Advertise on podcast: Carolina Newsmakers

As early voting gets underway in North Carolina, State Board of Elections Executive Director Sam Hayes joins Don Curtis on Carolina Newsmakers to discuss election security, voter eligibility, and public confidence in the electoral process. Hayes addresses ten recent federal indictments alleging noncitizen voting in the 2024 election, the state's ongoing review of potentially ineligible voters, and efforts to protect the integrity of North Carolina's elections

This week on Carolina Newsmakers, Don Curtis talks with economist Dr. Mike Walden about the economic pressures facing families and businesses across the state. From inflation and the rising cost of living to housing affordability, job growth, and North Carolina's economic outlook, they examine what's driving today's financial uncertainty. They also discuss changes to the state's gas tax approved by lawmakers, the impact on drivers, and what North Carolinians can expect from the economy in the months ahead.

North Carolina is getting older, but is the state prepared for the challenges ahead? This week on Carolina Newsmakers, Don Curtis talks with Chris Brandenburg of AARP North Carolina about the growing pressures facing older adults and their families. From the rising cost of living and retirement security to Social Security, Medicare, and the challenges of caregiving, they explore what it takes to age comfortably in North Carolina.

North Carolina State Treasurer Brad Briner joins Don Curtis to discuss the proposed WakeMed–Atrium Health merger and whether changes to the deal addressed his earlier concerns. He also talks about the growing role of the Local Government Commission, upcoming State Health Plan open enrollment, the pension fund crossing $150 billion, new financial literacy “Cash Clubs,” and additional interest-free loans for communities still recovering from Hurricane Helene.

Cecilia Holden, President and CEO of myFutureNC, joins Don Curtis to discuss North Carolina’s progress toward its 2 million by 2030 educational attainment goal and the challenges still facing the state’s workforce pipeline. They also examine adult learners, employer-valued credentials, workforce alignment, and what North Carolina must do to prepare more people for the jobs of the future.

Political strategist Brad Crone joins Don Curtis to break down the latest developments in North Carolina politics and the issues shaping the 2026 election season. They discuss the political landscape, key races, voter concerns, campaign strategy, and what to watch as Election Day approaches.

North Carolina politics is shifting fast, and longtime political observer Travis Fain joins Don Curtis to break down the 2026 elections, the state’s changing political landscape and the issues driving voters this fall. Fain also shares his work on a new law enforcement trust initiative, efforts to improve teen driver safety and what he’s learned moving from covering public policy to helping shape it.

Dr. Monty Sullivan, the new leader of the North Carolina Community College System, joins Don Curtis to discuss his path into education and his priorities for the state’s 58 community colleges. Sullivan also examines workforce shortages, Propel NC, short-term credentials, affordability, faculty recruitment and how technology is changing education and the workplace.

Former North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory joins Don Curtis on Carolina Newsmakers to discuss Andrew Dunn’s new biography, The Change Agent, and reflect on his political career and legacy. McCrory also weighs in on the U.S. Senate race, Gov. Josh Stein, the direction of the Republican Party, election law, energy and data centers, Charlotte’s growth and Hurricane Helene recovery.

Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins Don Curtis to break down the latest Carolina Journal Poll, the 2026 political landscape, affordability and inflation, the state budget as well as energy and data centers.

Chris Cooper, the Robert Lee Madison Distinguished Professor of Political Science and director of the Haire Institute for Public Policy at Western Carolina University, joins Don Curtis to discuss Rep. Chuck Edwards (NC-11) ending his reelection campaign, the Senate committee contempt vote involving Dr. Anthony Fauci and the coming change in North Carolina Senate leadership. Cooper also looks at the broader political landscape and what it says about North Carolina heading into the 2026 election.

Public health advocate Peg O’Connell joins Don Curtis to discuss efforts to curb youth nicotine use, regulate emerging products such as nicotine pouches and strengthen North Carolina’s tobacco laws. She also examines Medicaid expansion, distracted driving, seat belt use and the challenges of building bipartisan support for public health initiatives.

BEST NC President and CEO Brenda Berg joins Don Curtis to discuss North Carolina’s new state budget and what it means for public education. She also examines teacher pay and retention, student achievement, workforce preparation and the future of education reform in the state.

Economist Dr. Mike Walden joins Don Curtis to examine North Carolina’s economic outlook and the latest developments affecting families, businesses and state government. The conversation covers the new state budget, inflation, interest rates, housing, job growth, tariffs, population growth and the expanding impact of artificial intelligence.

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey joins Don Curtis to discuss the major insurance issues facing consumers across the state. Topics include prior authorization delays in medical care, rising homeowners and auto insurance costs, hurricane and flood insurance preparedness, health insurance affordability, fraud trends, consumer scams, and what homeowners should review before renewing their policies.