Pretty surreal news! Larken and I just won Silver at the national Signal Awards for Best Video Podcast Co-Host Team, in a category alongside shows featuring Michelle Obama and Bowen Yang. Not bad for two former Charlotte city councilmen who thought starting a podcast together might be fun. @Larken @signalawards

We put Charlotte's mayor through a lightning round.  He dodged questions, admitted he loves his airport welcome announcement, and defended his Batcave parking spot.  There's no I in team. But there IS one in parking.  Meet MEDIUM ROB. 👇 @Larken @CLTMayor #CLTCC

We gave Charlotte's mayor 60 seconds to sell voters on $425 MILLION in bonds. He was doing great. Then the clock ran out.  Yes, rules are rules.  Did Rob Harrington make his case? 👇 @Larken @CLTMayor

When the Mayor of Charlotte makes your case for a national podcast award, you know it's getting serious.  Mayor Rob Harrington joined us on R&D in the NC and explained why he thinks we deserve the Signal Awards Listener's Choice Award. Tonight is your last chance to vote. Got to signalawards.com and cast a vote for R&D in the NC.  @signalawards @Larken @CLTMayor

Charlotte's mayor used a veto. We asked, "What got into you?"  Mayor Rob Harrington laughed off our attempt at a viral hook, then explained why he stepped into the 6-5 airport lease dispute.  His answer on R&D in the NC 👇 @Larken @CLTMayor

NC lawmakers suspended the 41¢ gas tax, delivering welcome relief with overwhelming bipartisan support. Only one House member voted no. But the bigger question: Is a 20th-century gas tax still the right way to fund 21st-century roads? 🎥 R&D Ep. 29 @Larken #NCPOL #NCGA

Can two former Charlotte city councilmen beat Michelle Obama at the Signal Awards (basically the podcast Oscars)? We're about to find out. After nearly a decade, 140+ episodes, zero paychecks, and countless Republican-vs-Democrat debates, R&D in the NC is a national Signal Awards finalist for Best Video Podcast Co-Host Team. We're up against some VERY famous people. But here's our pitch: If you believe two people can disagree about politics, stay friends, and actually make important conversations entertaining, we'd love your help proving it. Voting closes THIS THURSDAY, October 15. Help us pull off the upset. 🗳️ Vote for R&D in the NC. @signalawards, @Larken

✈️ Tonight, Charlotte City Council takes its first public look at the new airport lease. Two priorities:
1️⃣ Secure a strong deal for one of our greatest economic assets.
2️⃣ Keep improving opportunities, safety & quality of life for airport workers. We can — and should — do BOTH. 🎥 R&D Ep. 29 @Larken

Nearly $15 MILLION owed to taxpayers. A brand-new Nature Museum sitting empty. Mecklenburg County is RIGHT to demand repayment. But keeping the museum closed doesn’t recover a dime. Open the doors. Generate revenue. Enforce repayment. Why can’t we do BOTH? 🎥 R&D in the NC Ep. 29 @Larken

This exchange hits VERY differently today. The morning after Crystal Hill was fired, I asked Anna London: “Did you read the original report?” Listen carefully to her answer. Today, 9 days later, we learned why that distinction mattered: CMS says there is no written Brooks Pierce report from the $379K investigation. -The Charlotte Ledger Watch this again. @Larken @AnnaLondonCLT

At least $379K. 86 interviews. 1.5M+ documents and emails. The public summary we saw found no evidence of improper conduct by Crystal Hill. So we asked Anna London: What did taxpayers get for $379K? Here’s her answer. @Larken @AnnaLondonCLT

NEW THIS MORNING: The Raki McGregor timeline moved backward. Records show Poyner Spruill + McGregor were planning CMS-related work together as early as Dec. 2025 — before CMS hired Poyner, according to The Ledger. Anna London — whose Charlotte Works board McGregor chaired for 3 years — says: “I did not know.” Who else knew what, and when? @Larken @AnnaLondonCLT

Well this makes it feel a little more real. 😂 Appreciate @JoeBrunoWSOC9 and @wsoctv picking this up. Pretty wild seeing our “little podcast” (as many refer to it when they come up to me and @Larken) described as “nominated for a prestigious award.” Feeling Leg Lamp vibes