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Jim Bakker built one of the biggest televangelism empires of the 1980s before PTL collapsed amid sex and financial scandals. Retired Charlotte Observer reporter Tim Funk reflects on Bakker’s rise, fall and legacy.
WATCH
CHARLOTTE TALKS WITH MIKE COLLINS
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North Carolina Department of Environmental QualityTwo years after Hurricane Helene devastated communities in western North Carolina, the state is still navigating the long process of recovery, while also preparing for the next disaster. We speak with N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson to discuss North Carolina’s environmental priorities and how it is preparing for the challenges ahead. -
A conversation with Seth Harp, author of "The Fort Bragg Cartel," about his book. It covers drug trafficking, murder, and a cover up involving members of the U.S. military.
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LOCAL NEWS
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It’s time for a fact-check of North Carolina politics. This week, we’re looking at recent Republican claims that Roy Cooper, while governor, was far from North Carolina when Hurricane Helene hit the state in September 2024. Cooper is the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in next month’s election. For more, Paul Specht of WRAL joined WFAE’s Marshall Terry. -
A new state audit found Ronda drained much of its reserves and used grant money intended for water projects to cover day-to-day expenses -
At the now-infamous Sept. 22 Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board meeting, as the board voted to fire Superintendent Crystal Hill, board member Cynthia Stone said she believed the board was “creating our own problems.” -
As November's midterm elections draw near, immigrant advocacy organizations in North Carolina will activate voter hotlines in multiple languages and deploy poll monitors to help voters and watch for unusual activity. -
Recently, Honda Aircraft Company announced that the first flight and delivery milestones for HondaJet Echelon would be delayed by a few years. -
The Trump administration is repealing federal protections that would expose about 144,000 acres of protected forests to logging and development in North Carolina. Tuesday is the last day for public comment. -
The new Asia section will span 12.5 acres and bring nearly 50 new species including Malayan tigers, white-cheeked gibbons and Komodo dragons. -
NATION & WORLD
Education
Get behind-the-scenes insight and analysis about what’s happening in local and statewide politics from political reporter Steve Harrison.
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