UnSpun

The court cases shaping policy — from Washington to North Carolina. Recent rulings on voting rights, redistricting, education and abortion access aren’t just legal decisions — they’re determining who holds power. Bill Graham has decades of experience working at the intersection of law, public policy, and government.

The line between business and government is getting harder to see… and the decisions made in one are driving the other, from prices at the checkout line to decisions about hiring, investment, and growth. And those decisions don’t stay in the boardroom — they impact prices, jobs, and the broader direction of the economy. Chris William is the host of Carolina Business Review and a longtime observer of business and economic trends across the Carolinas.

For decades, Ed McMahan has played a role in shaping both policy and growth in this region. from helping lay the foundation for Charlotte’s light rail system… to supporting major economic development projects that helped elevate Charlotte’s national profile… like Johnson & Wales. So what does he see when he looks at Charlotte today — and where does he think we are headed next? We continue our “Pioneers in Politics and Business” series with a former member of the North Carolina General Assembly and a longtime leader at Little & Associates.

TURNING PLANS INTO REALITY IS FAR MORE COMPLICATED THAN YOU MIGHT THINK. COSTS HAVE RISEN, PRIORITIES HAVE SHIFTED, AND QUESTIONS REMAIN ABOUT HOW TO BUILD A SYSTEM THAT ACTUALLY WORKS FOR A GROWING REGION.

TARGETING FRAUD… FROM INSURANCE SCAMS TO RISING COSTS, WE LOOK AT WHAT’S BEING DONE TO PROTECT NORTH CAROLINIANS. PLUS — THE FIGHT OVER RATE HIKES AND A PUSH FOR FAIRER DRUG PRICES. WE SIT DOWN WITH NORTH CAROLINA’S INSURANCE COMMISSIONER …

WE TAKE ON AN ISSUE THAT EVERYONE SEEMS TO HAVE AN OPINION ON — TOLL LANES. SUPPORTERS SAY THEY’RE THE FASTEST WAY TO FUND NEW ROADS AND RELIEVE TRAFFIC. CRITICS SAY “PAY-TO-DRIVE” LANES AREN’T WHAT THE REGION NEEDS. WHAT’S IT ALL MEAN FOR YOUR DRIVE ON I-77 AND THE COMMUNITIES AROUND IT?. JOIN ME FOR THAT CONVERSATION

NOW THAT THE DUST HAS SETTLED FROM THE 2026 PRIMARY ELECTIONS… ALL EYES ARE ON NOVEMBER. WE’LL LOOK AT HOW SOME PRIMARY SUPRISES WILL IMPACT THE BALLOT, AND WHERE TO WATCH THE MONEY FLOW. PLUS WILL A TRUMP ENDORSEMENT HELP OR HURT? THE POLITICAL STAKES JUST GOT HIGHER.

IN THIS TIME OF GLOBAL INSTABILITY, CYBER THREATS, AND GROWING PRESSURE AT OUR BORDERS, WE’RE UNPACKING WHETHER THE SYSTEM BUILT TO PROTECT THE COUNTRY IS WORKING THE WAY IT SHOULD. WE’LL TALK ABOUT WHATS GOING ON WITH HOMELAND SECURITY WITH ONE OF THE MOST EXPERIENCED VOICES IN THE COUNTRY ON NATIONAL SECURITY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT.

A POWER STRUGGLE AT THE HEART OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY: SHOULD ELECTIONS BE RUN BY THE STATES… OR BY WASHINGTON? CALLS FROM PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP TO “NATIONALIZE” ELECTIONS HAVE REIGNITED A LONG-SIMMERING DEBATE ABOUT FEDERAL POWER, STATE AUTHORITY, AND WHERE THE CONSTITUTION DRAWS THE LINE.

On this episode of UnSpun — we’re talking about a problem that could define the next decade of American government: the federal budget deficits, the national debt, and what it means for our economy. A leading voice in the national conversation on fiscal responsibility joins the discussion.

For years, voters have voiced frustration with both major parties. Unspun asks if there is room for a real third party in American politics, or are we locked into a two-party system? As more Americans, especially independents and younger voters, say the system feels broken, we examine whether a new political movement can break through long-standing barriers. Publisher of Business North Carolina Ben Kinney joins Pat McCrory for One on One

Unspun tackles a highly contentious issue in American politics: immigration enforcement and public safety. Recent federal operations in North Carolina and Minneapolis have drawn intense scrutiny, especially after fatal shootings by immigration agents. The incidents raise pressing questions about how enforcement should be conducted and its impact on community trust and safety. The Editor of the Charlotte Ledger, Tony Mecia, joins Pat McCrory for One on One

Unspun talks about the NC race that could help decide which party controls the US Senate: the 2026 Senate showdown between former Governor Roy Cooper and Republican Michael Whatley. We’ll look at what’s really at stake, who’s playing offense, who’s playing defense, and what this race tells us about 2026 and beyond. Plus, we count down the top five divisions inside the Democratic party right now.

Over the past several months, Charlotte has found itself in the national spotlight; not for banking or growth, but for crime. Different neighborhoods, different circumstances; but collectively, high-profile cases quickly became political talking points. The real question: is Charlotte experiencing a crime crisis or a perception crisis?

Where does North Carolina have the greatest opportunity to grow, compete, and better serve its people? Tonight, we ask U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, whose experience at both the state and federal levels gives him a unique perspective on legislative priorities. Plus, we break down the top five divisions within the Republican Party and explore the challenges of being an independent thinker in politics.

UnSpun cuts through the politics and gets to the price tag. Right now, North Carolina is the only state in the country without a passed budget. No balance sheet. No clear roadmap. And a lot of decisions are being made on autopilot. Unspun asks the question that too few people are talking about: what really happens when a state runs without a budget, and who pays the price for the delay?

Examine how politics and private-sector leadership shape Charlotte with Johnny Harris.