Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins

Thursday, May 28, 2020

Nearly 400 years ago, Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei was prosecuted for suggesting that the earth was not, after all, the center of the universe. Today, scientists are facing a skepticism that is strikingly similar to 17th century Italy.

Wednesday, May 27, 9 a.m.

As part of a look across North Carolina through the lens of the coronavirus pandemic and summer, Charlotte Talks' Mike Collins and WFAE political reporter and Inside Politics host Steve Harrison will discuss the status of this summer's scheduled RNC in Charlotte, which is up in the air due to COVID-19.

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Many people are staying at home. Others have had to stop work. Most of us are separated to some degree from family, friends and co-workers. The changes we’re experiencing can cause anxiety and depression. Mental health experts share some tips on managing the stress of all this.

This show originally aired April 23, 2020.

Monday, May 25, 2020

A Memorial Day conversation with the co-creator of the “Band of Brothers” miniseries, Erik Jendresen, and the stories of the soldiers who liberated Europe 75 years ago this month. 

This program originally aired June 6, 2019.

Friday, May 22, 2020

Gov. Roy Cooper decides on a modified Phase 2 reopening of the economy. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has named its next chief.  NCDOT furloughs 9,300 employees until the end of June. Charlotte's oldest movie theater closes amid the coronavirus outbreak. And less than 100 days before the start of the Republican National Convention in Charlotte, no one will definitively say it will take place. Who will decide?

Thursday, May 21, 2020

U.S. Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina is under federal investigation for his dumping of stocks before the pandemic caused the market to crash. Was it insider trading? What about the other lawmakers who also unloaded stocks? The ProPublica reporter who helped break the story weighs in, as well as the author of the law that took aim at Congress' stock activities.

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

We get a checkup on the economy. How much grimmer might things get before we start bouncing back?

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

From face masks to toilet paper, the pandemic means the supply of certain products has not been able to meet demand. One resource under newfound strain is of particular importance: food.

Monday, May 18, 2020

Four years ago, it was the "Stop Trump" movement. After the Republican nomination was decided, it became "Never Trump." It failed on both scores, but anti-Trump Republicans are still around and hoping to influence the outcome in 2020. 

Friday, May 15, 2020

A week into the first phase of North Carolina's reopening, we get an update on the impact.  Mecklenburg County officials stop issuing projections for the coronavirus after being told they weren’t using the model correctly.  The FBI takes North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr’s cellphone. CMS decides to hold virtual, pre-recorded graduations. And Panthers owner David Tepper believes the NFL will be back this fall — with fans.    

Thursday, May 14, 2020

A young black man is shot while jogging. Over two months pass before arrests are made and charges are filed. As America grapples with yet another killing of a young black person, we ask: why does this keep happening?

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Mayor Vi Lyles talks about plans to help small businesses recover and City Manager Marcus Jones shares details of the proposed city budget, which takes into account the economic downturn.

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Why are American workers forced to sit through so many meetings, and why are they so pointless? Two experts on the science of workplace meetings have some thoughts on how to make them better.

This program originally aired Jan. 9, 2019.

Monday, May 11, 2020

The "veepstakes" is underway to pick a running mate for presumed Democratic nominee Joe Biden, himself a former No. 2. The vice presidency tends to be overlooked, but it's a consequential position that is a heartbeat away from the Oval Office. Eight VPs have assumed the office through tragedy, and author Jared Cohen looks at their significance.

This program originally aired April 16, 2019

Friday, May 8, 2020

The state begins to loosen coronavirus restrictions Friday. The US is woefully behind other nations in terms of testing and North Carolina is at the bottom of the pile among the states.  We rank 45 out of 50.  A city budget for next year reflects the virus. The bottom line is lower, but no tax increases are recommended.  

Thursday, May 7, 2020

Where do we stand in the fight against the coronavirus as North Carolina nears the first phase of easing its restrictions?

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Closed restaurants mean many of us are cooking – some for the first time – and, as this drags on, you may be running out of ideas. We have some inspiration.

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Chancellor Philip Dubois ends his tenure at UNC Charlotte this summer after 15 years leading the UNC system’s fastest growing university. He joins us to discuss his legacy.

Monday, May 4, 2020

Protests against stay-at-home orders in North Carolina and elsewhere have questioned their constitutionality. 

Friday, May 1, 2020

The latest on the coronavirus outbreak in Mecklenburg and beyond, including what initially looked like a challenge to the governor’s stay-at-home ordinance in Gaston County.  Schools will remain closed for the rest of this academic year. CMS makes its request for funds from Mecklenburg County.