The NC General Assembly short session is underway. What can we expect?

The emergence of two cicada broods this year in parts of the U.S. — including ours — means that trillions of these bugs will be singing their mating song. And who can blame them, they’ve been underground for 13 years. So, let’s find out more about these insects, how they live and why they live such odd lives.

We sit down with the authors of "Witch Hunt: The Cold War, Joe McCarthy, and the Red Scare." Originally written for young adult and teen audiences, the authors shed light on the human stories behind historical events, ensuring that the lessons of the past are not forgotten in today's rapidly changing world. Guest host Erik Spanberg dives into McCarthy's infamous hunt for communists during the 1950s Red Scare.

Women are waiting longer and longer to start a family. Part of this is to be prepared for the cost of motherhood. Not just the financial cost, but the physical and mental toll, as well. Guest host Sarah Delia and our panel discuss what being a mom looks like today.

Charlotte’s city manager proposes a property tax increase in his latest budget. Protests over the war in Gaza continue at UNC Charlotte. And the fate of North Carolina’s voter ID law is in the hands of a judge. Mike Collins and local journalists detail those stories and more.

The story of Cheslie Kryst, former Miss USA, as told in the manuscript she left behind — which became the book, “By The Time You Read This." Her mother, April Simpkins, joins us to share her late daughter's story and her own.

It’s budget time — and with inflation, rising wages, and a desire to expand services, City Manager Marcus Jones says a tax hike is necessary. We'll go through the details with Jones and Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles.

Mike Collins and our panel of guests explore the future of adding toll lanes south of uptown on I-77 and the challenges that presents.

On the next Charlotte Talks, a conversation about what’s at stake as the federal trial that will determine the fate of our state’s voter ID law gets underway.

Four law enforcement officers were shot and killed in Charlotte’s deadliest day for law enforcement. Protesters are arrested at UNC-Chapel Hill. And the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools board plans to send a slightly less expensive budget to the county.

Mike Collins meets and hears the story behind Rockie Lynne Rash’s rise through the ranks of successful country music artists. The Statesville native joins Charlotte Talks.