Tested is a hard look at how North Carolina and its neighbors face the day's challenges. Hosted by journalists Dave DeWitt and Leoneda Inge.

In this rebroadcast from February 1, 2022, host Anisa Khalifa takes a look into who bans books, why, and what kind of impact it has on our communities.

In this rebroadcast from February 1, 2022, host Anisa Khalifa takes a look into who bans books, why, and what kind of impact it has on our communities.

This is a rebroadcast of an episode from February 1, 2022. Across the nation, we've seen a spike in book challenges and bans in both school and public libraries, mostly targeting books that center race and LGBT identity. At the end of 2021, Wake County had its own high-profile censorship controversy.

Who Bans Books and Why?

From news to arts and culture, <a href="https://www.wunc.org/podcast/the-broadside" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Broadside</a> dives into issues that might not be on a front page, but deserve a closer look. Along the way, host Anisa Khalifa explores the nuances of our home—and how what happens here ripples across the country.

Find The Broadside every Thursday wherever you listen to podcasts.

From news to arts and culture, The Broadside dives into issues that might not be on a front page, but deserve a closer look. Along the way, host Anisa Khalifa explores the nuances of our home—and how what happens here ripples across the country.
Find The Broadside every Thursday wherever you listen to podcasts.

Have you missed hearing stories from us about North Carolina and the South? We have too!

Introducing The Broadside: weekly news and stories from the South

During a Sunday morning in Wilson, NC, Chris Breslin was standing on a pitcher’s mound at his son’s little league game when he heard three sounds close by he’d never heard before. Then everybody on the field hit the ground.

During a Sunday morning in Wilson, NC, Chris Breslin was standing on a pitcher’s mound at his son’s little league game when he heard three sounds close by he’d never heard before. Then everybody on the field hit the ground.

In a split second

Teachers are leaving in large numbers in some North Carolina school districts. They say they’ve been working with low pay and high expectations for years. But when the pandemic put their routines on pause, they had time to think about their priorities. Host Liz Schlemmer heard stories from three teachers this summer.

Teachers are leaving in large numbers in some North Carolina school districts. They say they’ve been working with low pay and high expectations for years. But when the pandemic put their routines on pause, they had time to think about their priorities. Host Liz Schlemmer heard stories from three teachers this summer.

Teachers are leaving in large numbers in some North Carolina school districts. They say they’ve been working with low pay and high expectations for years. But when the pandemic put their routines on pause, they had time to think about their priorities.

Some NC Teachers Won't Be Back This Fall

This month marks 67 years since Emmett Till was brutally lynched for allegedly whistling at a white woman. Activists in North Carolina are joining the calls for authorities to serve a nearly 70-year-old arrest warrant against the woman who accused him.

This month marks 67 years since Emmett Till was brutally lynched for allegedly whistling at a white woman. Activists in North Carolina are joining the calls for authorities to serve a nearly 70-year-old arrest warrant against the woman who accused him.

Emmett Till and the Warrant

In this rebroadcast from January 18, 2022, Howard Dudley and Joe Neff, former investigative reporter for the <a href="https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/crime/article23802286.ece/BINARY/Caught%20in%20a%20Lie.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">News &amp; Observer</a>, recount Dudley’s wrongful conviction.

In this rebroadcast from January 18, 2022, Howard Dudley and Joe Neff, former investigative reporter for the News & Observer, recount Dudley’s wrongful conviction.

This is a rebroadcast of an episode from January 18, 2022. Howard Dudley spent nearly 24 years incarcerated for a crime he did not commit. Now his long journey toward justice has reached new heights

'Only Thing I Had To Fight With Was The Truth'

In May, an explosive report on sexual abuse perpetrated by clergy in the Southern Baptist Convention made national headlines. Now, survivors of abuse and their advocates are continuing to question what this means for one of the country’s largest Christian denominations. Host Anisa Khalifa talks with Jules Woodson, a survivor of clergy sexual abuse, and Kate Shellnut, senior news editor at Christianity Today magazine.

In May, an explosive report on sexual abuse perpetrated by clergy in the Southern Baptist Convention made national headlines. Now, survivors of abuse and their advocates are continuing to question what this means for one of the country’s largest Christian denominations. Host Anisa Khalifa talks with Jules Woodson, a survivor of clergy sexual abuse, and Kate Shellnut, senior news editor at Christianity Today magazine.

In May, an explosive report on sexual abuse perpetrated by clergy in the Southern Baptist Convention made national headlines. Now, survivors of abuse and their advocates are continuing to question what this means for one of the country’s largest Christian denominations.

After SBC sexual abuse reckoning, is there hope for real change?

In this rebroadcast from March 31, 2022, host Will Michaels speaks with Phoebe Zerwick, former reporter with the Winston-Salem Journal, about her new book chronicling Darryl Hunt's story of wrongful conviction, "Beyond Innocence."

In this rebroadcast from March 31, 2022, host Will Michaels speaks with Phoebe Zerwick, former reporter with the Winston-Salem Journal, about her new book chronicling Darryl Hunt's story of wrongful conviction, "Beyond Innocence."

Darryl Hunt spent nearly 20 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. The people who wrote about and read about his case in the papers were stunned at Hunt’s willingness to forgive the people in a system that had failed him so miserably. But while many had heard about his grace and humility, few knew that Hunt was quietly suffering.

Darryl Hunt's Burden

A notable number of North Carolina public school teachers are leaving. In Durham, one in five educators is departing, and other local districts are experiencing higher than usual turnover. On this episode of Tested, we’re featuring the Politics Podcast from WUNC, which recently spoke with several teachers about their reasons for leaving the classroom, while others explain why they have stayed.

A notable number of North Carolina public school teachers are leaving. In Durham, one in five educators is departing, and other local districts are experiencing higher than usual turnover. On this episode of Tested, we’re featuring the Politics Podcast from WUNC, which recently spoke with several teachers about their reasons for leaving the classroom, while others explain why they have stayed.

A notable number of North Carolina public school teachers are leaving. In Durham one in five educators is departing, and other local districts are experiencing higher than usual turnover. On this episode of The Politics Podcast several teachers discuss their reasons for leaving the classroom, while others explain why they have stayed.

WUNC Politics Podcast: The Morale of Public School Teachers

In this rebroadcast from February 15, 2022, host Leoneda Inge talks with Tara Roberts, explorer with National Geographic, about Roberts work diving and documenting the wreckage of slave ships. Special thanks to National Geographic for providing some of this episode’s audio.

In this rebroadcast from February 15, 2022, host Leoneda Inge talks with Tara Roberts, explorer with National Geographic, about Roberts work diving and documenting the wreckage of slave ships. Special thanks to National Geographic for providing some of this episode’s audio.

More than 150 years after the emancipation of slavery in America, a team of dedicated scuba divers is busy excavating and restoring wreckage from slave ships that sank across the Middle Passage.

Diving With a Purpose

On June 30, 2009, in Greenville, N.C., two men were shot and killed outside a nightclub. Murder charges against James Richardson relied heavily on a surveillance video. But evidence that has come to light since then casts doubt on his conviction. Host Will Michaels speaks with Pam Kelley, a freelance journalist who recently wrote about the case for The Assembly.

On June 30, 2009, in Greenville, N.C., two men were shot and killed outside a nightclub. Murder charges against James Richardson relied heavily on a surveillance video. But evidence that has come to light since then casts doubt on his conviction. Host Will Michaels speaks with Pam Kelley, a freelance journalist who recently wrote about the case for The Assembly.

On June 30, 2009, in Greenville, N.C., two men were shot and killed outside a nightclub. Murder charges against James Richardson relied heavily on a surveillance video. But evidence that has come to light since then casts doubt on his conviction.

James Richardson and 'The Shooter in the Video'

In this rebroadcast from February 10, 2022, host Jason deBruyn speaks with Louise Vincent with N.C. Survivors Union and Michelle Mathis with Olive Branch Ministries about how test strips and other harm reduction strategies could save lives.

In this rebroadcast from February 10, 2022, host Jason deBruyn speaks with Louise Vincent with N.C. Survivors Union and Michelle Mathis with Olive Branch Ministries about how test strips and other harm reduction strategies could save lives.

This is a rebroadcast from February 10, 2022. Extremely potent substances like fentanyl and xylazine have flooded the illegal drug market, causing a major increase in overdose ER visits and deaths. Harm reduction policies could help reverse that trend.

Reducing the Harm of Fentanyl

As Anita Rao’s home state becomes the nearest safe provider for millions of people, she's observing how abortion providers in North Carolina are preparing for the spike in demand. She reconnects with one of them, Dr. Rathika Nimalendran, who has been providing access to abortions in North Carolina for years, to talk about what action she's taking in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

As Anita Rao’s home state becomes the nearest safe provider for millions of people, she's observing how abortion providers in North Carolina are preparing for the spike in demand. She reconnects with one of them, Dr. Rathika Nimalendran, who has been providing access to abortions in North Carolina for years, to talk about what action she's taking in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Access to abortion care remains uncertain in several states, including North Carolina. In this special episode of Embodied, host Anita Rao speaks with an abortion provider about the steps she's taking.

Embodied: Accessing Abortion Care In A Southern State Where You Still Can

WUNC health and data reporter Jason deBruyn talks with Claire Donnelly, health reporter for WFAE, about abortion policy in North Carolina and what lies ahead in the wake of the Supreme Court's ruling. 
 
Part this episode contains audio from WRAL

WUNC health and data reporter Jason deBruyn talks with Claire Donnelly, health reporter for WFAE, about abortion policy in North Carolina and what lies ahead in the wake of the Supreme Court's ruling.
Part this episode contains audio from WRAL

The legality of abortion is now left up to the states, and in North Carolina, it’s future is uncertain.

What the end of Roe v. Wade means for North Carolina

In this rebroadcast from November 24, 2021, host Lindsay Foster Thomas showcases WUNC military reporter Jay Price’s recent story about the seminal court case Keys v Carolina Coach Co, and the work of middle school social studies teacher Rodney Pierce in amplifying Keys’ legacy.

In this rebroadcast from November 24, 2021, host Lindsay Foster Thomas showcases WUNC military reporter Jay Price’s recent story about the seminal court case Keys v Carolina Coach Co, and the work of middle school social studies teacher Rodney Pierce in amplifying Keys’ legacy.

This is a rebroadcast of an episode from November 24, 2021. Nearly seven decades after a Black Army private named Sarah Keys helped end discrimination on interstate buses, North Carolina is recognizing her nearly-forgotten civil rights case.

Give Sarah Keys Her Flowers Now

Leoneda Inge hears from Black farmers in the Triangle about their perseverance to bounce back during the pandemic and help the Black agricultural community.

Leoneda Inge hears from Black farmers in the Triangle about their perseverance to bounce back during the pandemic and help the Black agricultural community.

Before Biden’s “American Rescue Plan,” three friends in Durham County came up with their own plan to save the Black farmers they knew. Now they’re seeing their work pay off.

A fresh start for Black farmers

Host Celeste Gracia talks with fishermen, wind energy advocates and state regulators about the questions that remain in North Carolina's advancements toward offshore wind farms.

Host Celeste Gracia talks with fishermen, wind energy advocates and state regulators about the questions that remain in North Carolina's advancements toward offshore wind farms.

Recreational and commercial fishermen in North Carolina have a lot of questions about plans for offshore wind farms. But the technology is new to the United States, and there are not a lot of answers yet.

The Hows, Whens, and Ifs of Offshore Wind

Charlie Shelton-Ormond talks with Jay Price, WUNC military reporter, about the Marine Corps effort to protect the buildings at Montford Point and preserve the first Black Marines’ legacy.

Charlie Shelton-Ormond talks with Jay Price, WUNC military reporter, about the Marine Corps effort to protect the buildings at Montford Point and preserve the first Black Marines’ legacy.

In the 1940s, thousands of the first Black Marines trained at a segregated base called Montford Point. Now, a project is underway to make sure their legacy survives.

Time (or climate change) will not erase the Montford Point Marines 

Leoneda Inge reflects on her son's recent college graduation and speaks with Rebecca Stallworth Inge about being celebrated as the oldest graduate at Shaw University in the Class of 2022

Leoneda Inge reflects on her son's recent college graduation and speaks with Rebecca Stallworth Inge about being celebrated as the oldest graduate at Shaw University in the Class of 2022

Walking across a graduation stage and turning the tassel has not been easy for many Black students, who have traditionally taken longer to graduate than white students. So when you hear 'Pomp and Circumstance" play, it's time to celebrate.

The pomp and joy of a HBCU graduation

For folks who live on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, keeping up with storm patterns is a pretty common routine. But in recent years, keeping a watchful eye on the horizon has meant bracing for more severe damage to the coast.

For folks who live on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, keeping up with storm patterns is a pretty common routine. But in recent years, keeping a watchful eye on the horizon has meant bracing for more severe damage to the coast.

For folks who live on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, keeping up with storm…

‘I don’t want to be here when it falls in’: How people on the Outer Banks are wrestling with a vanishing coastline

This year’s primary elections in North Carolina were supposed to be in March. But a group of voters challenged the latest round of redistricting in court, arguing Republicans gave themselves an illegal partisan advantage. Now the new maps are in place, and the elections are set. They just need candidates.

This year’s primary elections in North Carolina were supposed to be in March. But a group of voters challenged the latest round of redistricting in court, arguing Republicans gave themselves an illegal partisan advantage. Now the new maps are in place, and the elections are set. They just need candidates.

This year’s primary elections in North Carolina were supposed to be in March.…

How Consequential Are The 2022 Primaries?

There's been a lot of talk about the political ramifications of the U.S. Supreme Court potentially overturning Roe v. Wade, but we wanted to explore what the decision would mean for women's health, particularly in North Carolina.

There's been a lot of talk about the political ramifications of the U.S. Supreme Court potentially overturning Roe v. Wade, but we wanted to explore what the decision would mean for women's health, particularly in North Carolina.

There's been a lot of talk about the political ramifications of the U.S.…

Health Care Without Abortion Care

In North Carolina, local social service departments are able to skirt hiring standards set by the state. In some cases, an unqualified director and lack of oversight have severely affected families' wellbeing.

In North Carolina, local social service departments are able to skirt hiring standards set by the state. In some cases, an unqualified director and lack of oversight have severely affected families' wellbeing.

In North Carolina, local social service departments are able to skirt hiring…

How social service agencies can get away with ‘dodging standards’

You may recognize some of the big names in gospel music like Kirk Franklin and Yolanda Adams, but these stars follow in the wake of the Queen of Gospel: Durham-native Pastor Shirley Caesar.

You may recognize some of the big names in gospel music like Kirk Franklin and Yolanda Adams, but these stars follow in the wake of the Queen of Gospel: Durham-native Pastor Shirley Caesar.

You may recognize some of the big names in gospel music like Kirk Franklin and…

‘They just give me the mic and point the way:’ Shirley Caesar remains the Queen of Gospel

Life is getting back to normal. But some doctors estimate that 30% of people who contracted the coronavirus will experience symptoms associated with "long-COVID." Some have had to drastically change their lives to deal with these symptoms, and doctors are still learning about how to treat these patients.

Life is getting back to normal. But some doctors estimate that 30% of people who contracted the coronavirus will experience symptoms associated with "long-COVID." Some have had to drastically change their lives to deal with these symptoms, and doctors are still learning about how to treat these patients.

Life is getting back to normal. But some doctors estimate that 30% of people…

Living with long-haul COVID-19

Teacher turnover. Burnout. Short-staffed schools. After two years in a pandemic, for many people, life is getting back to normal. But schools are not back to normal.

Teacher turnover. Burnout. Short-staffed schools. After two years in a pandemic, for many people, life is getting back to normal. But schools are not back to normal.

Teacher turnover. Burnout. Short-staffed schools. After two years in a…

Schools Are Not Back To Normal

Among aficionados and fans of bluegrass, it's generally accepted that this quintessentially American genre of music was born in Nashville, Tennessee and was introduced by Earl Scruggs. But it's Kentuckian Bill Monroe who is known as the "Father of Bluegrass," not Scruggs. And just before Monroe went to the Grand Ole Opry, in 1939, he was performing regularly for a live 15-minute show called Mountain Music Time on WWNC, in Asheville, North Carolina.

Among aficionados and fans of bluegrass, it's generally accepted that this quintessentially American genre of music was born in Nashville, Tennessee and was introduced by Earl Scruggs. But it's Kentuckian Bill Monroe who is known as the "Father of Bluegrass," not Scruggs. And just before Monroe went to the Grand Ole Opry, in 1939, he was performing regularly for a live 15-minute show called Mountain Music Time on WWNC, in Asheville, North Carolina.

Among aficionados and fans of bluegrass, it's generally accepted that this…

The birth of bluegrass

It was one year ago that sheriff’s deputies in Pasquotank County shot and killed Andrew Brown, Junior in Elizabeth City. Today, the small town in eastern North Carolina is at a crossroads. Elizabeth City and its surrounding community are on the brink of local elections that could determine which road they take.

It was one year ago that sheriff’s deputies in Pasquotank County shot and killed Andrew Brown, Junior in Elizabeth City. Today, the small town in eastern North Carolina is at a crossroads. Elizabeth City and its surrounding community are on the brink of local elections that could determine which road they take.

It was one year ago that sheriff’s deputies in Pasquotank County shot and…

Elizabeth City One Year After Andrew Brown's Death: Part 2

It was one year ago that sheriff’s deputies in Pasquotank County shot and killed Andrew Brown, Jr. The deputies were trying to serve arrest warrants on drug charges. They repeatedly fired into Brown’s car as he tried to steer it away from his home in Elizabeth City, N.C. Over the next two episodes of Tested, we'll take you down Highway 17 to where Elizabeth City stands one year later.

It was one year ago that sheriff’s deputies in Pasquotank County shot and killed Andrew Brown, Jr. The deputies were trying to serve arrest warrants on drug charges. They repeatedly fired into Brown’s car as he tried to steer it away from his home in Elizabeth City, N.C. Over the next two episodes of Tested, we'll take you down Highway 17 to where Elizabeth City stands one year later.

Elizabeth City One Year After Andrew Brown's Death: Part 1

Anyone who’s been to the Outer Banks knows that it’s windy out there. Like, really windy. That wind might be rough for beachgoers or kayakers, but it's great for producing electricity through offshore wind farms.

Anyone who’s been to the Outer Banks knows that it’s windy out there. Like, really windy. That wind might be rough for beachgoers or kayakers, but it's great for producing electricity through offshore wind farms.

Anyone who’s been to the Outer Banks knows that it’s windy out there. Like,…

How Does NC Fit In To Offshore Wind Development?

The Rohingya, a Muslim minority group native to Myanmar, have suffered decades of ethnic cleansing by the country's government. Five years after a deadly peak in violence, the United Stated has finally declared it genocide. But what will this mean for the Rohingya, often called the most persecuted group in the world?

The Rohingya, a Muslim minority group native to Myanmar, have suffered decades of ethnic cleansing by the country's government. Five years after a deadly peak in violence, the United Stated has finally declared it genocide. But what will this mean for the Rohingya, often called the most persecuted group in the world?

The Rohingya, a Muslim minority group native to Myanmar, have suffered decades…

Rohingya Muslims welcome the U.S. declaration of genocide, but violence continues

Darryl Hunt spent nearly 20 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. The people who wrote about and read about his case in the papers were stunned at Hunt’s willingness to forgive the people in a system that had failed him so miserably. But while many had heard about his grace and humility, few knew that Hunt was quietly suffering.

Darryl Hunt spent nearly 20 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. The…

Through a one-person play, North Carolina actor and playwright Mike Wiley has taken the story of Emmett Till across the world. Now, his play carries an even deeper resonance in the wake of the recent Emmett Till Antilynching Act.

Through a one-person play, North Carolina actor and playwright Mike Wiley has taken the story of Emmett Till across the world. Now, his play carries an even deeper resonance in the wake of the recent Emmett Till Antilynching Act.

Through a one-person play, North Carolina actor and playwright Mike Wiley has…

Dar He! The Artistic Advocacy of Mike Wiley

Education reporter Liz Schlemmer joins host Anisa Khalifa to discuss what happened when a Black cultural center at UNC-Chapel Hill canceled the exhibition of a Black artist. Cornell Watson, who created a photo series about Black life at UNC-CH for the Sonja Haynes Stone Center for Black Culture and History, describes the experience as censorship.

Education reporter Liz Schlemmer joins host Anisa Khalifa to discuss what happened when a Black cultural center at UNC-Chapel Hill canceled the exhibition of a Black artist. Cornell Watson, who created a photo series about Black life at UNC-CH for the Sonja Haynes Stone Center for Black Culture and History, describes the experience as censorship.

Education reporter Liz Schlemmer joins host Anisa Khalifa to discuss what…

Artist who hoped for "Tarred Healing" felt censored instead

Republican Congressman Madison Cawthorn has garnered a lot of attention for himself, mostly as a full-throated supporter of Donald Trump and a rabble rouser at hard-right political rallies. But a group of voters recently sought to prevent him from running again.

Republican Congressman Madison Cawthorn has garnered a lot of attention for himself, mostly as a full-throated supporter of Donald Trump and a rabble rouser at hard-right political rallies. But a group of voters recently sought to prevent him from running again.

Republican Congressman Madison Cawthorn has garnered a lot of attention for…

Testing the Candidacy of NC Congressman Madison Cawthorn

The Market House in Fayetteville has been a pillar of public discussion for generations. Today, the city continues to grapple with the presence and purpose of the historical landmark.

The Market House in Fayetteville has been a pillar of public discussion for generations. Today, the city continues to grapple with the presence and purpose of the historical landmark.

The Market House in Fayetteville has been a pillar of public discussion for…

Why Fayetteville’s Market House is a divisive symbol for the city

Depending on where you live, your community may have ended its mandate to wear a mask in public. But the pandemic isn't over and vulnerable people can still get sick or die. So what is our responsibility to the greater good?

Depending on where you live, your community may have ended its mandate to wear a mask in public. But the pandemic isn't over and vulnerable people can still get sick or die. So what is our responsibility to the greater good?

Depending on where you live, your community may have ended its mandate to wear…

The Ethics of Wearing a Mask

A century or so ago, in Winston-Salem, racial segregation was in full force. Black people in the city were not allowed to live in certain areas, eat in certain places, and the city's trolley system did not extend into Black neighborhoods. That last reality sparked a vital solution: Safe Bus – a Black-owned and operated transportation system. WFDD’s David Ford recounts the remarkable story of Safe Bus.

A century or so ago, in Winston-Salem, racial segregation was in full force. Black people in the city were not allowed to live in certain areas, eat in certain places, and the city's trolley system did not extend into Black neighborhoods. That last reality sparked a vital solution: Safe Bus – a Black-owned and operated transportation system. WFDD’s David Ford recounts the remarkable story of Safe Bus.

A century or so ago, in Winston-Salem, racial segregation was in full force.…

'We didn't have to ride in the back:' The story of Winston-Salem's Black-owned Safe Bus

Leoneda Inge reports on the new Black Carolinians Speak project from the African American Heritage Commission and the State Archives, which documents the pandemic stories of African Americans in North Carolina.

Leoneda Inge reports on the new Black Carolinians Speak project from the African American Heritage Commission and the State Archives, which documents the pandemic stories of African Americans in North Carolina.

Leoneda Inge reports on the new Black Carolinians Speak project from the…

Black Carolinians tell their pandemic stories

In 1992, Eva Clayton became the first Black woman from North Carolina elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Now, at 87 years old, Clayton is keeping her finger on the pulse of North Carolina politics.

In 1992, Eva Clayton became the first Black woman from North Carolina elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Now, at 87 years old, Clayton is keeping her finger on the pulse of North Carolina politics.

In 1992, Eva Clayton became the first Black woman from North Carolina elected…

Eva Clayton is still pushing for a better North Carolina

It’s been more than three years since Marcus Smith died at the hands of police officers in Greensboro. Now, his family is coming to the end of a long and arduous road after a settlement with the City of Greensboro.

It’s been more than three years since Marcus Smith died at the hands of police officers in Greensboro. Now, his family is coming to the end of a long and arduous road after a settlement with the City of Greensboro.

It’s been more than three years since Marcus Smith died at the hands of police…

Marcus Smith’s life mattered

More than 150 years after the emancipation of slavery in America, a team of dedicated scuba divers is busy excavating and restoring wreckage from slave ships that sank across the Middle Passage.

More than 150 years after the emancipation of slavery in America, a team of…

Diving With A Purpose

Extremely potent substances like fentanyl and xylazine have flooded the illegal drug market, causing a major increase in overdose ER visits and deaths. Harm reduction policies could help reverse that trend.

Extremely potent substances like fentanyl and xylazine have flooded the illegal drug market, causing a major increase in overdose ER visits and deaths. Harm reduction policies could help reverse that trend.

Extremely potent substances like fentanyl and xylazine have flooded the illegal…

Reducing the harm of fentanyl

In the South, sports betting is largely illegal, but since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a nationwide ban, more states are joining the pool. North Carolina could be next.

In the South, sports betting is largely illegal, but since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a nationwide ban, more states are joining the pool. North Carolina could be next.

In the South, sports betting is largely illegal, but since the U.S. Supreme…

Who's Going To Win The Super Bowl? Want To Bet?

The “Pharaoh of Fabulosity” was an unstoppable force of fashion. André Leon Talley’s influence branched across the globe during his illustrious career – one that began in his hometown of Durham, N.C.

The “Pharaoh of Fabulosity” was an unstoppable force of fashion. André Leon Talley’s influence branched across the globe during his illustrious career – one that began in his hometown of Durham, N.C.

The “Pharaoh of Fabulosity” was an unstoppable force of fashion. André Leon…

Big, Bad André Leon Talley

Across the nation, we've seen a spike in book challenges and bans in both school and public libraries in the last six months, mostly targeting books that center race and LGBT identity. At the end of 2021, Wake County had its own high-profile censorship controversy.

Across the nation, we've seen a spike in book challenges and bans in both school and public libraries in the last six months, mostly targeting books that center race and LGBT identity. At the end of 2021, Wake County had its own high-profile censorship controversy.

Across the nation, we've seen a spike in book challenges and bans in both…

Who bans books — and why?

At this point in the pandemic, health care workers across the country are arguably under more pressure than ever. Some are getting sick themselves or burning out and leaving. But there are signs that COVID trends could turn for the better soon.

At this point in the pandemic, health care workers across the country are arguably under more pressure than ever. Some are getting sick themselves or burning out and leaving. But there are signs that COVID trends could turn for the better soon.

At this point in the pandemic, health care workers across the country are…

How Health Care Workers Soldier On

As a major redistricting cases lands before the North Carolina supreme court, calls are growing louder for some justices to recuse themselves. Today on Tested, we are highlighting an episode of the WUNC Politics Podcast in which three former state judges talk about the issue of recusal - and the importance of judicial independence.

As a major redistricting cases lands before the North Carolina supreme court, calls are growing louder for some justices to recuse themselves. Today on Tested, we are highlighting an episode of the WUNC Politics Podcast in which three former state judges talk about the issue of recusal - and the importance of judicial independence.

As a major redistricting cases lands before the North Carolina supreme court,…

To Recuse Or Not To Recuse

Electric vehicles are getting more popular, but North Carolina is still well short of Gov. Roy Cooper's goal of having 1.25 million EVs on the road by 2030. What would it take to get there?

Electric vehicles are getting more popular, but North Carolina is still well short of Gov. Roy Cooper's goal of having 1.25 million EVs on the road by 2030. What would it take to get there?

Electric vehicles are getting more popular, but North Carolina is still well…

Electric vehicles are all the rage. Why aren't there more in North Carolina?

Howard Dudley spent nearly 24 years incarcerated for a crime he did not commit. Now his long journey toward justice has reached new heights

Howard Dudley spent nearly 24 years incarcerated for a crime he did not commit. Now his long journey toward justice has reached new heights

Howard Dudley spent nearly 24 years incarcerated for a crime he did not commit.…

‘Only thing I had to fight with was the truth’

Host Will Michaels gets an update on the Omicron surge from WUNC reporter Jason deBruyn, and then explores how the state is responding with Kody Kinsley, the new secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Host Will Michaels gets an update on the Omicron surge from WUNC reporter Jason deBruyn, and then explores how the state is responding with Kody Kinsley, the new secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Host Will Michaels gets an update on the Omicron surge from WUNC reporter Jason…

DHHS Secretary Kody Kinsley on Omicron, testing, and avoiding burnout

The last year continued to bring deep-seated issues of systemic racism and inequality to the surface. Oh, and there was also a pandemic. But despite its challenges, 2021 still had cause for celebration.

The last year continued to bring deep-seated issues of systemic racism and inequality to the surface. Oh, and there was also a pandemic. But despite its challenges, 2021 still had cause for celebration.