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For the first time, North Carolina has more registered Republicans than Democrats. The meat continues to be in the middle with unaffiliated voters — the largest group of voters. We’re also witnessing more candidates change their party affiliation. How will all that, plus gerrymandered maps, impact the midterms in our state? We examine this changing landscape.

After a 137-year struggle, North Carolina’s Lumbee Tribe has received full federal recognition. It fulfills one of President Donald Trump’s campaign promises and opens new opportunities for the tribe. The Lumbee are now eligible to receive federal funding from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which could support education, health care and housing. We look at why the process took so long and what comes next.

On the next Charlotte Talks, Donald Trump appears to be sharpening his sword. Earlier this month, the United States conducted a large-scale strike against Venezuela, capturing their president. Trump has threatened Iran and Cuba, and he’s said he’ll take Greenland one way or another. Plus, he’s spoken of plans to send our military to an American city — Minneapolis. No matter what you think about this, North Carolina stands to profit, and so does Charlotte.

Behind in the vote totals, North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger files four election protests, CMS doesn’t plan to use makeup days for this year’s weather events so far, and Queens University prepares to take on Purdue in the NCAA Tournament.

Two years ago, Americans bet $120 billion on sports, a 27% increase from the previous year. That figure grew to $150 billion in 2024. Journalist Danny Funt investigates what's considered one of the most consequential — and least scrutinized — shifts in modern American sports in his new book, "Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling."

Under state law, public records requests are supposed to be completed quickly. Despite that mandate, agencies and governments across North Carolina often take months to respond, and even then, the records can be incomplete — limiting transparency. More on a new effort to shine a light on the problem.

Former U.S. surgeon general and founder of The Together Project, Dr. Vivek Murthy, joins Charlotte Talks for a conversation on connection, belonging and how we care for one another in this moment. We'll be exploring the national crisis of loneliness and how communities across the country, and here in Charlotte, are responding.

We hear about a three-part investigation into hundreds of former law enforcement officers across North Carolina. The Carolina Public Press series examines misconduct allegations against these officers and how they were later rehired by other agencies — raising questions about public safety, potential liability for agencies that look the other way and the cost to taxpayers.

Phil Berger has conceded. The most powerful politician in North Carolina, after several recounts and election protests, has admitted defeat to his primary challenger, Sheriff Sam Page. Berger has dominated state politics for well over a decade, shaping both policy and power. Now, there’s a political power vacuum.

Phil Berger’s concession, I-77 toll lane acrimony, and comparatively short TSA lines at Charlotte Douglas. Plus, March Madness claims a big name: UNC-Chapel Hill coach Hubert Davis.

We look at what’s in the air right now and how it impacts us. We’ll break down how air quality is measured, what’s improved over time and what challenges remain. We’ll also examine the distinct forces behind the region's intense allergy season and what it means for daily life.

We take a look at the predatory practices some Charlotte tow truck drivers use to take advantage of those they tow. That includes both civilian and commercial truck drivers. Plus, we dive into what lawmakers are doing to stop it.

Star Trek’s William Shatner talks about his career, the Earth and space. Then, we get a preview of WFAE’s Carolinas Climate Summit.

Marie Curie is the most famous woman in the history of science. She coined the term “radioactivity” and traveled the world to share its secrets. Her story is told in a new book by acclaimed Pulitzer Prize finalist Dava Sobel, but, along the way, she tells the stories of other women who trained in Curie’s lab who would pursue their own scientific careers.

On this Charlotte Talks, the challenges faced by pediatricians in a world of vaccine resistance. The number of measles cases in South Carolina has risen to 950. It grows almost daily and is entirely preventable if children are given the MMR vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella. Pediatricians are advocating for those vaccines, but some parents are refusing. We look at this phenomenon, its impact on pediatricians, and what’s at stake.

During his campaign, President Trump denied any knowledge of Project 2025, a 900-page conservative blueprint of policy recommendations drafted by the Heritage Foundation. So far, it has served as the road map to his first year in office, reshaping how the government operates and how power is exercised by the executive branch. We look at the elements of Project 2025 that have been implemented and at what may be coming.

We explore what can be learned about character from seven former American presidents. Presidential historian Mark Updegrove profiles Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, the Bushes, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, illustrating the traits that made each suited to their time in the Oval Office.

Artificial intelligence is swiftly entering many aspects of ordinary people’s lives, from seeking advice on how to craft the perfect email or resume to editing photos. It’s also increasingly being used by young people turning to AI for mental health and guidance. It’s easy, costs nothing and there’s no fear of judgment — but is it healthy or dangerous? We take a look at the pros and cons.

The back-and-forth over I-77 toll lanes continues, street vending in NoDa is now illegal, Birkdale Village in Huntersville faces new restrictions after a disturbance involving hundreds of young people, and Charlotte FC is kicking off a new season.

With early voting underway and turnout reportedly higher than normal, we look at the role North Carolina is likely to play nationally. And we examine some of the twists and turns already injected into this year’s elections, such as the 240,000 voters who received a letter stating their registration lacked certain required information.