Carolina Newsmakers

Pollster Tom Jensen joins Don Curtis to discuss the political landscape in North Carolina, including why the state remains so closely divided, how the 2026 U.S. Senate race is shaping up and what voters are saying about the economy, affordability and the direction of the country. Jensen also breaks down the role of unaffiliated voters, redistricting, judicial races, legislative contests and the key signs to watch heading toward Election Day.

Former N.C. Supreme Court Justice Robert Orr joins Don Curtis to discuss the state of North Carolina’s courts, election law and public trust in government. Orr shares his perspective on redistricting, partisan judicial races, separation of powers and the role of the courts in resolving political disputes. The conversation also includes a look at a newly proposed constitutional amendment introduced in the N.C. General Assembly that would change how certain appointments are made, and what it could mean for the balance of power between the governor, legislature and voters.

Cory Biggs, Director of Policy and Advocacy for myFutureNC, joins Don Curtis to discuss North Carolina’s education-to-workforce pipeline and the effort to help more residents earn credentials and degrees that lead to strong careers. They also explore how myFutureNC is working with schools, colleges, employers and communities to remove barriers, expand opportunity and prepare more North Carolinians for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

Former North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory joins Carolina Newsmakers for a wide-ranging conversation about the changing balance of power in Raleigh, the future of the Republican Party and the legacy of Senate leader Phil Berger. McCrory reflects on Berger’s long tenure in the legislature, how his leadership reshaped state government and what his departure could mean for North Carolina politics. The discussion also covers the relationship between governors and legislative leaders, the state’s economic direction, education, public safety and the political forces shaping the 2026 election cycle.

Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins Carolina Newsmakers to discuss the latest Carolina Journal poll and what it reveals about North Carolina’s political landscape. Kokai breaks down voter attitudes, key issues shaping the state and what the numbers may suggest for upcoming elections. The conversation also covers the changing leadership landscape in Raleigh, the future of the General Assembly, education, taxes, economic growth and the political dynamics influencing decision-making across North Carolina.

AARP North Carolina State Director Mike Olender joins Don Curtis to discuss the issues affecting older adults and their families across the state. From financial security and health care to caregiving, livable communities and protecting consumers from fraud, Olender shares how AARP is working with volunteers, community partners and policymakers to help North Carolinians age with dignity, purpose and independence.

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey joins Don Curtis for Carolina Newsmakers to discuss the state of the insurance industry and the challenges facing consumers. Causey also weighs in on factors influencing rising premiums and storm-related risks to regulatory changes.

Economist Dr. Mike Walden joins Don Curtis on Carolina Newsmakers to break down today’s economic headlines and what they mean for North Carolinians. From inflation and interest rates to job growth, he offers clear insight into how national trends hit home.

This week on Carolina Newsmakers, host Don Curtis sits down with Gary Salamido, President and CEO of the NC Chamber, for a wide-ranging conversation about the state of North Carolina’s economy and what lies ahead. From workforce shortages and rapid population growth to energy policy, infrastructure and the state’s business climate, Salamido breaks down the biggest challenges and opportunities facing employers across the state.

This week on Carolina Newsmakers, host Don Curtis welcomes Brenda Hayden and Sofia Crisp with NC REALTORS for a timely conversation about North Carolina’s fast-moving housing market. From affordability challenges and inventory shortages to rising interest rates and population growth, they explore what’s driving the state’s real estate trends and what it means for buyers, sellers and communities.

Travis Fain of Fain Communications joins Don Curtis to break down the latest headlines shaping North Carolina and the nation. From Trump’s shifting leadership moves and foreign policy messaging to major state developments like the Leandro ruling, environmental debates over water quality and logging and the ongoing battle over the state budget, Fain offers insight into the issues driving politics in 2026.

State Treasurer Brad Briner joins Carolina Newsmakers to discuss the health of North Carolina’s pension plan, the rollout of the NC Investment Authority and the state’s credit rating. Briner also weighs in on the future of the State Health Plan, COLAs for retirees, financial literacy efforts and the tough financial decisions facing state and local governments.

Political strategist and Campaign Connections president Brad Crone joins Don Curtis to break down the high-stakes recount involving Senate leader Phil Berger and Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page, questions surrounding election oversight and what recent primary shakeups mean for the balance of power in North Carolina. Crone also looks ahead to 2026 General Election, examining redistricting impacts, national security headlines and the political trends that could reshape races across the state.

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.

Matt Calabria, Executive Director of GROW NC, joins Don Curtis to discuss the ongoing recovery in western NC following Hurricane Helene.

Mitch Kokai, Senior Political Analyst with John Locke Foundation, joins Don Curtis to break down bipartisan calls for Rep. Cecil Brockman to resign, a proposal to wipe medical debt for 2.5 million residents and the legislature’s return to redraw congressional maps. They also examine momentum for Lumbee federal recognition, a court ruling curbing the governor’s appointment powers and what potential U.S. Supreme Court moves on Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act could mean for representation.

In this episode of Carolina Newsmakers, former NC Supreme Court justice Bob Orr delves into pressing issues such as the implications of Iryna's Law on the death penalty, the ongoing federal shutdown and the evolving landscape of NIL in college athletics.

In this episode of Carolina Newsmakers, Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler highlights the upcoming North Carolina State Fair, emphasizing its importance in showcasing the state's agricultural heritage and supporting local farmers. He also discusses new attractions and improvements at the fair, alongside the ongoing challenges farmers face, including recovery from Hurricane Helene.

This week on Carolina Newsmakers, host Don Curtis talks with Mike Olender, state director of AARP North Carolina. They discuss the challenges facing older adults in North Carolina, from the rising cost of prescription drugs to housing and long-term care needs. Olender also shares insights on retirement security, fraud prevention and how communities across the state are working to become more age-friendly

This week on Carolina Newsmakers, host Don Curtis talks with Bob Phillips about the shifting landscape of democracy and governance in North Carolina and beyond. They explore the latest redistricting developments in other states and how court battles over fair representation could shape the national map. The conversation also turns to the political climate following the Charlie Kirk assassination and how leaders, citizens and nonpartisan groups can begin to restore trust and civility in public discourse.

Former NC Governor Pat McCrory joins Don Curtis to discuss the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and the latest political developments in North Carolina and across the nation. McCrory also offers his perspective on state leadership, national politics and the challenges facing voters ahead of 2026.

Travis Fain from CTF Communications joins Don Curtis to break down the latest news from Washington - from Trump’s plan to exempt podcasters and influencers from tip taxes to a new round of tariffs that could raise drug prices. They also look at rising North Carolina test scores, record enrollment at Fayetteville State University and what Gov. Stein’s NC STRONG initiative means for the state’s future.

State Treasurer Brad Briner joins Don Curtis to talk about recent changes to the state health plan, stability of the state pension fund and recovering $170 million in unspent taxpayer dollars. They also discuss how the Treasurer's office is partnering with OpenAI to modernize investments and fight fraud.

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey joins Don Curtis to discuss the latest issues facing consumers, including disaster recovery, fraud prevention and insurance market trends.

Donna King, Executive Vice President of the John Locke Foundation, breaks down fresh polling on the 2026 U.S. Senate race, shifting views on tariffs and the latest on DMV reforms,

Dr. Mike Walden, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and Extension Economist at North Carolina State University, joins Don Curtis to discuss the impact of new tariffs on the NC economy. In addition, Dr. Walden examines the recent controversy over whether politics are impacting the federal agency responsible for releasing unemployment data,

Brad Crone, President of Campaign Connections, joins Don Curtis to examine the latest updates from the 2026 U.S. Senate race now that former Governor Roy Cooper (D) and RNC chair Michael Whatley have launched their respective campaigns.

PBS North Carolina CEO David Crabtree discusses the challenges and opportunities facing public media - including recent federal funding cuts and the future of statewide broadcasting. He also shares insights on educational outreach, emergency communications and building public trust in an increasingly polarized media landscape.

Dr. David McLennan joins Don Curtis to discuss the political fallout from proposed cuts to Medicaid and public broadcasting. They also look ahead to North Carolina’s 2026 Senate race and the legal fight over FEMA grants.

NC Secretary of State Elaine Marshall joins Don Curtis to talk about the rise in new business creation and rural entrepreneurship. She also shares insights on counterfeit threats and new research shaping North Carolina’s economic future.

Mitch Kokai from the John Locke Foundation analyzes U.S. Senator Thom Tillis’ decision to not seek re-election along with what the so-called Big Beautiful Bill actually means for NC.