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.

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.

Early voting for the March primaries is underway. We discuss some key races to watch for, how certain races could shift power in North Carolina and what to keep in mind as you head to the polls.

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.

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.

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.

Charlotte Republicans push Mecklenburg Sheriff Garry McFadden to step down after testimony in Raleigh. Early in-person voting in the primary begins. Duke Energy made nearly $5 billion in profit last year. That, as they ask for rate increases. Plus, four players are suspended after a brawl during the Hornets-Pistons game, but Charlotte still enters the All-Star break red hot.

WFAE, in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, hosted a forum with the Democratic candidates for Mecklenburg County Commission at the WFAE Center for Civic and Community Engagement in uptown Charlotte.

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 rise in the number of data centers to power artificial intelligence is driving a surge in demand for electricity. Nuclear energy may be poised to fill the gap. Some see nuclear power as clean but, in the U.S., we haven’t built a new plant since the 1980s and the specter of accidents casts a dark shadow. So, with demand rising, is it time to take another look?