Charlotte Talks With Mike Collins
New episodes every Monday through Friday.
Launched in April 1998, Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins has become the region's exclusive forum for the discussion of politics, arts, culture, social issues, literature, human interest, the environment and more. If something is of interest to the Charlotte region, listeners and leaders know the topic is bound to be discussed on Charlotte Talks. Follow along: @CharlotteTalks.
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With the North Carolina primary over and done, get ready for the campaign leading to November. Get ready for a blizzard of advertising, particularly in the race for U.S. Senate. It is likely to be the most expensive Senate race in the country, with about half a billion dollars expected to be spent. In a world where people are entrenched in their ideologies, how do you convincingly use that money?
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On the next Charlotte Talks, we look at Waymo’s self-driving cars, which will soon be operating on Charlotte’s streets. Because this technology is so new — and to some, a bit “spooky” — we’ll talk about how the cars operate, how to use them and how safe they are. Some say autonomous vehicles are actually safer than human-driven cars, but there have been issues. We’ll examine the technology, Waymo’s track record and more.
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Dell Curry is widely considered the figure most synonymous with the Charlotte Hornets’ history. His legacy is cemented by his 10-year playing career, franchise-leading statistics and more than a decade as a team broadcaster. He sits down with us.
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A study reveals several parks and greenways would be impacted by the proposed I-77 toll lanes, the former EpiCentre uptown is set to go up for sale, Sam Page widens his lead over North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger, and Queens University Men’s basketball is going to the Big Dance.
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On this Charlotte Talks, we discuss the successful fight for women’s suffrage — the right to vote. We look at the history of the movement and the Broadway musical that celebrates it.
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More than a year into his term, North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek says he’s working to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse in state government. New laws have expanded the auditor’s investigative powers and even given the office a role in shaping election oversight. Boliek joins to discuss his approach to accountability, his growing authority and what it could mean for transparency and governance in North Carolina.
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We’ve assembled a panel of gardening experts to tackle all your spring gardening questions. Write us throughout the show at charlottetalks@wfae.org with “gardening” in the subject line.
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The I-77 toll project has been the center of a contentious debate. We hear from officials and stakeholders about where the project stands and what comes next.
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Primary day has come and gone, locally one message from voters is that they want party loyalty. Surprisingly, the Phil Berger race is separated by two votes. NCDOT plans to pause its plan for elevating new I-77 toll lanes for a few months, and North Carolina U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis lays into now former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
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It’s been three months since U.S. Customs and Border Protection descended on Charlotte. Operation “Charlotte’s Web” brought fear, confusion and disruption to the city, especially to the immigrant community. There are still many unknowns about that operation despite attempts by politicians at all levels asking for transparency and accountability. We get an update on those attempts and examine the economic, legal and cultural fallout.