Wendy Herkey

Friday, Jan. 17th, 2020

The Panthers’ Luke Kuechly announces his retirement and adds to questions about what’s coming next for the team.  Our state’s teachers did not get a raise this week because there was no vote in the legislature to override the governor’s budget veto.  And Charlotte City Council holds their annual retreat in Durham.  

Friday, Jan. 10, 2020

City Council and CMPD begin the year with a new focus on strategies to reduce violence in the Queen City.  HUD Secretary Ben Carson was in Charlotte for an announcement changing the rules for affordable housing.  And the Panthers have a new head coach. Details on this week's top local stories on the local news roundup. 

Jan. 9, 2020

Mayor Vi Lyles makes her first visit to the program in 2020 to talk about one of the key items on her agenda this year: tackling violence in Charlotte.  The city topped out at 108 murders last year – the highest in decades and Mayor Lyles has made reducing that number a priority.  She’ll also talk to Mike Collins about Major league Soccer and a rescue plan for the historic Excelsior Club.

Friday, December 27, 2019

A look back on the most important news stories in 2019.  Charlotte’s homicide rate spiked this year and the Queen City was added to the growing list of cities where mass shootings have occurred as UNC-Charlotte experiences tragedy.  The 9th Congressional District battle raged for most of the year and David Tepper scores a win:  for Major League Soccer.  Our roundtable of reporters takes us through the year.

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

On our special Christmas Show, Jazz is making a comeback in Charlotte and it seems like the whole city is working together to make it happen. We meet two of the performers and two entrepreneurs making the Queen City groove. Then join us for "A Cup of Christmas Tea."

Merry Christmas from "Charlotte Talks!" One of our holiday traditions is to share "A Cup of Christmas Tea," a heart-warming poem about the true meaning of the holiday season. It was written by Tom Hegg and is read here by host Mike Collins. Happy holidays from the entire Charlotte Talks staff.

Friday, Dec. 20, 2019

Charlotte becomes a Major League Soccer town.  David Tepper has about 13 months to ready for the first game.  New life for the historic Excelsior Club, as a new plan emerges for the endangered landmark.  Our two hospital systems spar over expansion and the addition of more beds.  And Christian McCaffrey and Luke Kuechly are headed to the Pro Bowl.  

Friday, December 13, 2019

On this week's roundup: City Council agrees to kick in $110 million in hospitality funds to lure Major League Soccer to town.  Expect an MLS announcement next Tuesday.   Truist marks its new uptown territory by buying its headquarters building – the Hearst Tower.  Elyse Dashew becomes the new chair of the CMS Board and another murder takes the life of a beloved shop owner. 

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019

On this edition of the "Charlotte Talks" Mike and the Mayor series, we're joined by Mayor Pro Tem Julie Eiselt, newly reelected and sworn in as at-large member of Charlotte City Council and again as mayor pro tem. Plus, the three new members of City Council – Victoria Watlington of District 3, Renee' Perkins Johnson from District 4, and Malcolm Graham from District 2. 

Friday, Dec. 6, 2019

Panthers Coach Ron Rivera is fired as owner David Tepper prepares for a new era and as he awaits a decision on Major League Soccer coming to town. A new Charlotte City Council is sworn in, but only three members are newcomers. Mayor Vi Lyles begins her second term and addresses our homicide problem, and candidate filing begins with new maps.  

Friday, November 22, 2019

The Arts & Science Council begins layoffs in the wake of the sales tax defeat.  Former CMS Superintendent Clayton Wilcox is back in the news in Charlotte Observer report alleging possible unethical conduct involving a vendor.  I-77 toll lanes are now open, the BB&T/SunTrust merger is okayed, and new zoning along the Blue Line is approved.

Thursday, Nov 14, 2019

How do we help Charlotte's most vulnerable residents? Queen City voters said "yes" last year to a $50 million bond that would ease the city's lack of affordable housing. What's happened since then? We bring you a special "Charlotte Talks" Public Conversation about where affordable housing stands now. 

Friday, Nov. 8, 2019

Voters in Mecklenburg say “no” to the sales tax hike for arts, education and parks.  What this might mean for funding these programs now, plus a look at other results in an election that brought out only 17% of eligible voters.  CMPD unveils their new use-of-force policy, and Cam Newton goes on injured reserve, finishing his season.

Friday, November 1st, 2019

News emerges that may clarify CMS Superintendent Clayton Wilcox’s swift and mysterious departure.  Two more rulings about the state’s political maps.  City Council postpones making a decision on funding a light rail study and Senator Richard Burr gets some negative Twitter attention.  

Friday, Oct. 25, 2019

On this week’s local news roundup, a new high in Charlotte homicides, a new equity committee for CMS,  a new bank in Uptown Charlotte, and a new name for Kannapolis Minor League Baseball. Charlotte journalists cover those stories and more.

Friday, October 18, 2019

Early voting begins for races pretty much decided in the primary, but with the addition of the referendum on the sales tax.  There's been more blowback from protestors against the proposal for the county to garnish wages of those owing money to Medic.  New landlord fines pass city council, and CATS wants to spend $50 million to learn how much a new rail line will cost.  Details on those and other stories.

Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019

We are home to five schools, each representing a different part of the higher education ecosphere. With costs soaring and as more is expected from institutions of higher learning, Mike Collins talks about these challenges with the presidents of Johnson C. Smith, Queens University, Davidson College and Central Piedmont as well as the chancellor of UNC Charlotte.

Friday, October 11th, 2019

CMPD Chief Kerr Putney’s announced retirement plans may run afoul of some state laws. While some Republicans break with the president on Syria, North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis doesn’t. A CMS whistleblower raises questions about former Superintendent Clayton Wilcox. Plus, the latest on news about the completion of the I-77 toll lanes.

Wednesday, October 9th, 2019

TV actor/comedian Mike Birbiglia is in Charlotte as he begins the national tour of his Broadway show “The New One." We talk about comedy, how family life inspires his work and more.