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The Charlotte Mercury
@cltmercury.com
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Privacy-first local news for Charlotte. We publish less so you know more—votes, budgets, buses, zoning. No trackers. No clickbait. Just answers. Be the Answer. cltmercury.com
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cltmercury.com
I wrote this because Charlotte keeps outsourcing problems.
CATS doesn’t need a $3.4M campaign — it needs trust, safety, and common sense.

My latest for @CLTMercury ⬇️
cltmercury.com/cats-hires-...

If we don’t believe in our own city’s talent, who will? #WeAreCharlotte
CATS hires an out-of-state firm to tell us what we apparently don’t know ourselves.
Join us as we discuss the City Council meeting and the controversial $3.4 million marketing contract for CATS services.
cltmercury.com
December 9, 2025 at 9:18 PM
cltmercury.com
Attention is expensive. So is apathy.

Our latest column takes a Texas pizza bankruptcy, peels back the syndication machine behind it, and explains why @cltmercury is building a slow, privacy-first alternative in Charlotte.

Read here:
cltmercury.com/old-pizza-o...
Old Pizza, Old Media: Why The Charlotte Mercury Will Not Serve This Slice Of “News”
A Texas pizza franchise’s bankruptcy just ran as “Charlotte business news.” Here is why that old attention-merchant model is breaking down and what The Charlotte Mercury is doing instead.
cltmercury.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:50 AM
cltmercury.com
A Texas pizza franchise’s bankruptcy showed up as “Charlotte business news” on a legacy site. We wrote about why that’s the old model—and why we won’t serve leftover syndication as local coverage.

👉 cltmercury.com/old-pizza-o...

#Charlotte #CLTNews
Old Pizza, Old Media: Why The Charlotte Mercury Will Not Serve This Slice Of “News”
A Texas pizza franchise’s bankruptcy just ran as “Charlotte business news.” Here is why that old attention-merchant model is breaking down and what The Charlotte Mercury is doing instead.
cltmercury.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:00 PM
cltmercury.com
Big tech, crypto, and tobacco money are paying for President Trump’s $300 million White House ballroom — Amazon, Meta, Coinbase, Ripple, the Winklevoss twins, and more.

Our full breakdown of who’s buying a seat at the chandelier:
👉 cltmercury.com/corporate-a...
Corporate and Crypto Donors Bankroll Trump’s $300 Million White House Ballroom ‣ CLT Mercury
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.
cltmercury.com
October 23, 2025 at 4:38 PM
cltmercury.com
Violent crime ↓ 20%
Homicides ↓ 24%
Trust? Still loading…
Read the story CMPD would call “transparent” and Twitter would call “🤨.”
☕ cltmercury.com/charlotte-c...

#Charlotte #CLTNews #LastToFirst
Charlotte crime down, Uptown concern up ‣ CLT Mercury
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.
cltmercury.com
October 22, 2025 at 9:00 PM
cltmercury.com
Do you feel safer in Charlotte than last year?
The stats say yes.
Uptown’s mood says no.
Read why perception is the hardest crime to solve.
🔗 cltmercury.com/charlotte-c...

#Charlotte #CLTNews
Charlotte crime down, Uptown concern up ‣ CLT Mercury
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.
cltmercury.com
October 21, 2025 at 9:00 PM
cltmercury.com
CMPD says crime is falling.
Uptown’s group chats say otherwise.
Numbers vs. nerves, in one chart-free story worth your coffee.
📊 cltmercury.com/charlotte-c...

#Charlotte #CLT #PublicSafety
Charlotte crime down, Uptown concern up ‣ CLT Mercury
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.
cltmercury.com
October 17, 2025 at 9:00 PM
cltmercury.com
Early voting starts Wednesday. Federal shutdown hits Day 12. Charlotte debates the presence of the National Guard on our streets. And you've got a mayor, city council, and a $25B transit tax to decide on.

cltmercury.com/charlotte-v...
Charlotte Voter Guide 2025: Federal Shutdown, Crime Debate, and November Ballot Breakdown ‣ CLT Mercury
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.
cltmercury.com
October 17, 2025 at 4:00 PM
cltmercury.com
Charlotte crime is down 8% citywide, and violent crime is down 20%.
So why does Uptown still feel uneasy?
Our latest digs into CMPD’s data—and the public perception gap.
👉 cltmercury.com/charlotte-c...

#Charlotte #CLTNews #PublicSafety
Charlotte crime down, Uptown concern up ‣ CLT Mercury
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.
cltmercury.com
October 16, 2025 at 9:00 PM
cltmercury.com
A routine $3 million safety contract turned into a bigger debate about outsourcing versus building city capacity. A public commenter cited NY’s cost overruns, and council members flagged the need to look in‑house. Learn what’s at stake—and what’s not—in our coverage: cltmercury.com/outsourcing...
Outsourcing Charlotte: Council Weighs Consultants vs. In-House Capacity After $3M Safety Plan ‣ CLT Mercury
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.
cltmercury.com
October 16, 2025 at 4:00 PM
cltmercury.com
$25 billion. 30 years. 1% sales tax.
Charlotte's transit referendum was always a contentious issue. Then the Blue Line murder happened.
Now voters must decide: fund a system they're afraid to ride, or vote no and...what?
Plan B doesn't exist.
cltmercury.com/charlotte-a...
#CLTVotes #CATS
Charlotte at the Ballot Box: When Crime Becomes Currency ‣ CLT Mercury
When Tragedy Meets Timing Three weeks before one of Charlotte's most consequential elections in a decade, a murder on the Blue Line has become the story that won't let go—and shouldn't. But somewhere between Iryna Zarutska's death and the November 4 ballot, her tragedy has been transformed into campaign currency,…
cltmercury.com
October 15, 2025 at 9:00 PM
cltmercury.com
Iryna Zarutska survived Russia's war, worked at a pizzeria, studied at community college, and dreamed of becoming a veterinary assistant.
She was killed on the Blue Line by someone the system cycled through 14 times without intervention.

cltmercury.com/charlotte-a...
Charlotte at the Ballot Box: When Crime Becomes Currency ‣ CLT Mercury
When Tragedy Meets Timing Three weeks before one of Charlotte's most consequential elections in a decade, a murder on the Blue Line has become the story that won't let go—and shouldn't. But somewhere between Iryna Zarutska's death and the November 4 ballot, her tragedy has been transformed into campaign currency,…
cltmercury.com
October 15, 2025 at 4:00 PM
cltmercury.com
Council tackled homelessness with two proposals: a 62‑room hotel conversion with on‑site care and a faith‑based Dream Center campus
Members asked for metrics, street‑outreach quotas, and why it matters. Read it here: cltmercury.com/sheltering-...
#WeAreCharlotte
Sheltering Dignity: Charlotte’s Non-Congregate Shelter Plan, Metrics, and Guardrails ‣ CLT Mercury
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.
cltmercury.com
October 14, 2025 at 9:00 PM
cltmercury.com
Stadium Votes
Everyone’s talking about stadium votes—here’s what actually passed. Council OK’d a procedural bond step, leased a lay‑down yard, and green‑lit a privately funded 4,400‑seat hall. No public money in the venue, ➡️ cltmercury.com/what-charlo...
#LastToFirst
What Charlotte Council Actually Approved: Stadium Bonds, Lay-Down Lease, and a 4,400-Seat Performance Venue ‣ CLT Mercury
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.
cltmercury.com
October 14, 2025 at 5:44 PM
cltmercury.com
Key Dates — Election 2025
Miss early voting, and you’re letting one in eight decide for eight in eight. We built Mercury to close that info gap—so set your reminders and show up. #LastToFirst
cltmercury.com/election-20...
Key Dates & Voter Information: 2025 Charlotte Election - The Charlotte Mercury
Key Dates — Charlotte 2025 (Elections, Deadlines & Civic To-Dos) We keep the dates. You do the democracy. Welcome to Poll Dance 2025—our mildly snarky guide to when things actually happen in Charlotte this year. Quick links: Home · News · Politics · Special coverage: Poll Dance 2025 → Last…
cltmercury.com
October 14, 2025 at 5:03 PM
cltmercury.com
If Decarlos Brown had 14 arrests and documented mental illness, what specifically failed?
Prosecution? Judges? Mental health courts? All of the above?
Charlotte votes in 3 weeks. We're asking the hard questions about what comes after outrage.
cltmercury.com/charlotte-a...
#Charlotte #CLTNews
Charlotte at the Ballot Box: When Crime Becomes Currency ‣ CLT Mercury
When Tragedy Meets Timing Three weeks before one of Charlotte's most consequential elections in a decade, a murder on the Blue Line has become the story that won't let go—and shouldn't. But somewhere between Iryna Zarutska's death and the November 4 ballot, her tragedy has been transformed into campaign currency,…
cltmercury.com
October 14, 2025 at 4:00 PM
cltmercury.com
Nov 4 ballot: elect a mayor, choose city council, vote on a $25B transit tax.
Three weeks after Iryna Zarutska's Blue Line murder, every race is now about "safety."
We broke down what's actually on the ballot—and the questions nobody's asking.
cltmercury.com/charlotte-a...
#CLTVotes #Charlotte
Charlotte at the Ballot Box: When Crime Becomes Currency ‣ CLT Mercury
When Tragedy Meets Timing Three weeks before one of Charlotte's most consequential elections in a decade, a murder on the Blue Line has become the story that won't let go—and shouldn't. But somewhere between Iryna Zarutska's death and the November 4 ballot, her tragedy has been transformed into campaign currency,…
cltmercury.com
October 13, 2025 at 9:00 PM
cltmercury.com
Aug 22: Blue Line murder
Sep 15: Grand jury indictment
Oct 16: Early voting starts
Nov 4: Election Day + $25B transit referendum

How did we get from tragedy to ballot? And what are you actually voting on?Full timeline + ballot breakdown:

cltmercury.com/charlotte-a... #Charlotte
Charlotte at the Ballot Box: When Crime Becomes Currency ‣ CLT Mercury
When Tragedy Meets Timing Three weeks before one of Charlotte's most consequential elections in a decade, a murder on the Blue Line has become the story that won't let go—and shouldn't. But somewhere between Iryna Zarutska's death and the November 4 ballot, her tragedy has been transformed into campaign currency,…
cltmercury.com
October 13, 2025 at 7:27 PM
cltmercury.com
Early voting: October 16
Election Day: November 4
Your ID: Required
Your homework: Done
We just published your complete Charlotte voter guide—federal shutdown impacts, the National Guard debate, what's actually on your ballot, and where to vote.
Democracy doesn't wait.

cltmercury.com/charlotte-v...
Charlotte Voter Guide 2025: Federal Shutdown, Crime Debate, and November Ballot Breakdown ‣ CLT Mercury
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.
cltmercury.com
October 13, 2025 at 4:00 PM
cltmercury.com
Early voting starts Wednesday. Federal shutdown hits Day 12. Charlotte debates the presence of the National Guard on our streets. And you've got a mayor, city council, and a $25B transit tax to decide on.

cltmercury.com/charlotte-v...
Charlotte Voter Guide 2025: Federal Shutdown, Crime Debate, and November Ballot Breakdown ‣ CLT Mercury
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.
cltmercury.com
October 12, 2025 at 4:03 PM
cltmercury.com
Full Candidates List (Mayor, Council, School Board) 🗳️
All the names, none of the noise. We publish clean, complete lists so you can compare people—not slogans. Local, ad-lite, privacy-first.
cltmercury.com/charlotte-e...
October 10, 2025 at 9:00 PM
cltmercury.com
Key Dates — Election 2025 🗳️
Miss early voting and you’re letting 1 in 8 decide for 8 in 8. We built Mercury to close that info gap—so set your reminders and show up. #LastToFirst
cltmercury.com/election-20...
October 9, 2025 at 9:00 PM
cltmercury.com
The Iron District files show what $1.7B in Uptown reinvention looks like: housing, retail, parking, and one tiny nod to transit.

#Charlotte #CLTCouncil

Full breakdown → cltmercury.com/iron-distri...
Iron District Files First Phase: 278 Units, Retail, Parking, And A Light-Rail Site ‣ CLT Mercury
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.
cltmercury.com
October 9, 2025 at 7:22 PM
cltmercury.com
Charlotte Mayoral Voting Guide 🗳️
Charlotte: “who should I vote for?” Us: here’s the receipts—no clickbait, no trackers, just context you can use. Because democracy > vibes. Read before you ballot. #WeAreCharlotte
cltmercury.com/election-20...
October 9, 2025 at 6:10 PM
cltmercury.com
Malcolm Graham called the National Guard request "window dressing." That's elected-official-speak for something we can't print here. Jack Beckett's full analysis of Charlotte's priorities problem:
cltmercury.com/charlotte-p...
#Charlotte #CLTCouncil
October 9, 2025 at 4:00 PM