FAQ City artwork

FAQ City

79 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 83 ratings

"FAQ City" is an online, broadcast and podcast series that invites the community to help shape our news coverage. Send us your question, and we may answer it on an upcoming episode. The series was previously hosted by Claire Donnelly , Nick de la Canal and Alexandra Watts.

News Society & Culture Places & Travel faq city charlotte clt wfae north carolina
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

We're taking a hiatus. (But we'll be back!)

March 10, 2022 14:17 - 41 seconds - 1.02 MB

FAQ City is taking a break until June to work on a brand-new season full of colorful and exciting episodes based on questions from you, our listeners.

Here’s how to find Charlotte’s biggest, oldest trees

February 08, 2022 07:50 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MB

Charlotte is known for its abundance of trees. Where can you find the biggest, most storied ones in the city?

Here's where to take the best Charlotte skyline photos

January 25, 2022 07:39 - 8 minutes - 8.1 MB

Charlotte's skyline is a hit on Instagram. Where are the best spots for panoramic pictures of the city?

Here's a look inside Charlotte's food truck scene

January 11, 2022 19:59 - 9 minutes - 13.2 MB

Charlotte has at least 125 different food trucks serving a wide variety of cuisine. What's it like to run a food truck? And how can you find the food trucks closest to you?

When it comes to Major League Baseball in Charlotte, if you build it will they come?

December 14, 2021 10:45 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MB

Charlotte has quite a few professional sports teams. Of course, there’s the NFL team the Carolina Panthers and the NBA team the Charlotte Hornets. Soon there will also be a Major League Soccer team, Charlotte FC. But why doesn’t Charlotte have a Major League Baseball team? Could it ever happen?

Answers to your electric vehicle questions — part 2

December 01, 2021 06:06 - 20 minutes - 28.8 MB

You’ve probably seen those electric vehicle charging stations outside grocery stores and other businesses. How do they work? And what kind of insurance do you need for EVs? FAQ City powers through more of your questions about electric vehicles.

Answers to your electric vehicle questions

November 16, 2021 06:30 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MB

We’ve all heard of Tesla. What are some other electric vehicle options? How much do they cost? Can you buy used? FAQ City charges into all of your questions about electric cars.

How many Charlotteans are native?

November 02, 2021 20:05 - 11 minutes - 11 MB

Charlotte seems to be made up of a lot of transplants, or people who moved here from other parts of the country or world. How many Queen City residents were actually born and raised in Charlotte?

Queens University of Charlotte is rumored to be haunted. Here's what we found out.

October 19, 2021 05:24 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MB

Queens University in Charlotte is rumored to be a major site of paranormal activity. Is there any truth to these ghost stories?

How can you avoid hitting back-to-back red lights in Charlotte?

October 05, 2021 04:05 - 11 minutes - 11 MB

When you’re driving, nothing is more annoying than a string of red traffic lights. Why are some Charlotte traffic signals so poorly timed? And is there anything you can do about it?

Why Do Sidewalks End? Examining Charlotte's Sidewalks To Nowhere

September 21, 2021 04:05 - 9 minutes - 9.09 MB

Why do some sidewalks in the Charlotte region come to an abrupt end? This special rebroadcast of an FAQ City episode tells you some reasons why.

Why Are Charlotte’s Streetlights Turning Purple?

September 07, 2021 05:54 - 9.76 MB

Some of the Charlotte region’s streetlights are mysteriously changing color. We illuminate why — and how — some people are seeing purple.

Why are Charlotte's streetlights turning purple?

September 07, 2021 05:54 - 10 minutes - 9.76 MB

Some of the Charlotte region’s streetlights are mysteriously changing color. We illuminate why — and how — some people are seeing purple.

Is Anyone Really Fooled By Those Cell Tower Trees In Charlotte?

August 24, 2021 05:28 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MB

There's something awfully suspicious about that pine tree off the side of Interstate 485 in Charlotte. What is it? And why are there more like it?

Who Coordinates The Lights On Charlotte's Skyscrapers?

August 10, 2021 17:41 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MB

If you’ve ever looked at the Charlotte skyline at night, you might have noticed that sometimes all of the buildings are lit up the same color. Who's in charge of deciding when and how the buildings are illuminated?

What's At The Top Of Charlotte's Bank Of America Tower?

July 27, 2021 05:21 - 9 minutes - 13.1 MB

The 60th floor of the Bank of America Corporate Center is a mysterious, mythical place. At nearly 776 feet above the ground, it's one of the highest spots a person can visit in Charlotte. What's up there?

Why Are There Seagulls In Charlotte?

July 13, 2021 05:09 - 10 minutes - 9.66 MB

It's summer, and lots of us are headed to the beach to play in the sand and see the marine wildlife. But some of our listeners say they've seen what they think are coastal creatures right here in Charlotte.

Have You Ever Wondered How Charlotte Neighborhoods Got Their Names?

June 29, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutes - 9.73 MB

WFAE listener Summer Cook wrote to FAQ City wondering where all of Charlotte's neighborhood names came from. For example, who is Elizabeth? Or Cherry? What about Dilworth?

In Charlotte, Is It Sugaw Creek Or Sugar Creek?

June 15, 2021 10:00 - 10 minutes - 9.91 MB

The spelling and pronunciation of Little Sugar Creek, which flows into Sugar Creek (or is it Sugaw Creek?) have been a source of debate for well over 200 years. Which is right?

FAQ City: Where Are Charlotte's Revolutionary War-Era Buildings?

June 02, 2021 04:48 - 10 minutes - 10.1 MB

Last month, Charlotte celebrated what’s known as “Meck Dec Day," the annual holiday in honor of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. On May 20, 1775 — more than a full year before the United States Declaration of Independence — it's said that influential men of Charlotte declared themselves "free and independent" of British rule. In honor of Meck Dec Day, this week FAQ City is revisiting a 2018 episode about Charlotte's Revolutionary war history.

FAQ City: Why Is Disc Golf So Popular In Charlotte?

May 19, 2021 19:15 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MB

Charlotte is one of the top destinations for disc golf players, and the sport continues to grow as people across the Queen City — and the world — are playing.

FAQ City: What's The Deal With All Those Large Rocks Outside Charlotte Schools?

May 04, 2021 13:46 - 16.9 MB

If you travel past schools in Charlotte, you’ve seen the giant decorated rocks outside. But why, exactly, are they there?

FAQ City: What Do The Bike Route Signs Around Charlotte Mean?

April 20, 2021 18:35 - 11.6 MB

At a time when bicycling is on the rise because of the pandemic, find out the history and future of lanes, routes and cycling infrastructure in the Queen City.

FAQ City: Why Was 1910 An Important Year To Charlotte?

April 06, 2021 14:15 - 12.8 MB

On the latest FAQ City, take a trip back to an important year in Charlotte’s history — 1910.

FAQ City: Who Is Sharon, And Why Are So Many Streets Named After Her?

March 23, 2021 13:42

Sharon Road, Sharon Lane, Sharon Amity, Sharon Woods Lane, Sharon Township Lane, Sharon Avenue, Sharon Chase Drive, and ... well you get the point. With so many roads named after her, it's no wonder Charlotteans are curious to know who is Sharon.

FAQ City: What Is The Oldest Restaurant In Charlotte?

March 10, 2021 00:50 - 11 MB

There are some restaurants from years past that are part of the city's past, present and, hopefully, future.

FAQ CITY: What Happened To Grier Heights?

February 24, 2021 00:49 - 11.8 MB

Grier Heights, a historic Black neighborhood in Charlotte, has changed throughout the years. The community is now starting a new chapter of giving back, while remembering its strong history.

FAQ City: What Happened To Grier Heights?

February 24, 2021 00:49 - 11.8 MB

Grier Heights, a historic Black neighborhood in Charlotte, has changed throughout the years. The community is now starting a new chapter of giving back, while remembering its strong history.

FAQ City: Fit For A Queen

February 10, 2021 02:57 - 11.5 MB

The name "the Queen City," the crowns on everything from street signs to trash cans — there are just some common things associated with Charlotte. We look into why these things represent Charlotte and answer questions about the city’s origins.

FAQ City: Why Are Many African Americans Reluctant To Get The COVID-19 Vaccine?

January 27, 2021 10:30 - 17.1 MB

In November, The Pew Research Center found that 42% of African Americans would take the COVID-19 vaccine — the lowest among any other racial and ethnic group. Davida Jackson of Charlotte wanted to know why.

FAQ City: Caps On Or Caps Off? Your Recycling Questions Answered

January 12, 2021 05:15 - 11.3 MB

We get it: Recycling can be confusing. Do you keep the bottle caps on plastic water bottles or take them off? Should you break down cardboard boxes before putting them in the bin? What about office paper with staples? Do you have to take the staples out?

FAQ City: Where Are Charlotte’s Biggest Trees?

December 29, 2020 11:00 - 15.6 MB

Charlotte is known for its abundance of trees. Where can you find the biggest, oldest ones in the city?

FAQ City: Your COVID-19 Vaccine Questions Answered

December 16, 2020 20:26 - 10.6 MB

Across North Carolina, health care workers are rolling up their sleeves to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The first shipments of vaccine doses arrived at hospitals this week after being developed and approved in record time. So how does the vaccine work? And when can you expect to get a shot? FAQ City answers your questions.

The Best Spots For Charlotte Skyline Photos

December 02, 2020 07:33 - 8.71 MB

Charlotte’s skyline is a hit on Instagram. Where are the best spots to get panoramic pictures of the city?

How Can You Request To Have A Charlotte Street Renamed?

November 17, 2020 11:06 - 9.91 MB

Lately, there’s been a lot of focus on whose names are in history books and on monuments, streets and buildings, especially after the recent protests over racial injustice. So how can you request to have a Charlotte street renamed?

Shhhh! Where Is The Quietest Spot In Mecklenburg County?

November 03, 2020 09:24 - 10.5 MB

It’s been a noisy election season. You might be looking for some peace and quiet—a place to get away for a few calm moments amid all of the Election Day news. Or you may just want an escape from the constant racket that can come from living near the city. That might be why WFAE listener Katrina Lee wrote to FAQ City asking where she might find Mecklenburg County's quietest outdoor spot.

Why Do CMS High Schools Start So Early?

October 20, 2020 10:00 - 9.87 MB

School looks different for most students these days because of the coronavirus pandemic. But whether classes are in person or online, a lot of Charlotte-area high schools start very early in the morning.

Inside Charlotte’s Food Truck Scene

October 07, 2020 21:16 - 10.2 MB

Carolyn Osberger's desire to support Black-owned businesses lead her to food trucks. Charlotte has at least 125 food trucks and they serve all kinds of cuisine: dumplings, tacos, barbecue, empanadas, curry, wings, ice cream.

FAQ City: How Does North Carolina Prepare For A Hurricane?

September 22, 2020 12:45 - 700 Bytes

This year’s hurricane season has been one of the most active on record. Scientists blew through the planned list of 21 tropical storm names -- from Arthur to Wilfred -- and now they’ve started using the Greek alphabet. How does North Carolina prepare when a storm is heading its way?

FAQ City: Fact Or Fiction? Local Legend Says Concord, NC, Is Built Atop Volcano

September 08, 2020 10:08

Editor's note: A version of this story was originally published in January 2020.

FAQ City: What Questions Do You Have About Hurricane Season?

August 25, 2020 05:02

It’s hurricane season in the Atlantic, and scientists say this year could be one of the busiest on record. We’ve already had a record number of named storms -- from Arthur to Marco -- and at least five people were killed as Hurricane Isaias swept up the East Coast several weeks ago.

FAQ City: Who Coordinates The Lights On Charlotte's Skyscrapers?

August 11, 2020 04:25

If you’ve ever looked at the Charlotte skyline at night, you might have noticed that sometimes all of the buildings are lit up the same color — all red for Valentine’s Day or all blue for a Panthers game.

FAQ City: Your Questions About Protesting And Policing Answered

July 28, 2020 07:03

It’s been about two months since protests first erupted in Charlotte over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Here, across the U.S. and the world, people took to the streets to demonstrate against police brutality and the mistreatment of Black people. We’ll take a look back at those protests and answer your questions about policing and protesting.

FAQ City: Your Questions About Schools And Coronavirus Answered

July 11, 2020 16:25

Schools in Charlotte and across North Carolina have been closed since mid-March because of the coronavirus. Online classes became the new norm. Many in-person graduations, sporting events and proms were canceled. Now, state health officials say North Carolina’s coronavirus trends are moving in the wrong direction. As fall draws closer, what’s next for schools? Will buildings reopen?

FAQ City: Your Questions About NC's Mask Requirement, Answered

June 27, 2020 18:20

People in North Carolina are now required to wear face masks in many public places. It’s part of an executive order issued by Gov. Roy Cooper that takes effect at 5 p.m. Friday, June 26. When and where do you have to wear a mask? Can you get a ticket for not wearing one? We answer those questions and others.

FAQ City: What Happened To Charlotte's Earle Village?

June 16, 2020 08:01

Few Charlotteans may remember Earle Village, the public housing community built in First Ward just outside uptown. It was a bustling community that stretched from 6th Street to 10th Street, roughly bordered by Myers Street and Caldwell Street. It was the place where 400 of the city's poorest families resided — until the village was condemned to demolition in the 1990s.

FAQ City: How Are You Feeling?

June 02, 2020 04:24

This weekend... this week... this month... has been a lot.

FAQ City: Your Questions About North Carolina's Reopening Answered

May 19, 2020 05:02

Gov. Roy Cooper has begun gradually reopening North Carolina in a series of three phases. If you're not sure what to expect under each of those three phases, don't worry! You're not alone. Lots of WFAE listeners have been writing in with questions, and we're here to help.

FAQ City: The Story Behind Charlotte's Gold Man Statue

May 05, 2020 07:03

For decades, a four-foot gold statue has stood at the intersection of Queens and Providence roads in Charlotte, his right index finger extended. Sometimes he's dressed up for sporting events or weddings at the Methodist church next door. For an extended period beginning September 2017, he disappeared from the intersection, leaving only a few patches of monkey grass where his pedestal stood.

FAQ City: Your Questions About Unemployment And Stimulus Checks Answered

April 21, 2020 07:03

We're now more than a month into the coronavirus crisis in North Carolina with still no end in sight, and the number of people out of work continues to climb higher and higher. According to some estimates, the U.S. unemployment rate could touch 16% by July -- higher than at any point since the Great Depression.