Launched in April of 1998, Charlotte Talks has become this 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 people in the Charlotte region, listeners and leaders know the topic is bound to be discussed on Charlotte Talks.

The show is hosted by veteran Charlotte broadcaster Mike Collins, who has been a fixture in local radio and television since 1985. His knowledge of North and South Carolina combined with his 30 years experience in broadcasting has helped to make Charlotte Talks one of this area's favorite call-in programs.

It's All Politics
1:32 pm
Sun July 29, 2012

Cheney: Picking Palin Was A 'Mistake'

Credit Bill Pugliano / Getty Images
"I like Gov. Palin," Cheney told ABC News in an excerpted interview on Sunday. But she wasn't ready to be vice president, he said.

Originally published on Tue July 31, 2012 9:46 am

Former Vice President Dick Cheney is calling Sen. John McCain's choice of Sarah Palin as his running mate in 2008 a "mistake."

In an excerpted interview with ABC News' This Week on Sunday, Cheney said it's important that Romney not repeat the fumble. The list of potential VP picks is a big one, he says, but there's a shorter list, too:

Read more
Revaluation Town Hall Meetings
1:00 pm
Sun July 29, 2012

Revaluation Town Hall Meetings

Persistent complaints about the 2011 property revaluation in Mecklenburg County enters a new phase this week. A private auditor, hired by the county to investigate the revaluation process, will hold a series of six public meetings. The first is Monday night in Matthews.

"This whole process is only going to work well if citizens come forward and let us know what the concerns are," says Emmett Curl of Pearson's Appraisal Service, the company conducting the audit.

Read more
The Two-Way
12:29 pm
Sun July 29, 2012

Heavy Weapons Pound Syrian Rebels As Nations Accuse Each Other

Credit Pierre Torres / AFP/Getty Images
A Free Syrian Army fighter looks out from the window of a burnt-out police station in Aleppo after it was overrun by rebel fighters last week.

Originally published on Sun July 29, 2012 12:39 pm

Fighting continues in Aleppo, Syria's largest city on Sunday while accusations of meddling – and pleas to meddle more – are flying on the international stage.

According to Guardian correspondent Luke Harding, reporting from Aleppo province, the rebels are holding their own but are ultimately outmatched against government forces using heavy weaponry. He quotes a rebel commander who "was relatively pessimistic about the Free Syrian Army's chances of fending off repeated attacks":

Read more
The Torch
12:27 pm
Sun July 29, 2012

Empty Seats Have Olympic Committee Playing Defense

Credit Carl Court / AFP/Getty Images
Empty seats and spectators are pictured during the dressage event of the eventing competition at the London 2012 Olympic Games in Greenwich Park, London on Sunday.

Today, London Olympic organizers find themselves beating back insults like serves in a gold medal table tennis match.

On Day 1, there were empty seats at wildly popular events like beach volleyball and gymnastics. And even at the Aquatics Center, where Ryan Lochte smoked everybody in the men's 400 individual medley.

Fans who would've gladly paid the exorbitant ticket prices were fuming. British politicians worried that the empty seats made the country look uninterested.

Read more
The Torch
11:53 am
Sun July 29, 2012

Surprises: American Gymnast Weiber Fails To Qualify; Marathoner Radcliffe Injured

Credit Thomas Coex / AFP/Getty Images
U.S. gymnast Jordyn Wieber performs on the beam during the women's qualification of the artistic gymnastics event of the London Olympic Games on Sunday.

Originally published on Sun July 29, 2012 12:17 pm

Two big disappointments this morning: American gymnast and defending world champion Jordyn Wieber failed to qualify for the all-around finals.

The AP reports that it was nonetheless a great day for other Americans, who are favorites for gold:

Read more
Charlotte Talks
11:41 am
Sun July 29, 2012

Thursday August 2, 2012

Heath Morrison

New CMS Superintendent  Heath Morrison
As students, parents, teachers and administrators gear up for school to begin later this month at Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, we sit down with CMS’ new superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison. We’ll talk about Dr. Morrison’s entry plan, the long term budget struggles that the school system has faced and what he hopes to do to best use the money the system has, and talk about the goals of his series of town hall meetings, which begin tonight (Aug. 2). Join us with your questions for the superintendent as well.

Read more
Charlotte Talks
11:39 am
Sun July 29, 2012

Wednesday August 1, 2012

Part One: The Future Of Eastland Mall

Read more
Charlotte Talks
11:32 am
Sun July 29, 2012

Tuesday July 31, 2012

Origins Of Our Favorite Phrases

Read more
The Torch
11:12 am
Sun July 29, 2012

The Olympics' Salahi Moment: Mystery Woman Gatecrashes Opening Ceremony

Credit Gabriel Bouys / AFP/Getty Images
(FILES) A file picture taken on Friday shows a woman (2nd L), reportedly a student from Bangalore and an Olympic volunteer, walking next to India's flagbearer Sushil Kumar.

The Olympics have officially had a "Salahi moment." Remember, the White House gatecrashers? Well, on Friday during the opening ceremony, a young woman wearing a red jacket and turquoise pants was seen walking with the Indian delegation into Olympic stadium. Not only that, but she was walking alongside the flag bearer.

The only problem? No one knew who she was.

Read more

Pages