a lower court's decision that claimed the officer was justified under qualified immunity.
A look inside Charlotte’s only hospital equipped to treat child victims of gun violence.
Black drivers in the small town of Herrin Illinois are twice as likely to be pulled over by police. Additionally, police are benefiting from the towing fees of those they cite.
Juvenile Justice
Two teenagers who are developmentally delayed, were stopped by police while riding their bikes home in Gastonia, North Carolina. What happened next has left them traumatized and criminally charged.
A group of Charlotte mothers have formed their own support group, and found community as they learn to cope with having a son behind bars.
If the Mecklenburg Juvenile Detention Center closes its doors, teens will be moved hours away from their families and will lose access to valuable resources.
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How the Juvenile Detention Center’s closure is impacting Charlotte families.
Environmental Justice
A small village in Illinois is facing environmental and health concerns after fire and toxic foam ravaged a nearby coal plant in Franklin County.
Two advocacy organizations intend to sue Sugar Camp coal plant.
Moderation
I had the privilege of moderating a discussion among prominent leaders and reporters within the journalism community, focusing on best practices for reporting on trans communities. During this session, speakers Gina Chua, Graph Massara, and Kate Sosin articulated valuable critiques and identified common pitfalls that have marred past reporting on the community. They also provided insightful guidance on how journalists can improve their reporting moving forward.