Advertise on podcast: Carolina Newsmakers

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.