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© Curtis Media Group 2022
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A weekly public affairs program featuring stories that affect our day-to-day lives - from the local economy to crime to social programs to taxes and education.
548 Episodes
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Brenda Berg, President and CEO of BEST NC, talks about the state of education in North Carolina and the policies shaping the future of students across the state. Berg discusses workforce readiness, teacher recruitment and the challenges and opportunities facing North Carolina’s schools.
Patrick Woodie, president of the NC Rural Center, joins Don Curtis to discuss new initiatives aimed at strengthening rural communities and supporting small towns across North Carolina. Woodie explains how partnerships with local leaders, businesses and churches are helping expand economic opportunity, leadership development and long-term investment in rural areas.
Donna King, editor-in-chief of Carolina Journal and executive vice president of the John Locke Foundation, joins Carolina Newsmakers to break down a new poll of likely GOP voters, reaction to President Trump’s State of the Union and what the U.S. Supreme Court’s tariff ruling could mean for North Carolina’s economy. They also examine the UNC tuition hike, the high-stakes Berger-Page primary and whether national media attention on a Rockingham County Senate race reflects real national impact or just political hype.
Dr. David McLennan, Professor of Political Science at Meredith College and Executive Director of the Meredith Poll, joins Carolina Newsmakers to discuss the political landscape in North Carolina and react to the U.S. Supreme Court decision limiting former President Donald Trump’s tariff authority. He breaks down what the ruling could mean politically and economically while offering insight into shifting voter attitudes, the issues shaping upcoming elections and what to watch as North Carolina continues to play a pivotal role in national politics.
Former state Supreme Court justice Robert Orr joins Don Curtis to discuss whether a federal government shutdown is a real possibility, what’s driving the latest budget standoff in Washington and what it could mean for North Carolina. Orr also breaks down the legal and political dynamics shaping funding fights, executive authority and the broader constitutional stakes.
Pollster Tom Jensen breaks down where North Carolina voters stand heading into the 2026 elections, including views on immigration, the economy, public safety and election rules. He also looks at key races, shifting demographics and whether North Carolina is still a true swing state.
Former Governor Pat McCrory joins Don Curtis on Carolina Newsmakers to discuss national security, election reform, FEMA, the balance of power in North Carolina politics and how leaders should respond to severe weather and federal gridlock. Drawing on his experience as governor, Charlotte mayor and Homeland Security Advisory Council member, McCrory offers candid views on where state and federal leadership are succeeding — and falling short.
North Carolina State Board of Elections Executive Director Sam Hayes discusses how the state is preparing for upcoming elections and ensuring confidence in the voting process. The conversation covers election administration, security, voter registration and the challenges of running fair and efficient elections across all 100 counties.
North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley discusses the state’s economic outlook, business recruitment priorities and how North Carolina competes across the Southeast. The conversation also explores workforce development, rural investment, infrastructure needs, housing challenges and what success looks like at the Department of Commerce.
David Crabtree joins Don Curtis to examine the uncertain moment facing public broadcasting. Crabtree explains why the Corporation for Public Broadcasting board recently voted to dissolve and what that decision could mean for public broadcasting nationwide and for PBS North Carolina in particular.
North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey joins Don Curtis for a wide-ranging conversation on the issues shaping the state’s insurance landscape. Causey discusses his recent letter to President Trump urging him not to pardon Greg Lindberg and explains the concerns behind that request. He also breaks down the stability of North Carolina’s insurance market, disaster preparedness and response, efforts to combat insurance fraud and protections for senior citizens.
Carolina Newsmakers presents a special tribute to former North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt, reflecting on his life, leadership and lasting impact on the state. The program includes conversations with former Governor Pat McCrory, long-time aide and communications director Gary Pearce, veteran political strategist Carter Wrenn and former Wilson Times editor Alex Keown. Together, they share personal stories and insights into Governor Hunt’s legacy in North Carolina politics, education and public service.
Commissioner of Labor Luke Farley joins Don Curtis to discuss North Carolina's latest ranking in workplace safety as well as the steps his department is taking to reduce workplace accidents and protect employees.
Dr. Mike Walden, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and Extension Economist at North Carolina State University, joins Don Curtis to discuss the impact of tariffs on the NC economy as well as the latest interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve. Walden also predicts record job growth in North Carolina for 2026.
Travis Fain from CTF Communications breaks down North Carolina’s top stories—from health care costs and traffic safety to political races, innovation and the state of journalism—in this week’s Carolina Newsmakers.
Andy Ellen, President and General Counsel of the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association, discusses the retail and economic outlook for 2025, key legislative issues, technology’s role in shaping consumer habits and what’s ahead for the state’s retailers in 2026.
Former North Carolina Insurance Commissioner and DMV leader Wayne Goodwin joins Carolina Newsmakers to discuss DMV reform, insurance challenges, election changes and the importance of civility and public service,
Thomas Stith, CEO of The Michael Thomas Group & Fellow at UNC Kenan Institute, joins Don Curtis to talk about leadership, entrepreneurship, education and the values that have guided his life and service to North Carolina.
Allen Thomas, President & CEO of the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association, discusses how the hospitality industry fuels economic growth, tackles workforce challenges and shapes North Carolina’s future as a premier destination.
Tom Jensen, Director of Public Policy Polling, joins Don Curtis to break down North Carolina’s 2025 elections, redistricting battles, the U.S. Senate race, the federal shutdown debate and how tariffs are shaping voter attitudes.
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