Charlotte Talks

Much of the central and eastern U.S. is sweltering under dangerously hot and humid conditions, with temperatures near 100 degrees. The heat index in Charlotte is as high as 108 during the first heat wave of the summer. We examine the impact of excessive heat on health, how to stay safe, and why Mecklenburg is one of North Carolina's hardest-hit counties.

The recent "No Kings" protests resulted in millions of people assembling around the country to take issue with the Trump administration. It's a constitutional right for people to peaceably assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances. But do these efforts change things? Do they work? A look at the history of protests.

They got off to a strong start and reached first place in the Eastern Conference, but then came injuries. Several players have also been called up to the U.S. National Team. Good for them, challenging for us. On the next Charlotte Talks, we take stock of the season so far.

From a buttery Bojangles biscuit to a classic cold bottle of Cheerwine — these brands do not just sell a product, they sell the “South.” Through commercials, slogans and stories, we're diving into the world of Southern brands and how they shape identity, nostalgia, and market the region to itself and all around the world.

The regional transit plan advances in the North Carolina House, new information is revealed about CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings, and the NAACP will not invite Trump to its convention in Charlotte.

We hear from the reporters who worked to reveal how dozens of Black families were denied intergenerational wealth when the federal government took their land after the Civil War.

As both chambers of the General Assembly negotiate a budget to send to Gov. Josh Stein, we examine the major sticking points in the House and Senate versions. Last Friday, Stein signed six bills into law, but did not take action on a concealed carry bill or two immigration bills. Since taking office, he has yet to issue a veto.

On the next Charlotte Talks, Charlotte City Council's Malcolm Graham. Tuesday marks the 10th anniversary of the shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston. Graham's sister was among the nine who were killed. Graham has put his reflections about that day into a new book, “The Way Forward: Keeping the Faith and Doing the Work Amid Hatred and Violence.”

Artificial intelligence is weaving itself into many aspects of our lives, including medicine. We look at the promise and peril of that intersection.

A lot of activity this week on Charlotte City Council, bills over immigration and transit move through the General Assembly, and the Charlotte Checkers take on the Abbotsford Canucks in the Calder Cup Finals.

On the next Charlotte Talks, we explore the science and questioning of adding fluoride to drinking water supplies.

Last month, the House passed President Trump's “big, beautiful bill,” which includes tax cuts, Medicaid and food stamp restrictions, border security funding and more. As the bill moves to the Senate, we take a closer look at it and at how Trump's policies are affecting North Carolina and its lawmakers.

Hurricane season is underway, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicting above normal activity in the Atlantic.

Tourism has long been seen as mutually beneficial — allowing travelers to experience new communities and cultures, while also boosting local economies. However, in recent years, the volume of global travel has sparked growing backlash in destinations big and small.

Arrests have been made in connection with a mass shooting in Catawba County. CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings survived a vote of no confidence by the Fraternal Order of Police. Mecklenburg County officials are calling for civility after crickets were released during a commissioners meeting. And there's a lot to like in Charlotte sports right now.

Dawn Staley has shattered expectations at every level of women's basketball. She's an Olympic gold medalist, WNBA All-Star and considered the architect of the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team. She joins us to discuss her new book, "Uncommon Favor."

Carolina Ascent FC are the top seed heading into the USL Super League's inaugural postseason. We're joined by two players to discuss the team chemistry, success and what needs to happen for it all to continue. We also speak with two writers to put the Ascent's season in perspective with the growing soccer culture in the Queen City.

Housing has been a challenge in Charlotte with the city struggling to balance growth and affordability. Historian Tom Hanchett explains in his new book how policymakers and advocates have wrestled with this issue for decades. Hanchett joins us to discuss the history of housing policy in the region and how Charlotte can do better.

Reparations for African Americans has long been a sticking point for a redress to this nation's reckoning with both its historical wrongs and its contemporary consequences. Experts on the matter weigh in on the practicality and economics of reparations.

CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings releases details of his settlement with the city and says he will retire at the end of the year. Ardrey Kell parents want more transparency from CMS after the principal is suspended. The Trump administration is suing North Carolina over voter registration records, and the CIAA will not bring its basketball tournaments back to Charlotte.

On the next Charlotte Talks, coming and goings, controversy and conflict — even an indictment. All of that is swirling around Charlotte City Council. We take a deep dive and answer your questions.

For years, foreign adversaries have worked to spread misinformation. The German Marshall Fund found that Russia, China and others are becoming more effective at it, targeting state and local governments. North Carolina is one of those targets, and social media is aiding the spread.

On the next Charlotte Talks, we look at the treatment, screening and testing options for prostate cancer patients. We also look at promising new treatment research recently released by Duke University and hear from a prostate cancer survivor.

Dr. Brian Klausner says the time has come to address the problem of homelessness, but it will require solutions grounded in our shared ideals and values. His book, "In the Gaps: Better Understanding the Expensive Human Suffering of Chronic Homelessness," addresses how we can come together to help this population and society as a whole.

Charlotte City Council member Tiawana Brown faces federal charges, the N.C. state auditor announced an investigation into a reported settlement between Charlotte and CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings, and Mecklenburg County celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Meck Dec.

Russ Ferguson was appointed shortly after President Trump took office this year. He leads an office of nearly 100 federal prosecutors and support personnel serving 32 counties. We talk about his priorities as U.S. attorney, including eliminating cartels, reducing drug trafficking, violent crime and more.

A look at Mecklenburg County's proposed budget, a possible property tax increase and County Manager Dena Diorio's time in office.

On the next Charlotte Talks, if legend is correct, the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence turns 250 on Tuesday. It predates the Philadelphia declaration by a year and is a much beloved and much debated piece of Charlotte history. Questions swirl: Did the declaration really exist? Was the oft-quoted text actually part of the Mecklenburg Resolves? Did the wording influence Thomas Jefferson?

Online sports gambling was legalized statewide in March 2024. As wagers increased, so did calls to a hotline for those seeking help. Who is at risk for problem gambling? How can they get support?

The fallout continues over a reported settlement with CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings. The CMS board speaks out after ICE detains a man near Charlotte East Language Academy. Allison Riggs is officially sworn in to her state Supreme Court seat, and the PGA Championship comes to Charlotte this weekend.

On the next Charlotte Talks, a conversation with Mo Green, North Carolina's state superintendent. Green, a Democrat, defeated Republican Michele Morrow in a highly contentious race in November. We find out how he's approaching the job — and meeting parents, students and teachers where they are.

Constitutionally, North Carolina's governor has little power compared to other states. Recently, the Republican-controlled General Assembly has made moves to take away even more power. While legal questions about these moves remain, we look at what these attempts mean for the future of how our state government operates.

On the next Charlotte Talks, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has asked for federal recognition for decades. Could the Trump administration be the answer?

The PGA Championship returns to Charlotte, bringing the world's top golfers to Quail Hollow. We preview the tournament with organizer insights, and cover everything from players to watch to the local impact on the economy and tourism.

Republican North Carolina Supreme Court candidate Jefferson Griffin concedes. The Charlotte city budget is proposed, but a closed-door meeting to settle a potential lawsuit overshadows that announcement. After years of waiting, REAL ID goes into effect, and the Charlotte Checkers are moving through the Calder Cup playoffs.

The Public Safety Training Facility coming to CPCC's Matthews campus is a collaboration with Mecklenburg County's first responder agencies including the sheriff's office, CMPD, fire and MEDIC. But some community members have pushed back — something that has happened in other communities over similar facilities. We hear from the college and law enforcement about what to expect.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and City Manager Marcus Jones talk about the proposed budget, transit plan and much more.

Over 600 leaders of universities and colleges recently signed a statement for “constructive engagement” as the result of conflict between the government and higher education. Particularly concerning are cuts in funding for research, student visa status and DEI. On the next Charlotte Talks, we hear from Davidson College President Doug Hicks about the pressures facing educational institutions.

Last year in North Carolina, there was a domestic-violence–related homicide every four days on average. In fact, such homicides have increased nearly 70% since 2018. We look at the root causes of domestic violence, its rise and what's being done to address it.

A look back at the one-year anniversary of the deadliest day for law enforcement in Charlotte history, Charlotte City Council begins its search for a replacement for Tariq Bokhari, and Mecklenburg County is at the center of the immigration debate in North Carolina.

Historically Black colleges and universities have played a vital role in educating generations of students. But today, enrollment among Black males at HBCUs is at its lowest level since the mid-1970s. Studies indicate that when Black men disengage from HBCUs and higher education, the consequences are far-reaching. We examine the impact, why this is happening, what schools are doing to combat it and more.

On the next Charlotte Talks, a conversation with Brandon Jones, the Catawba Riverkeeper. Debris from Hurricane Helene — and the continuous cleanup effort from that storm. We'll also get an update on the environmental and physical impact on the river and what's left to be done. Plus, water safety.

This week marks the 100th day of the second Trump administration — time Donald Trump has used to make good on many of his promises: deporting migrants, slashing government agencies, and taking aim at diversity initiatives. But he hasn't reduced inflation. He hasn't ended the war in Ukraine. And the markets are in turmoil. Public opinion is also down. We look at what's transpired, and the impact here and worldwide.

On the next Charlotte Talks, we explore the fallout from the Trump administration's cuts to college and university research funding, with a focus on what's happening right here in Charlotte.

The CMS Board of Education approves a $2.1 billion budget, the latest in the Riggs-Griffin election case, Catholics across the region react to the death of Pope Francis, and Charlotte FC is on top of the Eastern Conference and hasn't lost at home this season.