Charlotte Talks

Friday, December 15th, 2017 CMS has new leadership because of the election. How might this new board affect student assignment and education in general? And, a different question looms over Charlotte’s new City Council: should they go back to televising citizen comment sessions? Cardinal Innovations – swirling in controversy this year – continues to make headlines. Also, Charlotteans are upset about the closing of the Park Terrace Theatre. Mike Collins and the roundtable of reporters details

Thursday, December 14, 2017 A look back at the 10-year history of the Lynx Blue Line. It not only proved skeptics wrong, it beat all expectations and we examine how and what the impact of its expansion may be.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017 Cardinal Innovations Healthcare has been in the news of late due to allegations of financial mismanagement and the state taking over – at least for now. Mike Collins talks with two WFAE reporters who have been covering this from the beginning along with State Senator Jeff Tarte about how possible outcomes may affect taxpayers. Then, we find out what’s behind this year’s shortage of Christmas Trees, many of which come from North Carolina.

Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017 Mecklenburg County and others across the country are trying to reduce jail populations by addressing the financial restraints that keep people behind bars. Mike Collins looks at how the justice system is trying to create change from within.

Monday, December 11, 2017 How to protect yourself or your business from the kind of ransomware attack Mecklenburg County experienced. Plus we examine what a net neutrality rollback could mean for you.

Friday, December 8, 2017 Mecklenburg County computers suffer a ransomware attack. Duke Energy is also hacked. Charlotte's new mayor and city council members are sworn in. And North Carolina’s Senators help pass the GOP tax bill. Our roundtable of reporters joins Mike Collins to talk about the week's local news when Charlotte Talks.

Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 County Manager Dena Diorio joins host Mike Collins with the latest on Mecklenburg County’s ransomware attack... and Todd Moss, once the top U.S. diplomat in West Africa, talks about his experiences and diplomacy, as well as his series of fictional international thrillers inspired by his diplomatic work.

Wednesday, December 6, 2017 Brain research isn’t just for humans. Dr. Gregory Berns has been using it to get inside the minds of dogs. Mike Collins asks what they're thinking.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017 We hear from three returning city council members who will be joining a new group in which the majority are under 40. Their thoughts on this generational divide and on our new mayor.

Monday, Dec. 4, 2017 Mayor Jennifer Roberts sums up her tenure on her last day in office, and her successor, Vi Lyles, looks ahead to her swearing-in.

Friday, Dec. 1, 2017 State health officials take over at Cardinal Innovations. Mayor Roberts' tenure draws to a close. Mecklenburg County's first African-American district attorney is sworn in. A look back at those stories and others with our panel of reporters.

Thursday, October 12, 2017 Our region’s source of life: the Catawba River. It’s been on the endangered rivers list three times but not in the past four years and we get an update on the river’s health.

Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017 Charlotte wants to land Amazon's second North American headquarters. Mike Collins hears what local groups are doing to woo the online retail giant.

Tuesday, October 10, 2017 Colleges now have a different way of handling sexual assaults. Education Secretary Betsy Devos set that in motion by overturning Obama-era guidelines but the move is controversial. A closer look.

Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 College basketball has been hit by a bribery scandal exposing "the dark underbelly" of the game. Mike Collins talks with hoops observers about what's at stake for college athletics.