Michelle Alfini, wsoctv.com

Climate Reporter

Michelle Alfini is a Climate Beat Reporter for WSOC-TV covering our changing weather patterns, the policies surrounding global climate change and the impact both are having on the Carolinas. She joined the news team in August 2023. Michelle is a graduate from Elon University and before joining WSOC she worked as a reporter in Duluth, Minnesota, Madison, Wisconsin and Cincinnati, Ohio. During her time in the Midwest she covered countless snowstorms, tornadoes and floods, though most of her reporting in Cincinnati was focused on affordable housing. She earned an Ohio Valley Emmy and a Regional Murrow for her work on a documentary piece surrounding the history, development and changing social movements along Cincinnati’s Vine Street. When not at work, Michelle loves running, hiking and finding new restaurants. If you have a story tip for Michelle, you can email her at michelle.alfini@wsoc-tv.com.

Connect

Latest Headlines by Michelle Alfini

‘Make a plan’: Officials say to prep for hurricane season

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management wants people to prepare for the Atlantic hurricane season, which starts June 1.

By WSOCTV.com News Staff and Michelle Alfini, wsoctv.comMay 05, 2025 at 2:27 pm EDT

Business sees growing demand for reusing electronics amid tariffs

With the U.S. discarding millions of electronic items annually, PayMore franchise owner Jack Hayes is advocating for a shift toward recycling and upcycling, especially as import tariffs drive up prices on new devices.

By WSOCTV.com News Staff and Michelle Alfini, wsoctv.comMay 02, 2025 at 6:41 pm EDT

Utility-scale solar projects in North Carolina could see 500% property tax increase

A bill that would raise taxes on utility-scale solar facilities in North Carolina by 500% is moving through the Statehouse. House Bill 729, known as the Farmland Protection Act, passed the Agriculture and Environment Committee Wednesday morning.

By Michelle Alfini, wsoctv.comApril 30, 2025 at 3:54 pm EDT

Wildfire smoke, traffic pollution greatest threats to Mecklenburg County, report says

Mecklenburg County’s air quality has worsened since last year, according to the American Lung Association’s annual State of the Air report.

By Michelle Alfini, wsoctv.comApril 24, 2025 at 12:17 pm EDT

In Charlotte, HHS Secretary RFK Jr. pushes for plastic alternatives to prevent food contamination

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. was in Charlotte Wednesday to speak on the issue of plastic contamination in our country’s food system.

By Michelle Alfini, wsoctv.comApril 23, 2025 at 5:54 pm EDT

Algae treatment begins on Charlotte-area lakes

Starting this month, you may see a small fan boat near the shoreline of our local lakes. The Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group, through partnerships with the Lake Norman and Wylie Lake Commissions, North Carolina State University and Duke Energy, will spend the next several months working to prevent the growth of Lyngbya along the shore.

By Michelle Alfini, wsoctv.comApril 16, 2025 at 4:19 pm EDT

Is solar threatening North Carolina farms, or is there room for cooperation?

Every morning, when Jim Howie takes his cattle out to pasture, he’s following in family traditions that go back generations. His family’s owned this land just outside of downtown Waxhaw since the 1860s, and Howie says it’s always been used for farming.

By Michelle Alfini, wsoctv.comApril 15, 2025 at 2:41 pm EDT

Agriculture Committee weighs N.C. bill to disincentivize solar on farmland

A bill moving through the North Carolina Statehouse would greatly reduce tax incentives and make it harder to build utility-scale solar projects on farmland.

By Michelle Alfini, wsoctv.comApril 09, 2025 at 6:29 pm EDT

‘Weather Whiplash’ is making our dry days drier and wet seasons worse

It takes the right amount of rain at the right time to ensure the wheat and other crops across Union County can produce enough good quality grain to make the growing season worthwhile.

By Michelle Alfini, wsoctv.comApril 08, 2025 at 6:22 pm EDT

Pollen season has been getting worse, and this could be fueling it

Across North Carolina, late March and early April are typically the yellowest time of the year. Tree pollen is peaking and grass pollen season is just getting started, but research shows, across the country, that those seasons get getting longer and more intense.

By Michelle Alfini, wsoctv.comApril 04, 2025 at 6:02 pm EDT