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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.

Charlotte Talks With Mike Collins

As 2025 comes to a close, we take a look at the public health developments shaping life in Mecklenburg County and what residents should know heading into 2026. Later in the show, we turn to mental health during the holidays, including exploring the impact of financial stress and practical coping tools.

Mecklenburg Public Health director joins to discuss winter updates for residents, plus how to manage holiday stress

Charlotte leaders have long committed to bringing more affordable housing to the region. In October, the city announced partnering with Enterprise Community Partners to start the Faith in Housing Charlotte initiative to transform underutilized land from faith-based organizations into affordable housing. We take a look at the intersection of faith, land and policy to reshape our housing future.

Faith and Housing: How churches are turning their land into affordable homes

After nearly 27 years on the bench, Mecklenburg County’s longest-serving judge — Lou Trosch — is stepping down. He served beginning in 1999 in the 26th Judicial District and later joined the Superior Court in 2018. In that time, he co-chaired the Race Matters for Juvenile Justice Initiative. We look back on that and other milestones as well as changes to the judicial system.

Interview with outgoing Superior Court Judge Lou Trosch

In 1944, Hickory became the epicenter of a polio outbreak. First one case, then dozens more until hospitals in Charlotte and Gastonia were overwhelmed. Hickory didn’t have its own hospital, but a decision was made to build one. That’s the Miracle of Hickory, but there’s a lot more to it.

Remembering 'The Miracle of Hickory,' more than 80 years later

A second stabbing on the light rail leads to more questions about safety on public transit, Gov. Stein cancels Medicaid reimbursement rate reductions. CMS enrollment is at its lowest point in 14 years, and the Panthers return to the field after last week's bye.

Local News Roundup: Another light rail stabbing; Latest on Medicaid; CMS enrollment dips; Panthers aim for first

On the next Charlotte Talks, a look ahead to the 2026 midterms. Will they be normal or engulfed in chaos?

The potential chaos of the 2026 midterms

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.

Selling the South: How 'Southern' brands become part of someone's identity

Sportswriter Sam Smith and former NBA coach Phil Jackson are longtime friends and now co-authors. Their new book, "Masters of the Game: A Conversational History of the NBA in 75 Legendary Players," dissects the careers of some of the all-time greats, including Jordan, Shaq and Steph Curry. We sit down with Smith to talk about the book and take a look at some players on the list with North Carolina roots.

Sam Smith on ‘Masters of the Game: A Conversational History of the NBA in 75 Legendary Players’

We look back on some of the biggest economic news of the year for the region. We also take a moment to consider what’s in store for the region in 2026.

2025 in Review: Looking back at Charlotte's economy, from trends in mergers to the impact of tariffs

The new Charlotte City Council is sworn in, Iryna’s law goes into effect with stricter bail rules for violent offenses, the state auditor plans to investigate the settlement paid by the city of Charlotte to the husband of the new police chief, and Mecklenburg County officials create a new transit authority.

Local News Roundup: New Charlotte city council sworn in; Iryna's Law goes into effect; NC auditor investigates settlement with new CMPD Chief's husband

Improving test scores has been a focus of educators at CMS. The pandemic did a number on those scores and the struggle to raise them up has been daunting, but last year showed marked improvement with 72% of students hitting their benchmarks. Still, they fell short of expectations. So, we take a dive into the numbers, look at tools to improve learning, and more.

The push to improve reading proficiency

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