Tariq Scott Bokhari

$1,100 gas bills in Charlotte… We’re calling it Natural Gasmageddon @Larken

We’ve had a blast bringing the podcast back. Over the last 8 episodes, we’ve really leaned into something that feels like our lane… picking one big topic each week and going deep on it in a way that actually helps people understand what’s going on beneath the surface. So far we’ve gone deep on: • I-77 toll lanes • AI disruption • Data center growth + community friction • Natural gas bill increases …and a few more in that same vein Our goal has been simple: Take the issues everyone’s hearing about → break down the details that actually matter → connect it to what’s happening here in Charlotte/NC → and talk honestly about where we think it’s all going. We’ve loved the feedback so far, and we’re just getting started. Now we want to hear from you… What topics should we tackle next? What’s something you’re seeing, hearing about, or frustrated by that you feel like no one is explaining clearly or covering? Drop ideas below 👇

Everyone’s fighting data centers. But that might be the wrong move. Power. Water. Noise — yes, those matter. 
And federal rules are likely coming. The real opportunity right now?
👉 Negotiate better deals
👉 Lock in community benefits
👉 Codify them long-term Stop reacting. Start structuring. @Larken

Most communities are still responding the same way to data centers: 👉 “NO” That kills leverage. Smarter approach:
• Case-by-case decisions
• Define your demands
• Negotiate community benefits Don’t just fight it.
Shape it. @Larken

Data centers are the factories of the digital age. But communities everywhere are trying to stop them. Maybe the real strategy isn’t blindly saying yes — or automatically saying no. It’s negotiating a better yes that actually benefits the community. What do you think? @Larken

Charley May and the Selwyn Soaring Singers got to sing at tonight’s @CheckersHockey game and it was electric. Amazing to see how schools get to raise money for their needs with our local sports teams while showcasing their talents. Love this town.

Welcome to the first 60 seconds of Checkers Hockey today in the Queen City. If you are sitting around wondering what to do in the QC with the fam… this option is a no brainer. @CheckersHockey @Larken

If you want the cliff notes of happened last week in the mid term primaries, @Larken and I ran through them all in under 10 min on Spectrum In Focus. spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/i…

As @Larken and I discuss the latest job growth news in CLT, we realized no one told us our new jobs were going to entail so much work.

Charlotte’s SouthPark Skipper just delivered 50,000 rides with only 6 EVs. Free for riders. It raises a bigger question: Are small microtransit networks a smarter complement to traditional transit? @Larken

Tune in for R&D with TB for election night returns during the 8pm hour.

@Larken @VikingCruises

@VikingCruises I have called & asked to be removed from your mailing list no less than ten times over the last year & just received another catalog today. This is an awful way to market your business & ensures that if/when I do take a cruise, it'll be with another company.

His memory is a steel trap... for soap on windows? Apparently, he knows NOTHING about movies! 😂 Listen in weekly to see how hilariously wrong Larken can be. #MovieMistakes #PopCultureFail #GuessingGames

Well… that wasn’t on my bingo card this early. Melo?

I made @Larken read the viral AI article… and he almost asked AI to summarize it 😂 But here’s the scary part: Charlotte isn’t talking about how AI is about to disrupt our biggest industries. We are. 👉 Full episode on R&D in the NC

I’ve seen big transitions before... from transportation policy to workforce programs across the country. AI is going to be bigger than most people think. In this short clip from our podcast R&D in the NC, @Larken and I talk about why Charlotte’s white-collar economy could be especially impacted… and why the smartest companies and cities are already identifying AI use cases and preparing their workforce. Charlotte has always punched above its weight. We can do it again.

Former City Council members: I-77 isn’t just about toll lanes. It’s about trust. charlotteobserver.com/opinion/articl…

Thought bobsledding looked fun, but after seeing Colin Jost's near-death experience, maybe stick to the bunny slopes? Exploring the thrill (and potential peril) of sledding. #Sledding #WinterFun

The AI post that broke the internet last week… we unpack what’s real and what’s hype. In Episode 4 of R&D in the NC, @Larken and I break down the viral AI thread everyone is talking about—and what it actually means for jobs, businesses, cities, and North Carolina’s future. We also dive into: • Inside look at Charlotte’s upcoming city budget process • Street vendor policy changes at City Council • New ownership at Camp North End • NBA All-Star Weekend + Olympics talk If you run a company, work in government, or care about the future of work, this conversation matters. Watch now 👇 (Comment your biggest AI question—we may answer it next episode.) youtube.com/watch?v=OzZnA9…

After a record-breaking year working with @realDonaldTrump & @SecDuffy, my last day with the administration will be Friday, February 20th. I’m coming home to be closer to my family and get back into the fight. New York is being run into the ground. Stay tuned!