Charlotte Talks With Mike Collins

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.

Two years ago, the then-surgeon general published an advisory stating up to 95% of teens reported using social media “almost constantly.” We know that this increases depression and anxiety, and that is why nine states have taken steps to regulate its use. Now, North Carolina may be jumping on the bandwagon.

A new bill — The Women’s Safety and Protection Act — is under consideration in the state Senate, which would require individuals to use restrooms in public schools and some government-funded buildings based on the sex listed on their birth certificates. It would also restrict other rights. We look at the bill and hear from those in favor and those against.

A conversation from WFAE's Climate Summit about how federal environmental policies could affect North Carolina — and what local leaders are doing in response.

On the Local News Roundup, a sigh of relief for some as Trump announces a 90-day tariff pause. The public weighs in on Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools proposed budget. A bill filed Monday seeking to ban most abortions in North Carolina will not move forward. And David Tepper wants to make Charlotte a host city for the 2031 Women’s World Cup.

Increasingly, the medical community has issued warnings about the safety of drinking alcohol — even one drink per day — due to links between that and cancer. On the flip side of consuming something potentially harmful is the concept of food as medicine, one being acted on by a cooperative effort between a behavioral health facility and a Charlotte chef.

When President Trump announced tariffs, he said it would make the nation wealthy. But retailers are planning for price hikes and investors are selling, driving stock markets down around the world. We discuss the impact this has on North Carolina, on Charlotte and on your wallet.

We get an update on recovery efforts in western North Carolina from the devastation of Hurricane Helene — and a look at what the summer tourist season looks like.

Hard work and determination are supposed to lead to success. That’s the story we tell ourselves — but for many, that story is little more than a myth. One look at the alarming number of people who go to work every day but are homeless will tell you we have a problem.