Charlotte Talks With Mike Collins

Carolina Ascent FC are the top seed heading into the USL Super League's inaugural postseason. We're joined by two players to discuss the team chemistry, success and what needs to happen for it all to continue. We also speak with two writers to put the Ascent's season in perspective with the growing soccer culture in the Queen City.

Housing has been a challenge in Charlotte with the city struggling to balance growth and affordability. Historian Tom Hanchett explains in his new book how policymakers and advocates have wrestled with this issue for decades. Hanchett joins us to discuss the history of housing policy in the region and how Charlotte can do better.

Reparations for African Americans has long been a sticking point for a redress to this nation’s reckoning with both its historical wrongs and its contemporary consequences. Experts on the matter weigh in on the practicality and economics of reparations.

CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings releases details of his settlement with the city and says he will retire at the end of the year. Ardrey Kell parents want more transparency from CMS after the principal is suspended. The Trump administration is suing North Carolina over voter registration records, and the CIAA will not bring its basketball tournaments back to Charlotte.

On the next Charlotte Talks, coming and goings, controversy and conflict — even an indictment. All of that is swirling around Charlotte City Council. We take a deep dive and answer your questions.

For years, foreign adversaries have worked to spread misinformation. The German Marshall Fund found that Russia, China and others are becoming more effective at it, targeting state and local governments. North Carolina is one of those targets, and social media is aiding the spread.

On the next Charlotte Talks, we look at the treatment, screening and testing options for prostate cancer patients. We also look at promising new treatment research recently released by Duke University and hear from a prostate cancer survivor.

Dr. Brian Klausner says the time has come to address the problem of homelessness, but it will require solutions grounded in our shared ideals and values. His book, "In the Gaps: Better Understanding the Expensive Human Suffering of Chronic Homelessness," addresses how we can come together to help this population and society as a whole.

Charlotte City Council member Tiawana Brown faces federal charges, the N.C. state auditor announced an investigation into a reported settlement between Charlotte and CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings, and Mecklenburg County celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Meck Dec.

Russ Ferguson was appointed shortly after President Trump took office this year. He leads an office of nearly 100 federal prosecutors and support personnel serving 32 counties. We talk about his priorities as U.S. attorney, including eliminating cartels, reducing drug trafficking, violent crime and more.

A look at Mecklenburg County’s proposed budget, a possible property tax increase and County Manager Dena Diorio’s time in office.

On the next Charlotte Talks, if legend is correct, the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence turns 250 on Tuesday. It predates the Philadelphia declaration by a year and is a much beloved and much debated piece of Charlotte history. Questions swirl: Did the declaration really exist? Was the oft-quoted text actually part of the Mecklenburg Resolves? Did the wording influence Thomas Jefferson?

Online sports gambling was legalized statewide in March 2024. As wagers increased, so did calls to a hotline for those seeking help. Who is at risk for problem gambling? How can they get support?

The fallout continues over a reported settlement with CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings. The CMS board speaks out after ICE detains a man near Charlotte East Language Academy. Allison Riggs is officially sworn in to her state Supreme Court seat, and the PGA Championship comes to Charlotte this weekend.

On the next Charlotte Talks, a conversation with Mo Green, North Carolina’s state superintendent. Green, a Democrat, defeated Republican Michele Morrow in a highly contentious race in November. We find out how he’s approaching the job — and meeting parents, students and teachers where they are.

Constitutionally, North Carolina’s governor has little power compared to other states. Recently, the Republican-controlled General Assembly has made moves to take away even more power. While legal questions about these moves remain, we look at what these attempts mean for the future of how our state government operates.

On the next Charlotte Talks, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has asked for federal recognition for decades. Could the Trump administration be the answer?

The PGA Championship returns to Charlotte, bringing the world's top golfers to Quail Hollow. We preview the tournament with organizer insights, and cover everything from players to watch to the local impact on the economy and tourism.

Republican North Carolina Supreme Court candidate Jefferson Griffin concedes. The Charlotte city budget is proposed, but a closed-door meeting to settle a potential lawsuit overshadows that announcement. After years of waiting, REAL ID goes into effect, and the Charlotte Checkers are moving through the Calder Cup playoffs.

The Public Safety Training Facility coming to CPCC’s Matthews campus is a collaboration with Mecklenburg County’s first responder agencies including the sheriff’s office, CMPD, fire and MEDIC. But some community members have pushed back — something that has happened in other communities over similar facilities. We hear from the college and law enforcement about what to expect.