Charlotte Talks With Mike Collins

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.

Immigration has been at the center of President Trump's priorities in his second term. ICE agents have taken the streets, detaining people around courthouses, workplaces and community gathering spots. We break down the politics of these policies, whether support is waning and how it's impacting economies.

It's been three years since the Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade, unleashing a wave of Southern states to enact restrictive bans against abortion. North Carolina enacted its own 12-week ban, but that hasn't stopped the state from emerging as a Southern hub for out-of-state abortion seekers. We discuss the state of abortion access and care in N.C.

The FIFA Club World Cup concludes its Charlotte stop Monday before continuing in other U.S. cities and wrapping up at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey next month. While the tournament drew fans eager to watch top international teams, it also faced challenges, including extreme heat and concerns over a possible ICE presence at games. The event offers a glimpse at the cultural and economic impact on Charlotte — and what it could signal for the city’s future as a host for major sporting events.

The regional transit bill moves forward in Raleigh, temperatures hit the triple digits in the region this week, Charlotte imposes new restrictions on street vending in NoDa, and the Checkers Calder Cup hopes end. Those stories and more with our roundtable of reporters

Much of the central and eastern U.S. is sweltering under dangerously hot and humid conditions, with temperatures near 100 degrees. The heat index in Charlotte is as high as 108 during the first heat wave of the summer. We examine the impact of excessive heat on health, how to stay safe, and why Mecklenburg is one of North Carolina's hardest-hit counties.

The recent "No Kings" protests resulted in millions of people assembling around the country to take issue with the Trump administration. It’s a constitutional right for people to peaceably assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances. But do these efforts change things? Do they work? A look at the history of protests.

They got off to a strong start and reached first place in the Eastern Conference, but then came injuries. Several players have also been called up to the U.S. National Team. Good for them, challenging for us. On the next Charlotte Talks, we take stock of the season so far.

From a buttery Bojangles biscuit to a classic cold bottle of Cheerwine — these brands do not just sell a product, they sell the “South.” Through commercials, slogans and stories, we’re diving into the world of Southern brands and how they shape identity, nostalgia, and market the region to itself and all around the world.

The regional transit plan advances in the North Carolina House, new information is revealed about CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings, and the NAACP will not invite Trump to its convention in Charlotte.

We hear from the reporters who worked to reveal how dozens of Black families were denied intergenerational wealth when the federal government took their land after the Civil War.

As both chambers of the General Assembly negotiate a budget to send to Gov. Josh Stein, we examine the major sticking points in the House and Senate versions. Last Friday, Stein signed six bills into law, but did not take action on a concealed carry bill or two immigration bills. Since taking office, he has yet to issue a veto.

On the next Charlotte Talks, Charlotte City Council’s Malcolm Graham. Tuesday marks the 10th anniversary of the shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston. Graham’s sister was among the nine who were killed. Graham has put his reflections about that day into a new book, “The Way Forward: Keeping the Faith and Doing the Work Amid Hatred and Violence.”

Artificial intelligence is weaving itself into many aspects of our lives, including medicine. We look at the promise and peril of that intersection.

A lot of activity this week on Charlotte City Council, bills over immigration and transit move through the General Assembly, and the Charlotte Checkers take on the Abbotsford Canucks in the Calder Cup Finals.

On the next Charlotte Talks, we explore the science and questioning of adding fluoride to drinking water supplies.

Last month, the House passed President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” which includes tax cuts, Medicaid and food stamp restrictions, border security funding and more. As the bill moves to the Senate, we take a closer look at it and at how Trump’s policies are affecting North Carolina and its lawmakers.

Hurricane season is underway, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicting above normal activity in the Atlantic.

Tourism has long been seen as mutually beneficial — allowing travelers to experience new communities and cultures, while also boosting local economies. However, in recent years, the volume of global travel has sparked growing backlash in destinations big and small.

Arrests have been made in connection with a mass shooting in Catawba County. CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings survived a vote of no confidence by the Fraternal Order of Police. Mecklenburg County officials are calling for civility after crickets were released during a commissioners meeting. And there’s a lot to like in Charlotte sports right now.