Charlotte Talks With Mike Collins
MON-FRI • 9AM-10AM / 8PM-9PM | SAT • 7AM-8AM
Launched in April 1998, Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins has become the region's exclusive forum for the discussion of politics, growth, the arts, culture, social issues, literature, human interest, the environment and more. If something is of interest to the Charlotte region, listeners and leaders know the topic is bound to be discussed on Charlotte Talks. Learn more about Charlotte Talks.
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Latest Episodes
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On Sept. 11, 2001, four planes were hijacked. Two flew into the World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon, and the fourth crashed into a field in Pennsylvania. Then, everything changed. Those who are old enough will never forget where they were that day, but to a growing number of people, it is history. We look back on our immediate reaction and the lasting impact of those terrorist attacks. -
The NFL is back on Wednesday and Carolina starts on Sunday. The Panthers 2025 season featured a surprise division crown that's led to some primetime matchups for the team this season. We discuss the expectations, plus take a look at stadium renovations and a recent report on football players and CTE. -
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is back in session after a bumpy summer revealing tension between Superintendent Crystal Hill and the school board, even as the district celebrates significant post-pandemic academic gains. We’ll talk to Hill about her return, the investigation’s aftermath, recent district academic gains, the challenges facing students and teachers, and what she believes the district needs to accomplish this year. -
Nearly two decades after the hazing death of 19-year-old Harrison Kowiak at Lenoir-Rhyne University, North Carolina has enacted Harrison’s Law, expanding the definition of hazing and increasing criminal penalties. We examine what the new law changes, the federal landscape for hazing and whether stronger statutes can truly shift campus culture. -
The reopening of Jail North is just weeks away after the Mecklenburg County Commission voted unanimously to approve it. Two protesters arrested during last fall's immigration crackdown go to trial in U.S. district court. North Carolina Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards is formally censured by the House of Representatives. And North Carolina plays host to the G20. -
As unemployment rates among young people continue to rise, Charlotte sees an influx of jobs going to those 25 to 34. The next challenge is keeping them here for good. We discuss how the Queen City seems to fight the narrative nationally of a hard time to be a first-time member of the workforce. -
We sit down with Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden to discuss jail overcrowding, deaths in custody, cooperation with immigration enforcement officials, the need for a juvenile detention facility, and lawsuits and investigations involving the operation of the county jail. -
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene swept through western North Carolina. Landslides tore apart families and killed dozens. What more could have been done to save lives? And what could be done to save them in the future? Those are some of the questions asked in WCNC's new documentary "Lost Ground: America’s Landslide Crisis." -
Millions of bison once roamed North America, from Alaska to North Carolina. After being hunted to near extinction, fewer than 1,000 were left by the late 1800s. Today, bison and a handful of other large animals are having a surprising renaissance. We speak with the author of a new book about why many animal populations have plummeted and why some are making an unexpected comeback. -
The CMS board votes to release a summary of its recent investigation into Superintendent Crystal Hill. Former U.S. Border Patrol Commander-at-Large Greg Bovino stops by east Charlotte, using anti-immigrant language and pushing for more deportations. And U.S. Sen. Darline Graham wins a GOP primary runoff in South Carolina.
