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As 2025 comes to a close, we take a look at the public health developments shaping life in Mecklenburg County and what residents should know heading into 2026. Later in the show, we turn to mental health during the holidays, including exploring the impact of financial stress and practical coping tools.

State regulators hosted two public hearings on Duke Energy’s proposal to merge its two Carolina companies into one entity, Duke Energy Carolinas. Tuesday night, two members of the public weighed in on the combination.

South Carolina health officials say a measles outbreak continues to expand in Spartanburg County, about 90 miles southwest of Charlotte, and warn the virus could spread beyond the region.

Salisbury officials say all 12 firefighters injured in an explosion during a house fire earlier this week have been released from the hospital.The Salisbury Post reports that 11 firefighters from Salisbury and one from Spencer were released by Tuesday afternoon. Several remain under a doctor’s supervision as a precaution, officials said.An investigation into the cause of the explosion during the fire is ongoing. Eight residents displaced by the blaze are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.

Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper says he would support a ban on individual stock trading by members of Congress and the president if voters elect him to the U.S. Senate next year.

N.C. Attorney General Jeff Jackson and 35 other attorneys general have reached a settlement with Hyundai and Kia for selling vehicles without proper anti-theft technology. The S.C. measles outbreak expands to 138 confirmed cases. Charlotte's airport says goodbye to its Sycamore Brewing retail location.

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson and 35 other bipartisan attorneys general have reached a settlement with Hyundai and Kia over the sale of millions of vehicles that lacked industry-standard anti-theft technology.

Tuckaseegee Elementary School Principal LaTresha Wilson was named the Southwest Education Alliance Wells Fargo Regional Principal of the Year.

South Carolina health officials say a measles outbreak continues to grow in Spartanburg County, about 90 miles southwest of Charlotte.

Charlotte leaders have long committed to bringing more affordable housing to the region. In October, the city announced partnering with Enterprise Community Partners to start the Faith in Housing Charlotte initiative to transform underutilized land from faith-based organizations into affordable housing. We take a look at the intersection of faith, land and policy to reshape our housing future.

Immigrant-owned businesses in Charlotte are struggling one month after U.S. Customs and Border Protection conducted immigration enforcement raids throughout the city.