Charlotte Talks With Mike Collins

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.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and City Manager Marcus Jones talk about the proposed budget, transit plan and much more.

Over 600 leaders of universities and colleges recently signed a statement for “constructive engagement” as the result of conflict between the government and higher education. Particularly concerning are cuts in funding for research, student visa status and DEI. On the next Charlotte Talks, we hear from Davidson College President Doug Hicks about the pressures facing educational institutions.

Last year in North Carolina, there was a domestic-violence–related homicide every four days on average. In fact, such homicides have increased nearly 70% since 2018. We look at the root causes of domestic violence, its rise and what's being done to address it.

A look back at the one-year anniversary of the deadliest day for law enforcement in Charlotte history, Charlotte City Council begins its search for a replacement for Tariq Bokhari, and Mecklenburg County is at the center of the immigration debate in North Carolina.

Historically Black colleges and universities have played a vital role in educating generations of students. But today, enrollment among Black males at HBCUs is at its lowest level since the mid-1970s. Studies indicate that when Black men disengage from HBCUs and higher education, the consequences are far-reaching. We examine the impact, why this is happening, what schools are doing to combat it and more.

On the next Charlotte Talks, a conversation with Brandon Jones, the Catawba Riverkeeper. Debris from Hurricane Helene — and the continuous cleanup effort from that storm. We'll also get an update on the environmental and physical impact on the river and what’s left to be done. Plus, water safety.

This week marks the 100th day of the second Trump administration — time Donald Trump has used to make good on many of his promises: deporting migrants, slashing government agencies, and taking aim at diversity initiatives. But he hasn’t reduced inflation. He hasn’t ended the war in Ukraine. And the markets are in turmoil. Public opinion is also down. We look at what’s transpired, and the impact here and worldwide.

On the next Charlotte Talks, we explore the fallout from the Trump administration’s cuts to college and university research funding, with a focus on what’s happening right here in Charlotte.

The CMS Board of Education approves a $2.1 billion budget, the latest in the Riggs-Griffin election case, Catholics across the region react to the death of Pope Francis, and Charlotte FC is on top of the Eastern Conference and hasn't lost at home this season.

We take a deep dive into the race for the North Carolina Supreme Court. It’s in the middle of a court battle, where the outcome could be precedent setting. We discuss how we got here and what’s at stake.

On the next Charlotte Talks, the clock is ticking. The federal government says it will finally begin enforcing the national Real ID law beginning May 7. What to know and how to prepared, both at the DMV and the airport.

Recent statistics from the American Cancer Society reveal an increase in diagnoses of breast cancer among young women. We hear from two experts and a survivor about this trend, early detection, treatment and more.

The Southern accent — one of the most recognizable in the country — appears to be fading. The shifting of the population seems to be causing us to lose our drawl and with it some of our identity. We explore the evolution of the various Southern accents, how they shape the way we talk today and how accents are a powerful symbol of belonging.

The city of Charlotte is recommending that City Council deny the developer funding for the Brooklyn Village project. Republican Councilman Tariq Bokhari is set to leave office on Sunday. Attorney General Jackson has settled a lawsuit with a landlord accused of using AI to illegally set rents. And the Savannah Bananas sell out Bank of America Stadium.

Among the people deported by the Trump administration to a prison in El Salvador was a man living here: Julio Zambrano Perez. His family says ICE misidentified him as a gang member because of tattoos. His story is not unique. We talk about it, and the legal implications of these deportations.