When many reach retirement age, they choose to move into a community with others like themselves, perhaps a place that allows them to stay put while transitioning to long-term care in the future. Those places can be expensive, so where do you go if you don't have the money?

When many reach retirement age, they choose to move into a community with others like themselves, perhaps a place that allows them to stay put while transitioning to long-term care in the future. Those places can be expensive, so where do you go if you don't have the money?

CMS prepares for the end of COVID-19 relief money. New Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales arrives in Charlotte. Primaries are beginning this weekend in the Carolinas and Spirit Square meets the wrecking ball.

Though the result may be anticlimactic, the Palmetto State is the site of the next Republican primary where Donald Trump is polling with a lead of more than 30 percentage points over Nikki Haley. With South Carolina growing in importance in the presidential selection process, we talk about the issues at play on both sides of the aisle and more.

Though the result may be anticlimactic, the Palmetto State is the site of the next Republican primary where Donald Trump is polling with a lead of more than 30 percentage points over Nikki Haley. With South Carolina growing in importance in the presidential selection process, we talk about the issues at play on both sides of the aisle and more.

On the next Charlotte Talks, journalists from The Atlantic weigh how a second term for Trump could shatter norms with the courts, military, foreign policy, immigration, abortion rights, science gender and more.

Journalism is in crisis around the world. Two local newspapers close each week in the U.S. and others are struggling to stay open. The L.A. Times and Sports Illustrated just announced mass layoffs. And there is the issue of the safety of journalists in war zones and here at home. Mike Collins and our panel of guests discuss the state of journalism and what the future may hold.

On the next Charlotte Talks, artificial intelligence is here — and it’s here to stay. It is already having an effect on education. The good news is that guidance for students and teachers is becoming more readily available.

Charlotte City Council went on its annual retreat to decide priorities for the coming year. Mecklenburg’s County Commission zeroed in on the county’s financial status and budget. A new Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools' policy requires staff members to be able to administer Narcan. And new hires for the Carolina Panthers.

Like most other big cities in America, Charlotte has an office vacancy problem. Occupancy in office buildings is at a 22-year low, and it might get worse. We dig into a reality that threatens to change our city and others.

On the next Charlotte Talks, the new CEO of the Foundation for the Carolinas — Cathy Bessant. We sit down to talk with Bessant about this new role, the changing world of philanthropy and more.

Charlotte's newest music festival, the Black Notes Project, is premiering this weekend. It positions classical orchestra traditions alongside contemporary music. On Charlotte Talks, you'll hear about what’s behind its creation, the education and celebration it hopes to provide and some of the artists performing.

Following the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Congress passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act with some dollars earmarked to help schools, but an investigation by WCNC found about $40 million of that money has gone unused in the Carolinas. We hear more about what they found and how the schools that have received funds are using it.

Less than a week after Vice President Kamala Harris visited Charlotte pledging federal support to prevent gun violence, another teen died from a shooting. Salisbury attorney Bill Graham releases TV ads to criticize his gubernatorial opponent. Wells Fargo’s name may be added to our skyline, and cold is challenging our water and power systems. Mike Collins discusses this and more on the local news roundup.

On the next Charlotte Talks, an update on crime in Charlotte and a discussion about what city leaders are considering to remedy it.

Brent Cagle took over CATS during a tumultuous period. Those problems continued as more issues were uncovered. He joins us to discuss the state of the transit system.

It seems like there’s never enough time to discuss all the many changes taking place in Charlotte sports — so we're dedicating a whole hour to just that. Our roundtable of reporters will discuss David Tepper’s numerous firings, how the Panthers plan to win back fans (and a new coach) to Charlotte FC’s upcoming season, and the latest on the sale of the Charlotte Knights.

A conversation with Valerie Kinloch, JCSU's president, who has ambitious goals for the HBCU. She wants to elevate faculty and staff culture, increase alumni engagement and broaden JCSU’s appeal.

Curtailing gun violence in Charlotte tops the news this week as city leaders wrestle with shootings and youth violence in uptown. Leaders of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools also take up the topic after the death of a Myers Park student and Vice President Kamala Harris visits to talk about federal gun violence prevention and mental health funding. And, mercifully, the Panthers season ends, but not before GM Scott Fitterer is fired.

It's the new year, and your work schedule is probably full of meetings! On Charlotte Talks, expert and organizational psychologist Steven Rogelberg will talk about making 1:1 meetings better, productive and even pleasant.

As we head into this election year, we look at term limits. Several candidates for Congress and Senate, including some from North Carolina, have pledged to support them. It is a non-binding pledge, but if they followed through with it, would that be good or bad for governance?

2023 was the hottest year on record. The heat produced droughts and wildfires, lowering air quality over major cities and blotting out the sun. In 2024, El Niño is expected to raise global temperatures again. We hear from scientists about what the year ahead may hold in terms of climate change and rising temperatures.

On the next Charlotte Talks, the conscious choice to abstain from consuming alcohol after the holidays. We discuss the many aspects of a Dry January.

David Tepper punctuates the Panthers worst loss of the season with a "let them eat cake" moment. The adult website Pornhub shuts down access in North Carolina in response to the state's new age-verification law. A mass shooting uptown on New Year's Eve spurs the continued conversation over violence in the city and Charlotte banking magnate Ed Crutchfield dies at the age of 82.

A look ahead at the economy in 2024. Guest host Erik Spanberg will be joined by economists and a research expert to talk about what’s ahead for Charlotte and the region in the coming months.

It’s the end of 2023, so we take a look in the rearview mirror at the most impactful local and regional stories of the year. We’ve gathered our WFAE roundup regulars to take us through the year's biggest news from politics, transportation, education, the economy, climate news — and, yes, Charlotte’s abysmal sports year.

What makes for a favorite holiday movie? Why do we gravitate toward "It’s a Wonderful Life," or "Elf," "Bad Santa" or "Miracle on 34th Street"? And what new movies should you put on your list? We hear all about movies from our old friends Matt Brunson and Sean O’Connell.

We take a closer look at the next 11 months politically, including the factors facing politicians and the many choices facing voters.

On the next Charlotte Talks, a story of perseverance and of triumph over a brain injury that left an award-winning writer unable to put words together. Kelly Barnhill tells her story Tuesday at 9 a.m.

All of us experience loss and with that comes grief. Given its universality, it is sometimes difficult to understand why grief can be so devastating or how we can emerge from grief stronger. We explore that with Mary-Frances O'Connor.

Foreign affairs specialist Dr. Fiona Hill said during the first Trump impeachment hearing that she feared the nation was going down a dangerous path. In town to speak at the World Affairs Council of Charlotte, she joins us Thursday to talk about foreign policy, the war in Ukraine and America’s path toward autocracy.

Charlotte Observer columnist Scott Fowler talks with Mike Collins about his new book which features in-depth conversations and photos with everyone from Dell and Steph Curry to Phil Ford, Jeff Gordon, Coach K to George Shinn. And that just scratches the surface. We dig deeper.

We breakdown the mystery illness spreading among dogs nationwide. Vets are unsure of exactly what it is, but they do have some recommendations on how to keep your pet safe. Plus, ahead of the holidays, what is the state of local shelters?

For years, people have denied the human connection to climate change, even going so far as to deny the climate is changing. Part of the problem is a deficiency of scientific literacy and a lack of understanding of how science works. We discuss how some are working to change that and their suggestions on how to deal with scientific mis- and disinformation.

The County Commission approves more money for the Discovery Place Nature Museum and halfway through the year, CMS approves its budget. Dante Anderson is Charlotte's new mayor pro tem. North Carolina Congressman Patrick McHenry will not seek re-election, we look at why and what that means. Those stories and more.

Mike Collins talks with Charlotte author Gavin Edwards about his new book "MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios," along with longtime Charlotte movie critic — and now multi-book author — Sean O'Connell.

Nissim Black shares his inspiring story — from his days as a 12-year-old selling drugs on the streets of Seattle, to a conversion that led him to Israel, Judaism and hip-hop.

We explore a study from the Urban Institute on the barriers immigrants face when accessing health care in North Carolina and how that compares to the rest of the country.

On the next Charlotte Talks, a year after the disappearance of Madalina Cojocari and with police still holding the belief that she’s still out there, we look at how difficult it is to investigate these cases.

The revolving door at the Panthers continues to spin. The DA dropped charges against a woman punched by CMPD during an arrest and a judge ruled that the body camera footage from the arrest be released. A CMS high school teacher is arrested and accused of sexual activity with a student. And the Wells Fargo Championship makes a major donation in one of Charlotte’s Corridors of Opportunity. Those stories and more.

Mike Collins and our panel of guests explore the world of credit, how your personal credit score is determined, and how it is used. Plus, we examine the impact of race, gender and economic status.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles joins Mike Collins, fresh from a fourth election victory. They talk about that, management changes at CATS, Red Line developments and much more.

On the next Charlotte Talks: A look back at Reconstruction — the period that followed our civil war — in a conversation with writers for The Atlantic, which has devoted an entire issue examining the importance of that period and how it informs our lives today.

The holidays often coincide with something called seasonal affective disorder, a kind of depression. Its exact cause isn’t known, but it could be because of shorter days and the fact that the holidays aren’t equally merry for everyone. We learn more and dive into some solutions.

With company coming for the holidays and extra time with friends and family, you need things to do with them. Our guests have tons of suggestions.

Mike Collins talks to cast members of the latest reinvention of Stephen Sondheim’s groundbreaking musical, "Company."

On the next Charlotte Talks, the impact of the drought on Charlotte and western North Carolina. Wildfires are raging. A state of emergency declared. Burn bans are in effect in some places. We discuss the danger this poses and how long it might last.

The invasion of fentanyl is a nationwide problem that has arrived in Charlotte. We hear about efforts to educate potential users and to combat the infiltration of a substance that experts are now calling a poison.

A video of a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officer punching a woman goes viral. A new company has been named to run the Charlotte Area Transit System. And fires continue in western North Carolina due to drought and rising temperatures. Those stories and more.

It’s easy to get distracted and hard to get back on task. Is there any hope for us?

A follow-up to findings 10 years ago that spurred Charlotte into action, creating programs and spending millions to change the prospect for kids born into poverty. We find out what impact those efforts are having.

A discussion on how human encroachment is leading to loss of habitat for animals and plants — which are also being affected by climate change — and what we can do to help them adapt.

We take a look at the results and the races too close to call in this year's municipal election. Charlotte FC fires yet another coach. North Carolina State Auditor Beth Wood indicted, and the Panthers play in primetime. Those stories and more.

Thursday marks the 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht. It was Nov. 9, 1938, when a wave of violence spread through Germany and other Nazi-annexed countries as Hitler launched an attack on Jews, destroying businesses and homes. We revisit that horrific event, the past, and parallels to today's rising antisemitism around the world, on the next Charlotte Talks.

A look at 2023 election results: Who won, who lost and what the results may tell us about the mood of voters. Then, a look forward to what residents can expect in 2024.

Many of our Founding Fathers were not interested in partisan politics. Yet, shortly after the founding of the republic, parties rose up as debate grew regarding the federal government's powers. H.W. Brands writes about these topics in his new book "Founding Partisans." He joins us to discuss the impact of partisanship on our democracy.

On Election Day eve we take a deep dive into the education-related choices you’ll face at the polls. One of those is the most expensive bond package ever issued in North Carolina — $2.5 billion to fund 30 projects. And there are school board races to talk about, too, especially candidate qualifications.

On the Local News Roundup: supporters of the school bonds on next week’s ballot raise nearly a half-million dollars to encourage you to "Vote Yes." Street racing continues to be problem in uptown and following a week off, the Panthers finally eke out a win. Mike Collins and local journalists will have those stories and more.

A discussion with a local playwright about her new play, "Thanksgiving: 2016," exploring a politically-charged Thanksgiving dinner that might hit home.

There are many Broadway musicals that don’t hit the road, or even get a revival, because they’re too expensive unless you do them in concert — and one Charlotte theater company specializes in that. We hear about Queen City Concerts' next production: "Sunset Boulevard."

Mike Collins has a conversation with a creator of worlds: N.K Jemisin, New York Times best-selling author of "The Broken Earth" trilogy.

Magic is all around us, according to UNC Charlotte professor Heather Freeman. So what better time to talk about her new podcast “Magic in the United States” than on Halloween?

We take a look at the efforts to reshape and diversify classical music, opening opportunities for women and people of color and Charlotte’s role in that.

Charlotte gets something other North Carolina cities have already had — social districts. Early voting continues, we look at turnout and some key races. Plus, a look at the legislature’s new voter maps further solidifying GOP control. And Charlotte FC makes history reaching playoffs in their second season.

On the next Charlotte Talks, we meet Dr. Valerie Kinloch, the new and 15th president of Johnson C. Smith University. We talk with the JSCU grad about her plans for the school and more.

Mike Collins and experts look at the new maps for congressional and legislative districts just drawn by the General Assembly and how they are likely to impact our representation and politics.

Outside of Charlotte FC, which made the playoffs for the first time over the weekend, it's a tough time to be a fan of Charlotte sports. Both the Panthers and Hornets are bottom dwellers in their leagues. Furthermore, the city recently lost out on a tennis competition that had drawn both local and state investment. We discuss the state of Charlotte sports next time on Charlotte Talks.

Hospice is something that is often misunderstood and underutilized, but our guest is on a mission to educate us on what hospice care actually does and the quality of life it provides. Interestingly, one of the ways she does that is through her use of TikTok where she has 1.7 million followers. She also has a new book on the topic, "The In-Between."

A change of heart from Norfolk Southern could change the dynamic for Charlotte’s transit ambitions. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper sues the state GOP as they remove more power from his office. And early voting for the fall election begins. Mike Collins and guests will have those stories and more.

The two candidates, incumbent Republican Tariq Bokhari and Democrat Stephanie Hand, join Mike Collins to discuss the race and issues pertinent to the city.

Mike Collins talks with Charlotte author Gavin Edwards about his new book "MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios," along with longtime Charlotte movie critic — and now multi-book author — Sean O'Connell.

On the next Charlotte Talks, the flu season is upon us. We look at what might be in store and at just how effective this year’s flu shot may be.

Jose Antonio Vargas was attempting to get a driver's license when he learned something about himself. He was an undocumented immigrant. Vargas has since become an author, activist and filmmaker and has founded the advocacy group Define American. Vargas sat down with WFAE's Ely Portillo for a conversation about immigration in America and American identity.

The Western and Southern professional tennis tournament says no to Charlotte. Another piece of the Eastland Yards development is approved, and the Black Political Caucus is on board with CMS school bonds. Those stories and more with guest host Erik Spanberg from the Charlotte Business Journal, on this week's Local News Roundup.

For years, people have denied the human connection to climate change, even going so far as to deny the climate is changing. Part of the problem is a deficiency of scientific literacy and a lack of understanding of how science works. We discuss how some are working to change that and their suggestions on how to deal with scientific mis- and disinformation.

The $2.5 billion school bond on next month’s ballot is the largest such bond referendum in state history. Those in favor point to the need for what this money will fund, those opposed point to rising taxes as a result. We take a closer look and hear from people on both sides of this issue.

We discuss the historic ouster of Kevin McCarthy as U.S. House speaker, the role of the North Carolina congressional delegation in that ouster, and what comes next.

Mike Collins talks with members of the Carter Center and Catawba College's Dr. Michael Bitzer about a new initiative to bolster confidence in our elections.

In an historic move, the House ousts Kevin McCarthy as its speaker and North Carolina’s Patrick McHenry takes over temporarily. We talk about our delegation’s role in all this. A disagreement between CMPD and City Council over public drinking and defecation. And the city works on a response to area mayors who want a bigger role in running CATS. These stories and more.

On the next Charlotte Talks, how our system of government is set up to address attacks from within and what that may mean for our future.

We talk about one of the less attractive aspects of the workplace: meetings — and how to make them more useful and effective.

Joe Posnanski has set out to chronicle special moments in baseball history. His book, “Why We Love Baseball,” details instances such as Babe Ruth's called shot and the Japanese pitcher who went to extreme lengths to achieve a strikeout record. Posnanski joins guest host Erik Spanberg to discuss those moments and more.

A look at the rise of labor and the concurrent rise in public support for labor unions. We look at why these are both happening at the same time and what it means for workers.

Pressures increase to change how the Charlotte Area Transit System is managed. Another discussion at Charlotte City Council about public urination and defecation in uptown. And a local civil rights leader dies. Those stories and more.

Mike Collins and our panel of guests discuss the details of the North Carolina budget that passed last week — and why it has some controversy attached to it.

The CIAF brings creative minds and talents from our area and all over the world together for an explosion of visual and performing arts, food and more. It’s already underway and the offerings are bigger than ever. We hear from some of the artists and organizers.

The movie "Barbie" was the hit of the summer but before that film hit the screens there was "Black Barbie: A Documentary." We hear that story from the filmmaker herself.

On the local news roundup…a compromise in Raleigh on the budget. CMS bans another book. And Charlotte airport workers march for better wages, better benefits and better working conditions. Mike Collins and local journalists will have those stories and more.

Saturday marks the beginning of autumn and, believe it or not, it's a good time to begin thinking about your garden. Now is the time of year to prepare the soil and even some of your plants for next spring. It’s also a good time to grow certain vegetables and ornamental plants.

Anderson Clayton is working to raise the profile of Democrats in North Carolina. She is determined to put a Democrat on the ballot in every state House and Senate race. We talk with Clayton about those plans and the state of our democracy.

Mike Collins and our panel of guests discuss the impact on student loan debtors and on the economy in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling against the Biden administration’s plan to cancel that debt.

They may only grow to be roughly the size of an apple seed, but ticks can cause big problems. As the planet continues to warm, experts are looking at the impact rising temperatures are having on the tick population.

Incredibly low voter turnout in municipal primary elections virtually ensure another term for Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. Mark Harris who was at the center of an election scandal in 2018, runs again. Mike Collins and local journalists go through those stories and more.

On the next Charlotte Talks, members of the production team of the new Hulu series, "Sam: A Saxon," share his true story as they visit Davidson College.

Mike Collins hosts our final summer conversation with mayors of towns surrounding Charlotte. We hear from the mayors of Fort Mill and Rock Hill.

On the next Charlotte Talks, the do's and don’ts of recycling and composting.

On the local news roundup, school performance and test scores are out around North Carolina. How’d we do in Mecklenburg County? Less experienced operators appear to be a factor in many of Charlotte Area Transit Systems' recent derailments. And the Panthers play Atlanta to start the NFL season. Guest host David Boraks and guests cover that and more.

On the local news roundup, school performance and test scores are out around North Carolina. How’d we do in Mecklenburg County? Less experienced operators appear to be a factor in many of Charlotte Area Transit Systems' recent derailments. And the Panthers play Atlanta to start the NFL season. Guest host David Boraks and guests cover that and more.

Poverty in America is rampant. Nearly 12% of the country lives in poverty in the wealthiest nation in the world. Mike Collins and his guest look at why and hear some solutions.

Joe Posnanski has set out to chronicle special moments in baseball history. His book, “Why We Love Baseball,” details instances such as Babe Ruth's called shot and the Japanese pitcher who went to extreme lengths to achieve a strikeout record. Posnanski joins guest host Erik Spanberg to discuss those moments and more.

We revisit our conversation with the late Steve Crump from this June, when we talked about his latest documentary, "Andrew Young: Datelines of Protest."

For a year, WFAE has been investigating North Carolina’s mental health system with a focus on the incarcerated. In our series "Fractured," we discovered half of the state’s inmates deemed incapable to proceed to trial due to a mental illness wait more than 300 days for a state psychiatric hospital bed. This was the topic of a special event that included local and state officials as well as our own reporting.

A faculty member is fatally shot at UNC-Chapel Hill. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper says he has a plan to fix bus driver shortages and Charlotte City Council makes a surprising decision about Eastland Yards. We remember Charlotte media icon Steve Crump, who died this week. Those stories and more.

On the next Charlotte Talks, an analysis of the success of the 15-year-old Renaissance West Community Initiative, which was created by Charlotte’s civic leaders and neighborhood activists with the vision of revitalizing a west Charlotte neighborhood through an education village approach.

Mike Collins and our panel of guests discuss the rising number of fentanyl overdose deaths here and across the nation.

Mike Collins and experts on North Carolina politics discuss how the General Assembly spent its summer, what they did — and didn’t do — and how it impacts you.

A look at the impact of a newly recognized party in North Carolina: the No Labels Party. How it might influence the presidential race in 2024.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools complies with the new Parents’ Bill of Rights. Fentanyl overdoses are on the rise in Charlotte. North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson speaks to the Charlotte Rotary. And the Carolina Panthers get ready for Detroit. Those stories and more.

Conservationists say our desire to beautify our surroundings has gotten off track. They’d like us to join a growing movement in gardening — rewilding, an effort to grow native plants, to ditch the well-manicured lawns and let nature do its thing. That approach creates an environment that they say is better for animals, birds and insects, like bees, and could help slow climate change.

Mike Collins' Charlotte Talks series of conversations with area mayors continues — this time with the mayors of Gastonia, Mount Holly and Belmont.

According to NASA, July was the hottest month on record. Jeff Goodell writes how all of this is part of a new normal in his book, "The Heat Will Kill You First." He joins Mike Collins to discuss the impact of this heat, and if there's anything that can still be done.

Everything you want to know about getting ready to go back to school. Teacher and bus driver shortages seem to be a problem everywhere and at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, magnet school parents face new bus feeder routes. Teachers are still waiting for pay raises even as they are charged with cracking down on cellphone use in the classroom, rising COVID-19 numbers and an ongoing battle with absenteeism. We get the lowdown on all that and more.

Former North Carolina Rep. Mark Meadows is among those indicted in Georgia for racketeering. The No Labels party finds its way to state ballots. The North Carolina legislature overrides several key gubernatorial vetoes. And in a rare move, Mayor Vi Lyles endorses a candidate for Charlotte City Council. Those stories and more.

Mecklenburg County is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases that could last into the fall. Unlike the original outbreak, cases appear to be less severe because more people are vaccinated but there is still cause for concern. We hear what health professionals are recommending, and also discuss RSV and the flu.

With the NBA season around the corner, we look at what impact the Hornets' sale may have on the team and more.

The two presidential frontrunners for 2024 are getting up in years as are many members of Congress. Mike Collins speaks with reporters from Insider's "Red, White, and Gray" series to look at what impact this may be having on how we’re governed.

Our attention spans are shot. That’s because we have so many things competing for our attention. It’s become increasingly difficult to maintain focus, to stay on task, but we'll get some suggestions on how to fix it.

COVID-19 numbers are on the rise. A Charlotte City Council committee recommends an esports, concert venue and soccer fields proposal for the Eastland Yards site. And Queen Bey takes on the Queen City. Those stories and more.

Hollywood actors and writers are on strike and the impact is being felt in communities nationwide. Many films and TV shows are shot in the Carolinas and with production shut down, off-camera workers and businesses servicing the industry are suffering. Plus, this strike is drawing focus to the growing wealth gap and might be the tip of a renewed movement toward unionization.