Plummeting temperatures this week have area shelters scrambling to provide safety and relief for the region’s unhoused populations and their pets. We look at the tradition of postcard writing, the fanciful photography and art, and the role they had in promoting tourism in our region. Gatorland's gator expert explains how the reptiles handle the cold temperatures we’re experiencing in Central Florida.

Former Florida Representative Dick Batchelor shares his memories working with President Jimmy Carter. Positive trends in traffic safety in Central Florida. A democratic state operative discusses recent defections from the party after two state lawmakers announced they're switching their affiliation to Republican. Sitting down with a stranger to talk politics in Orlando.

Sometimes breaking the ice is the hardest part, but as we’ve discovered this year, simply putting people face-to-face can be the best way to instigate dialogue. Story Corps’ ONE SMALL STEP program facilitates these discussions, and Central Florida Public Media has been instrumental in bringing these conversations to the region.

A Central Florida DACA recipient discusses the impact of policies targeting Dreamers. Central Florida Public Media Health Reporter Joe Mario Pederson shares a story about advancements in prosthetic development and 3-D printing. Snap! Orlando founder Patrick Kahn announced he is closing the prominent photography gallery and discusses attracting global artists to Central Florida.

A new program created for Central Floridians in underserved communities to embark on health care careers and a path to a better life. Central Florida Public Media Education Reporter Danielle Prieur drops in for a year-end wrap up of her coverage in 2024. A new Mills 50 natural wine bar facilitates community connections as a "third place" for socialization.

A member of Central Florida’s Syrian community discusses the joy surrounding the country’s liberation and the trepidation regarding an unknown future. A conversation with Brooke Barnett, the next President of Rollins College. Central Florida Public Media Environment Reporter Molly Duerig drops in for a year-end retrospective of her coverage. We’ll journey back to Victorian England as a local troupe puts a 19th Century spin on Christmas.

The Florida Department of Corrections put a policy into place earlier this year that has impacts on the state’s incarcerated transgender population. The impact of the incoming administration on the future of NASA’s programs and missions happening on our Space Coast. Lillian Hernández Caraballo provides a year-end wrap-up on her coverage of the region’s unhoused population. As Christmas draws nigh, we’ll look at the folklore that has brought us Santa, Belsnickel and Krampus.

We learn how a devastating injury brought 17-year-old Hala from war-torn Gaza to Orlando for treatment. A Bloomberg News investigation reveals some questionable practices in Florida’s homeowner’s insurance industry. Central Florida Public Media is taking the idea of connecting with people in our community a step further with our Building Briges Together event. Orlando designer Lindsay Matteoni always dreamed of decorating the White House for Christmas, and this year the letter arrived saying her dreams were coming true.

As the region is plunged into near-freezing temperatures, area shelters are looking to provide warmth and comfort. Following a deadly road rage incident in Orlando, we’ll talk about the increase in anger on the road. We’ve all been sitting at a red light with no traffic around wondering why it won’t turn green. The Florida Policy Project’s chief discusses why that is and reforming the state’s traffic management. A Central Florida delegation travels to Spain to open more economic doors.

ENGAGE presents our favorite discussions from today and yesterday in this retrospective Thanksgiving edition.