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A New Shade of Blue: Estella Patterson Prepares to Lead CMPD

May 6, 2026
By Angela Lindsay Estella D. Patterson officially assumed the role of chief of police with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) in December 2025, making her the first woman in Charlotte’s history to hold the position. Patterson, who was born in Colon, Panama, where her military father was stationed, earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and her Master of Science in criminal justice from the University of Oklahoma.…
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Finding a Way Forward

January 7, 2026
Malcolm Graham writes about his journey after the Mother Emanuel Church shooting By Angela Lindsay When a young white man walked into the historical Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston under the guise of joining church members in their Bible study and shot and killed nine of them, the shock across the nation was palpable.…
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Using Art to Help Prevent Gun Violence

August 29, 2025
Using Art to Help Prevent Gun Violence By Angel M Brown Gun violence is personal for me. I lost my father to it. It’s a pain that shaped the way I see the world and deepened my passion for healing and advocacy.…
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The Importance of Staying Sharp: How Seniors Can Maintain Cognitive Health

May 4, 2025
By Christy Koury Aging brings many changes, but maintaining cognitive function is one of the most important aspects of senior well-being. Staying sharp means actively engaging in activities that enhance memory, problem-solving skills and overall mental agility. Research suggests that physical activity, mental stimulation and social engagement are crucial to preserving brain health.…
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Junior Achievement Survey Reveals Teens Want Financial Education

May 4, 2025
By Angel Brown Financial literacy is a fundamental life skill, yet many students graduate without a basic understanding of money management. A recent survey by Junior Achievement (JA) and research firm Big Village highlights this growing concern: 68% of teens say they would take a financial literacy course if offered, yet only 31% have access to such classes in school.…