Charlotte Talks With Mike Collins

In a world flooded by AI — from useless slop to groundbreaking code — what happens to our human imagination? Charlotte Talks presents a special series: "Wired to Create." Hosted by bestselling author and PBS host Kelly Corrigan — discover the quiet satisfaction and mental health benefits of making things with your own hands.

Classes are out at CMS for the summer, but tensions over education policy and administration linger. Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill was put on paid leave while the board investigates administrative oversight matters. We’ll discuss the latest from CMS, look back at some of the significant events of the last school year, and examine the growing pushback against classroom technology.

Food has always been a means to connect with others, but recent studies show Americans are spending more time dining alone. Social connection is critically important for our health and happiness, and sharing meals is associated with greater wellbeing. We discuss why that is and what we stand to lose when we stop gathering for meals. Plus, attorney Rob Harrington will be Charlotte's next mayor.

Ahead of the start of this year’s hurricane season, we hear predictions for the number of likely storms and how to brace for whatever may come our way, plus an update on drought conditions and continued Helene recovery efforts.

Mecklenburg County Sen. Caleb Theodros joins to discuss some of the bills he’s proposed during his first term, including decriminalizing marijuana and helping school athletic coaches recognize and respond to student mental health needs. Then we dive into how area school systems are coping with tight budgets and uncertainty because of the lack of a state budget.

On the next Charlotte Talks, North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson joins us. Since taking office, he has worked on opioid crisis litigation, consumer scams and housing-cost reforms. He also recently won a case breaking up the Ticketmaster–Live Nation monopoly that could save ticket buyers money. Then we’ll talk with Michael Graff, founder of the Charlotte Optimist, which just celebrated its first anniversary.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles announces her resignation, the state Senate votes to pause property tax assessments for a year, Wake County delays a vote on the merger of Atrium Health with WakeMed, and the PGA is back in town.

On the next Charlotte Talks, everyone is talking about data centers — and so are we. We look at the latest: what impact they might have on our city and surrounding areas, why this region makes for a desirable location, and the community objections. Politicians at all levels have also been weighing in, with some calling for a moratorium on data centers. We’ll hear about all of this — and how their spread could impact your power bill.

Over the last decade, several inmates suffering from mental illnesses have died inside South Carolina jails. An investigation by the Post & Courier dove into the reasons why, how the situation got so bad, and possible solutions. Plus, in the wake of Iryna's Law, we'll see what lessons North Carolina can learn.

On the next Charlotte Talks local news roundup, the CMS board rejects Superintendent Crystal Hill’s proposed budget, leaving her to question how to proceed with little direction. Gaston and Cabarrus County schools join others in canceling classes Friday as teachers protest in Raleigh for higher pay. A bill to protect immigrant students from immigration enforcement is filed in the state House, and Duke Energy proposes a June rate increase.